Ueda's Hidden Gem: Uematsuya Ryokan's Unforgettable Escape
Uematsuya Ryokan: My Ueda Hideaway – A Review That's Probably Too Honest (and Definitely Long)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical sterile, five-star review. This is my unfiltered take on Uematsuya Ryokan in Ueda, a place that promised an "unforgettable escape," and well… it certainly delivered. Unforgettable, alright. Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and The Really, Really Narrow Path
First off, let's be real. Uematsuya tries on the accessibility front. There's an elevator (praise be!), and some rooms are designated "wheelchair accessible," which is a huge plus. However… and there's always a "however," isn't there? The hallways? Well, let's just say if you're navigating with a wheelchair, you'll be intimately acquainted with the walls. Think "narrowest path to serenity" – if serenity involves a lot of tight squeezes. (Accessibility Verdict: 6/10 - Good intentions, but the physical reality… not always ideal.)
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: Honestly, I can't definitively say how accessible the restaurants are. I didn't use a wheelchair during my stay, but the main dining areas seemed to have limited clearance. More research needed, people! Don't just take my word for it.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi (Hallelujah!), But…
Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And Wi-Fi in public areas! That's a giant tick in the box. As a digital nomad, I nearly wept with joy upon seeing this. The Wi-Fi was generally solid… until, of course, it wasn’t. There were moments when the connection vanished, leaving me staring at the ceiling, muttering about the digital gods abandoning me. Fortunately, the Internet [LAN] option exists, but good luck figuring that out! You'll need patience, or google, or a friendly hotel staff member able to translate hieroglyphics (aka Japanese tech speak) for you. ** (Internet Verdict: 8/10 - mostly reliable, but occasional gremlins in the system.)**
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Feast for the Senses (and Maybe a Few Muscles)
Okay, here's where Uematsuya really shines. The spa/sauna situation? Divine. Absolutely divine. They have a pool with a view (stunning!), a sauna, and a steamroom all begging you to find your zen. I spent a solid hour (maybe two?) luxuriating in the sauna. The world melted away, replaced by a glorious wave of heat and the faint scent of pine. Pure bliss. There's also a fitness center, which I, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of lounging, strategically avoided. But hey, if you're into that, it's there! They even have foot baths! Which is a great idea, so that feet can get the full spa treatment! They had a massage service… which I have to admit I'm a bit sad I didn't try. I'm kicking myself now.
Body scrub and body wrap? Oh, they had those too! I was practically tempted. But I don't wanna over do it, you know? (Relaxation Scale: 9/10 - A genuine escape. The spa is the star.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to the Nines (and Then Some)
Look, I get it. We're living in… times. And Uematsuya takes its cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Absolutely. They've got staff trained in safety protocol, and they're clearly striving to keep things spotless. The rooms are sanitized between stays and they have a safe dining setup. Honestly, I felt safer there than I did in my own apartment. (Cleanliness and Safety Score: 10/10 - they're practically sterilizing the air.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with Some Quirks)
The restaurants at Uematsuya are, well, an experience. There's a buffet in the restaurant, Asian cuisine in the restaurant, a limited Western cuisine in the restaurant, and various options for cuisine… I'm not entirely sure what constitutes a vegetarian restaurant, but that's there as well.
The breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. A glorious spread of everything. But the food? Let's just say the presentation was far more polished than the actual flavor. I started off with a "hearty" breakfast of miso soup and rice, but, uh… it was a bit too much salt. I wish I had remembered to get breakfast in room! Room service [24-hour] definitely came in handy for a midnight snack, though navigating the menu was a challenge. Desserts in restaurant were delicious, though. Definitely a redeeming factor.
They have a bar! And a poolside bar! And a coffee shop… but I never knew how to access it. I'm sure there were some delicious options in there! But I was too lazy to go looking. The happy hour was good, though, I managed to miss out on that too. (Food & Drink Verdict: 7/10 - varied, potentially delicious, but sometimes a bit… hit-or-miss.)
Services and Conveniences: Doing Their Best (with Variable Results)
There's a concierge (helpful!), and a luggage storage (essential!). Daily housekeeping kept the room spick and span. Ironing service was available, and much welcome!
Business facilities? Yep, they've got those. Meeting/banquet facilities? Oh, yes. Xerox/fax in business center? You betcha. But the whole "business" vibe felt a bit out of place in this supposed sanctuary.
Cash withdrawal was easy. Currency exchange was available.
The doorman was friendly, the convenience store was, well, convenient. (Services & Conveniences Score: 8/10 - they try hard and mostly succeed.)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly (or Just Tolerant?)
Uematsuya advertises itself as family/child friendly. There are, apparently, kids facilities, and probably even a babysitting service. But it's a hotel, so, families are the norm. I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't comment on the specifics. But I saw a few families with kids and honestly, it seemed like they were enjoying themselves and didn't care about the "vibe." (Family Friendliness: Undecided - I need a family of my own to give an accurate score.)
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet. A great bonus!
- Air conditioning. Check.
- Alarm clock. Necessary since you get up early.
- Bathrobes. Comfy bonus!
- Bathtub. A nice touch!
- Blackout curtains. A must!
- Carpeting. Standard.
- Closet. Necessary.
- Coffee/tea maker. Welcome addition!
- Complimentary tea. Nice!
- Daily housekeeping. Needed!
- Desk. Not really used, if I'm honest.
- Extra long bed. Necessary!
- Free bottled water. Always a plus!
- Hair dryer. Standard.
- High floor. A view is always nice.
- In-room safe box. Always needed security.
- Interconnecting room(s) available. Meh.
- Internet access – LAN. Useful
- Internet access – wireless. Even more useful!
- Ironing facilities. A life saver!
- Laptop workspace. Never used.
- Linens. Needed.
- Mini bar. Always love a mini-bar.
- Mirror. Standard.
- Non-smoking. A must!
- On-demand movies. Not used.
- Private bathroom. Always needed.
- Reading light. Required for nighttime reading.
- Refrigerator. Standard.
- Safety/security feature. Always needed.
- Satellite/cable channels. Not used.
- Scale. Standard.
- Seating area. Always a nice touch.
- Separate shower/bathtub. Nice addition!
- Shower. Always needed.
- Slippers. Always needed.
- Smoke detector. A must!
- Socket near the bed. Required for the phone charging.
- Sofa. A nice addition!
- Soundproofing. Needed.
- Telephone. Always needed.
- Toiletries. Standard.
- Towels. Always needed.
- Umbrella.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Uematsuya Ryokan in Ueda, Japan, we're living it, kinda… from my comfy chair and a whole lotta caffeine. This is gonna be… a journey. My journey. I'm practically there already, picturing the futon, the tatami mats, and the inevitable existential dread that comes with being utterly and completely relaxed.
Uematsuya Ryokan: My Escape Plan (and probably yours, eventually)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (But in a Good Way, I Swear)
Morning (Before 6 AM): Wake up with a frantic, sleep-deprived thump in my chest, thanks to the anticipation. Start the packing process. This involves a lot of pacing, staring blankly at my suitcase, and wondering if I really need three pairs of hiking boots. (Answer: Probably not, but you never know when a spontaneous mountain climb might occur, right?) Oh, and pack the good tea. Always pack the good tea.
Early Morning (6 AM - 9 AM): The airport. The ritual chaos of check-in, security, and the delightful discovery that your travel toothbrush is, in fact, not in your carry-on. Cue frantic rummaging. Commence internal dialogue: “Did I remember to pack the adapters? Did I leave the hair straightener on? I will probably die of boredom on this flight.” And, of course, the mandatory airport coffee. It’s…fine.
Afternoon (Japan Time!): Finally! Land in Narita. Breathe. Find the train. Get lost, then delightfully found. Admire the incredibly polite and helpful Japanese people who, even when you’re butchering the language and waving your arms like a confused scarecrow, just…smile and help you. (Note to self: Learn more Japanese… or just rely on the kindness of strangers. Decisions, decisions.)
Late Afternoon/Evening: The shinkansen (bullet train!). Oh. My. God. The speed. The smoothness. The sheer efficiency. I think I briefly fell in love with a train. Watch the Japanese countryside blur by. Feel my shoulders unclench. We're getting closer…
Evening (Arrival at Uematsuya): Arrive in Ueda. Find the Ryokan. Get a slight internal panic attack at the beauty of it all. It's exactly as perfect as the pictures. (That never happens!) Check into the Uematsuya Ryokan. Bow. Smile. Fumble my broken Japanese. Fall in love with the lobby. This is it. Unpack (eventually). Feel the Zen slowly seep in, like a benevolent tide.
- The Bathing Ritual: The onsen (hot spring)! This is where the real magic happens. Take a deep breath. The nervousness. The awkward shuffle. Then… the warmth. The quiet. The feeling of being utterly and blissfully disconnected from the world. Seriously, I think I might stay in that bath forever. I wonder if they'd notice if I just…moved in? And…is it weird I want to befriend the soap?
- Anecdote: Last time I was in a public bath I was so nervous I think I looked like a startled squirrel. But as I soaked in the water, it was like all the tension just melted away, and I found myself just… existing. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- The Bathing Ritual: The onsen (hot spring)! This is where the real magic happens. Take a deep breath. The nervousness. The awkward shuffle. Then… the warmth. The quiet. The feeling of being utterly and blissfully disconnected from the world. Seriously, I think I might stay in that bath forever. I wonder if they'd notice if I just…moved in? And…is it weird I want to befriend the soap?
Night (Dinner & Bed): The Kaiseki dinner! (Multiple-course traditional Japanese dinner). Try everything. Even the things you think you won't like. (Surprise! You might like them!) Overeat slightly. Promise yourself you'll go to bed early. Fail. Stare out the window at the minimalist beauty of the garden. Fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, dreaming of cherry blossoms and onsen bubbles.
Day 2: Ueda Exploration & Ramen Glory
Morning: Wake up feeling… surprisingly refreshed! (What sorcery is this?!). Breakfast, which will probably involve fish. (I’m not a huge fish person, but when in Japan, you do as the Japanese do.) Explore the Ryokan a bit more. Take a thousand pictures. Wonder how I can smuggle the tatami mats home.
Mid-Morning: Venture out. Ueda Castle! Learn a tiny bit of history. Get a little lost. Take more pictures because everything is ridiculously photogenic. Notice the details: the way the sunlight hits an ancient stone wall; the perfect placement of every single bonsai tree. Pause to appreciate the quiet beauty. Maybe buy a souvenir or two, because…treat yourself.
Lunch: Ramen time! Find a hole-in-the-wall ramen shop. (I’m terrible at finding these. I will probably fail for hours). The goal is to find the perfect bowl of ramen. The broth, the noodles, the toppings…it's a culinary quest! Savor every slurp. Probably make a mess. It's all part of the experience.
- Ramen Obsession: Let's be honest, a good bowl of ramen is a life-altering event. I'm already picturing the rich, savory broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, the tender pork, the perfectly soft-boiled egg… I'm drooling just thinking about it. It's not just about the food, it's the ritual: the anticipation, the first fragrant whiff, the careful chopstick work, the blissful silence as you devour every last drop. Ramen is my love language.
- Anecdote: Once, in a tiny ramen shop in Kyoto, I ordered my bowl. The chef, a tiny, wizened old woman, looked at me, then at my order, then back at me. She knew. She knew I was a serious ramen enthusiast. The bowl she created was, without exaggeration, the best thing I've ever tasted. I nearly cried. (Okay, maybe I did cry a little.)
- Ramen Obsession: Let's be honest, a good bowl of ramen is a life-altering event. I'm already picturing the rich, savory broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, the tender pork, the perfectly soft-boiled egg… I'm drooling just thinking about it. It's not just about the food, it's the ritual: the anticipation, the first fragrant whiff, the careful chopstick work, the blissful silence as you devour every last drop. Ramen is my love language.
Afternoon: Back to the Ryokan for a blissful rest. Read a book. Stare out the window. Think. Feel. Do whatever the heck you want. That's the whole point, right?
Evening: Another onsen session. This time, maybe try to meditate. (Probably won't be able to, but the attempt counts.) Dinner, another Kaiseki delight. Reflect on the day. Wonder how soon is too soon to book the next trip back.
Day 3: Departure (Sobbing?) & The Aftermath
Morning: Sigh. Pack. Say a tearful goodbye to the futon. Consume one last ridiculously delicious Japanese breakfast. Buy a few more souvenirs to remember the trip.
Mid-Morning: Check out. Bow deeply. Promise to return. Start the journey back to the airport, already missing the tranquility and the perfect balance of everything.
Afternoon: On the plane. Reflect. Write in my journal. Start planning the next trip (probably to Uematsuya, obviously). Feel a profound sense of peace, even amidst the chaos of the airport.
Evening: Land back home. Struggle with jet lag. Miss the onsen. Re-enter the real world, feeling slightly transformed. Start planning my next escape.
The Aftermath: Spend the next few weeks/months/possibly years talking incessantly about the trip, showing off photos, and dreaming of onsen bubbles and perfect bowls of ramen. Begin a serious search for a decent Japanese restaurant in my town. (There aren’t any.) Consider moving to Japan. Realize I don’t speak Japanese. Sigh dramatically. Start saving for the next trip to Uematsuya. The cycle continues…
Uematsuya Ryokan: Before You Go (and After You Survive!) - FAQs
1. So, Uematsuya... Is This Place Actually *Hidden*? Because Let's Be Real, "Hidden Gem" Is Often Code for "Found Out By Instagram Influencers and Now Ruined."
2. The Food! (Because Let's Be Honest, That's 80% of the Reason We Go To Japan, Right?) What's The Deal with the Kaiseki Dinner and the Breakfast?
3. Speaking of Eating... The Bath. Are You Naked In Front of People? (Because Anxiety, anyone?)
4. What About the Room? Because I Sleep a lot. And I Need Nice Bedding.
5. The Staff! Are They Awkwardly Polite, or Actually Helpful? And, more importantly, Can They Speak English?
6. Okay, Okay, Sold. But What's *ACTUALLY* Special About This Place? Besides the Food, Baths, and Nice People? Gimme the *REAL* Deal.
7. Any Downsides? Be Honest! (Because I'm Not That Romantic.)
8. Final Verdict? Would You Go Back?
