Local Guide ~ Yuka Niimoto, MICHIKUSA Guide ~ Original Japan Travel Guide by Hoshino Resorts' Local Staff

Local Guide

Yuka Niimoto

Active daughter

She loves Matsumoto so much that she considers it her second home. He is also active on his days off, and his ability to discover local attractions and the results he has achieved are the best in the team. He loves to find new "things" and "things", but his sense of style is quite unique!

Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsumoto: Hot spring ryokan located in Asama Onsen, a secluded area in the castle town of Matsumoto. The design is characterized by the harmony of the cutting-edge sensibility of modern architects and the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy bathing in one of the eight types of thirteen ways of bathing, or enjoy creative Japanese KAI Local Flavors paired with Shinshu wine. Direction to Matsumoto and Kamikochi makes this inn a good base for sightseeing.

Introduction page

Local Guide FAQ

What do you recommend (places, experiences, food) in the Matsumoto/Azumino area?: I'm sorry to say that I can't recommend the best place in Matsumoto. Matsumoto Castle. The symbol of Matsumoto is unavoidable. The black castle surrounded by a moat, the green mountains in the background, the white-colored Northern Alps, and the open blue sky. It is a perfect contrast. It is a magical feeling to think that the lord of the castle was looking at the same mountains. Matsumoto Castle, where you can feel history and nature, is definitely worth a visit.

Please sneak in some hole-in-the-wall places that you know because you live there.: Kobouzan burial mound. It is located about 20 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsumoto and overlooks the city of Matsumoto and the Northern Alps, so taking a nap here while gazing at the mountains is a blissful way to spend a holiday. In early spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a cherry blossom festival is held. Driving along the road, you will be surprised to see a mountain covered with cherry blossoms suddenly appear. This is a must-see spot for visitors to Matsumoto in the springtime, as you can enjoy the view of the snow-covered mountains of the Northern Alps through the cherry blossoms.

Where did you travel to last year and with whom?: Surrounded by mountains, Nagano Prefecture is of course my favorite place, but I also miss the waves and the sea breeze. Looking back on last year, I went to Hawaii and Atami with friends and to Enoshima and Kamakura on a solo trip to see the "sea. Since I am originally from a coastal area, I am driven by the desire to see the ocean regardless of the season. I feel refreshed by nature, both in the sea and in the mountains.

What do you do on your days off?: I go for a drive around the city of Matsumoto as if I were a tourist, or to see the flowers of the season in the prefecture. I love to go out first thing in the morning to gather food from Shinshu and cook it with Shinshu sake (I love both wine and sake) and enjoy it. I gained a lot of weight when I was addicted to sake...

Is there anything you always take with you on a trip?: Not only on trips, but "always" with my smartphone. Basically, I only carry a wallet and a smartphone. It depends on the destination, but I like to walk around with no prior information, not to look up tourist information! It is important to be able to take beautiful photos and have a map. I like to walk around a lot with minimal luggage and light weight.