Stop by between sightseeing! One-day hot springs and super public baths around Matsumoto
Nagano Prefecture is known as a “hot spring paradise” because it has the highest number of daytrip hot spring facilities in the country. The area around Matsumoto City is also known for its excellent water quality, and there are plenty of properties—such as rustic outdoor hot springs and traditional public bathhouses—that will make you want to take a short detour.We’ll introduce day-trip hot springs and super sentos around Matsumoto that are easy to visit, including Asama Onsen—Matsumoto’s “inner sanctum” with over 1,300 years of history—and the bathhouses of Azumino.
<DAY Trip Hot Springs & Super Sento Around Matsumoto>
1Tōtōan Biwa no Yu
Located in Asama Onsen, known as Matsumoto’s “inner sanctum,” this hot spring property boasts a history of over 400 years as the bathing quarters for successive lords of Matsumoto Castle.Surrounded by a stately, traditional Japanese-style building, an ancient pine tree in the courtyard said to have been planted by Lord Yasunaga Ishikawa of Matsumoto Castle, an old crape myrtle tree visible from the Outdoor hot spring, family heirlooms, and historical bathhouse ledgers, you can enjoy a bath while immersing yourself in history.
The water is colorless and transparent, a mild alkaline simple spring characterized by its smooth texture. In addition to the indoor baths with high ceilings that create a sense of openness and the Outdoor hot spring made of cypress (hinoki), there is also a separate Outdoor hot spring located on the site of the former Matsumoto Domain’s imperial bathhouse, which is available for use. The facility also thoughtfully provides a baby bed in the changing room.
The facility also features a relaxing Yuagari lounge, a café, and a Japanese restaurant, allowing you to spend your time in comfort.
Local Guide
supporter
The water isn’t too hot, and you’ll feel refreshed after your bath. It’s a day-trip hot spring where you can relax in the building’s soothing atmosphere.
- Yuyu-an Biwa no Yu
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3-26-1 Asama Hot Spring, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
Take a bus from Matsumoto Station, get off at the "Asama Hot Spring" bus stop, and walk 10 minutes
9:00 AM–9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Adults: 800 yen (junior high school students and older) / Children: 500 yen (ages 4–elementary school students)
0263-46-1977
Free parking for 30 cars
2Senki no Yu
Located almost in the center of Asama Hot Spring’s “Yunomachi-dori” street, this historic public bathhouse has been in operation since the Edo period and moved to its current location in 1950. The building with its tiled roof serves as a landmark, and as soon as you step inside, you’ll find the traditional layout with the reception desk and changing room.
Water from the Asama Onsen spring flows directly from the spout; cups are provided so you can drink the spring water, and the showers also use the hot spring water. The water, in which tiny hot spring flowers float, is colorless, transparent alkaline simple spring with a faint sulfur smell, and the source temperature is 49.7 degrees Celsius.
Legend has it that long ago, a traveler suffering from “senki” (lower abdominal ailments or pain) during his journey bathed in these waters and was instantly cured, and the spring has been cherished as a renowned hot spring ever since.Renowned for leaving the skin smooth and silky, the hot spring opens as early as 6:00 a.m., attracting many local regulars. The casual interactions you can enjoy here are a hallmark of these traditional public bathhouses.
Local Guide
supporter
It’s a simple, community-style bath beloved by locals, and tourists are welcome to use it casually as well.
- Asama Onsen Senki no Yu
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- 3-4-22 Asama Hot Spring, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Take the bus from Matsumoto Station, get off at the “Asama Hot Spring” bus stop, and walk 5 minutes
- 6:00 AM–11:30 AM, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
- Second and fourth Wednesdays
- Adults: 400 yen; Children: 200 yen (up to elementary school age)
- 0263-46-5553
- Free of charge
3Hot Plaza Asama
Located near the center of the Asama Onsen district, it is one of four Daytrip Destinations for hot springs in Asama Onsen. It features seven different types of baths, including a public hot spring, an outdoor hot spring, a sauna, and a bubble bath, as well as a relaxation room and a large hall spanning 70 tatami mats. A free foot bath is set up right at the entrance, making it easy to drop in for a quick soak.
The hot spring water is colorless, transparent, slightly alkaline simple spring renowned for warming the body to the core. Enjoy the hot springs by trying out the various baths, and after your soak, relax in the large hall on the second floor. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, making it a comfortable space to unwind.
The folk-art-style building, with its tiled roof and white walls, is illuminated by lanterns hanging from the eaves, creating a charming atmosphere. Since it is open until midnight, it is recommended for those arriving late or looking to soothe the fatigue of travel at the end of the day.
Local Guide
supporter
The rest area is divided into a lounging section and a table seating area, making it a comfortable and relaxing place to unwind.
- Hot Plaza Asama
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- 3-16-3 Asama Hot Spring, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- From Matsumoto Station, take the Matsumoto Electric Railway Bus bound for "Asama Hot Spring via Shinshu University" for about 20 minutes, get off at "Hot Plaza Asama-mae," and walk for 1 minute
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Last admission at 11:00 PM)
- Closed Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
- Admission: Adults 650 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 350 yen, Free for children under elementary school age
Fees: Towel rental 210 yen, Bath towel for sale 210 yen - 0263-46-6278
- Free of charge
4Yuttari Yamanokami
Toyoshina Hot Spring “Yutari Yamanokami” in Azumino City is easily recognizable by its building modeled after a traditional Japanese house. It has the charm of a standalone home nestled in the mountains. The property has undergone several renovations in recent years and is now comfortably maintained, featuring indoor baths and rock-lined Outdoor hot springs for both men and women.
The facility also features a large tatami-mat lounge and a tea room, and guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks and stay for up to three hours.
The hot spring, which flows directly from the faucets, is a sodium bicarbonate hot spring that is nearly colorless and transparent. Known as the “Beauty Hot Spring,” it is reputed to leave your skin feeling smooth and silky after a soak.The outdoor hot spring offers views of the mountain village throughout the four seasons, and straw hats are provided—wearing one while bathing on a rainy day adds a touch of charm.
Word of the excellent water quality has spread, attracting not only local regulars but also visitors from all over the country. If you want to relax in peace, we recommend visiting on a weekday.
Local Guide
supporter
It’s no wonder it’s called the “Beauty Bath”—the water is silky smooth and leaves your skin feeling silky soft!
- Yutari Yamanokami
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- 7994 Tazawa, Toyoshina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
Approx. 8 min. by car from Tazawa Station on the JR Shinonoi Line (approx. 10 min. by car from Azumino IC)- Take the bus from Matsumoto Station, get off at the "Hot Plaza Asama-mae" bus stop, and walk 1 minute
- 10:30 AM–8:30 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
- Second Tuesday of the month
- Adults: 480 yen (junior high school students and older) / Children: 210 yen (elementary school students)
- 0263-73-5422
- Free of charge
5Ringo no Yuya (Ringo no Yuya) Obu~
Located in Matsumoto City, this hot spring property features nine types of indoor baths, six types of Outdoor hot springs, and three types of saunas.It is a popular property featuring a modern design, an authentic Dining Area, and relaxation spaces. Groundwater drawn from beneath the Alps is transformed into “Nano Water” (the ultimate, ultra-fine water created through nanotechnology) using the latest technology, and this water is used throughout the entire property, including the baths.
The most popular bath, the “Carbonated Spring Bath,” recreates the effects of carbonated springs, which are believed to have therapeutic benefits.Additionally, the "Hydrogen Bath" in the Outdoor hot spring area features a tub focused on "hydrogen," a substance gaining attention for its ability to remove harmful free radicals. The facility is also well-equipped with amenities such as an authentic Finnish-style "Löyly Sauna" and the "Matsumushi-dou" rock-heated bath, which can be enjoyed without time limits.
As a comprehensive hot spring property, it features amenities designed with families with young children in mind, such as diaper-changing tables and baby chairs, and regularly hosts events like hot yoga classes and concerts.
Local Guide
supporter
With a wide variety of baths available, you can enjoy a range of different bathing experiences. We also recommend the relaxing stone sauna.
- Ringo no Yuya Obu~
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- 3-9-44 Ishishiba, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Take a bus from Matsumoto Station, get off at the "Nomizoguchi" bus stop, and walk 5 minutes
- 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Last admission at 11:30 PM) / Rock Bath: 10:00 AM–10:50 PM (Last admission at 10:00 PM)
- None
- Adults: 700 yen (junior high school students and older) / Children: 300 yen (ages 3 and up) / Rock Bath: 520 yen
- 0263-24-2602
- Free of charge
MAP
- <DAY Trip Hot Springs & Super Sento Around Matsumoto>
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Yuka Niimoto Active girl
Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsumoto
Asama Hot Spring, Nagano Prefecture
A modern Hot spring ryokan located in Asama hot spring. You can enjoy the cuisine and wines of Shinshu and the music associated with Matsumoto.
Direction 15 minutes by cab from JR Matsumoto Station