Taishoya Ryokan is a hot spring inn founded in 1925 in Ureshino Onsen, Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, one of the longer-established properties in the town, serving a kaiseki dinner that draws on its own hot spring water for yu-dofu, a delicate simmered tofu dish, alongside an Ariake Sea seafood course and grilled Saga beef. The near-century of operating history shows in the kitchen's confidence with traditional multi-course composition, pairing the region's premium beef with tidal-flat seafood and the inn's signature onsen tofu in a single seasonal menu. Beverage service runs to Saga sake and shochu rather than a wine programme, standard for ryokan dining of this style. The dining room retains a historic character in keeping with the inn's 1925 founding — tatami seating, traditional woodwork, and a formal but warm atmosphere suited to a special-occasion ryokan stay. Dinner service begins at 18:00 and reservations are required, generally tied to overnight bookings. Among Ureshino's ryokan dining rooms, Taishoya stands out for the breadth of its menu, combining beef, seafood, and its distinctive hot-spring tofu rather than centering on a single specialty.
Signature dishes
- Yu-dofu (hot spring tofu)
- Ariake seafood kaiseki course
- Grilled Saga beef
Good to know
- Known for
- Kaiseki with Ariake Sea seafood, premium beef, and yu-dofu hot spring tofu
- Hours
- Dinner service from 18:00
- Reservations
- Required
Location
Ureshino Onsen, Ureshino, Saga (founded 1925)
33.1233, 129.9889 View on map
Highlights
- Yu-dofu made using the ryokan's own hot spring water, a signature since the inn's 1925 founding
- Kaiseki course combining Ariake seafood and grilled Saga beef
- Historic dining room reflecting nearly a century of continuous operation
Tips for visiting
- Reservations are required and generally tied to overnight ryokan bookings
- Dinner service begins at 18:00 — plan a hot spring soak beforehand
- Try the yu-dofu first, as it is made with the inn's own onsen water and is a signature dish
- The broad menu spanning beef, seafood, and tofu suits diners wanting variety in one course
Accessibility
Traditional tatami seating in a historic building; guests needing step-free access or chair seating should confirm arrangements when booking given the inn's age.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is Taishoya Ryokan?
It was founded in 1925, making it one of the longer-established ryokan in Ureshino Onsen.
What is yu-dofu?
It is a delicate simmered tofu dish prepared using the ryokan's own hot spring water.
Do I need to book dinner in advance?
Yes, dinner reservations are required and are generally tied to an overnight stay at the ryokan.