A Timeless Hot Spring 1,300 Years of Peace and Relaxation, for Samurai,
Peasant and Weary Traveler Alike.

AsamaHot Spring

In Matsumoto, Central Japan

浅間温泉© 2012 Asama Onsen Ryokan Association

R ight in the heart of Japan at thefoot of the beautiful Japan Alps liest he ever popu la r cast le tow n ofMatsumoto. Featuring it's famed
17th centur y castle it also hides
another treasure, the hot spring
resort of Asama Onsen.

NextOnsens, natural hot spring baths known well for their
therapeutic properties, form an integral part of theJapanese experience, dear to hearts of all Japanese. For
over 1,300 years Matsumoto has been blessed bynature's healing spring waters, flowing from the earth
in its northeastern foot hills.
This resort was made even more popular in the 17th
centur y by a Samurai Lord who whilst building
Matsumoto's famous castle, also concerned himself
w it h con s t r uc t ion s of peace a nd com for t a ndconstructed a bathhouse.
You can still feel that histor y in the impeccable
hospitality of a traditional Japanese hotel and as
Samurai once did, savor soaking in its hot, mineral richwaters in each of Japan's four vividly distinct seasons.
On long summer evenings, bathe and listen, as theHistory
Asama Onsen has a very long history that dates back
1,300-odd years or more.
Also nearby Asama Onsen, lies an ancient tomb that isbel ieved to have belonged to one of a g roup of
immigrants from present day Korea, who are believed
to have settled in this area as early as the 5th Century. A
gold-coated copper crown was found in this tomb.
In the Edo period (1603-1867), the then feudal lord
while constructing Matsumoto Castle also made abathhouse for himself. Part of it still remains today as abathing facility.
Many nearby samurai lords also built themselvescott ages i n t h is a rea . A s such, t h is d ist r ic t wa s
considered as a place of retreat for Matsumoto.
A fter the Edo Period, the area became known as afavorite destination for many famous novelists, poets
and artists.

chorus of cicadas fades to be replaced with a throng offrogs in the surrounding paddy fields, as the sun sinks
behind the alps.
Or on an autumn night, bathe away the body's aches
in the healing soothing pools, surrounded by a collage,of red and golden leaves, on the trees, on the ground,and perhaps on the water, floating around.
Be cleansed, in the magic of winter, sitting in thesteaming water with snow on the rocks at the poolsedge, a white carpet of purity all around.
Or perhaps on a crisp Japanese spring morning,amidst the graceful glory of cherry blossoms blooming
across the valley, be renewed once again as you, withnature in the hot spring water take a deep breath as anew cycle of life begins.

AsamaHot Spring2

The 7 sources of the onsen (hot spring) water havecontinuously flowed from the earth for over a thousand
years at a temperature of about 50℃. The volume of thewater flowing from the onsen is second or third mostabundant amongst the onsens of Nagano Prefecture.
Onsen Bathing in the hot spring waters of Asama has
been known to improve neuralgia, muscle pain, joint
aches, stiff shoulders, motion paralysis, bruises, digestive
disorders, poor circulation, recovery from sickness,
tiredness, and to improve overall health and well-being.

Therapeutic Attributes/Benefits

Day-trip bathing facility“ Hot Plaza”

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Hot Plaza offers both large indoor and outdoor bathingareas, a sauna, a cold-water bath and also a large 115m 2
lounge area where visitors can relax.
Fees: Adults ¥630 Children ¥350
Opening hours: 10:00 – 24:00 (Last entry: until 23:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (or Wednesdays if Tuesdays are national holidays)
An ashiyu (foot spa) is also freely available to allin front of the entrance of the building.

HikingIn Asama Onsen, there is a hiking route of approximately 30 mins each way.
This hiking route features a number of historical sites you can view as youbathe in the scent of the woods along the way. The route makes its way up toan observation point at which visitors can enjoy a great view of the Japan
Alps and the Matsumoto Basin.

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Sightseeing spots around Asama Onsen
Matsumoto Castle

MAP 1

Matsumoto castle is amongst the oldest of a few remaining original castles in Japan
having been built about 400 years ago during the Sengoku Period (Warring StatesPeriod). In April, 300 sakura (cherry blossom) trees bloom at their peak, whilst snow
covered mountains stand proudly across the valley as a backdrop. At night as the bloomsof the sakura are lit up and in the light of the moon above, visitors can participate in theexperience of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony as Japanese traditional music played
from the castle's moon viewing room resonates into the night.

Utsukushigahara

Highlands MAP 2Onsen, at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. Visitors can access an area very close to its
highest point by car or bus. Its 360° panoramic scenery enables visitors to see Mt. Fuji

azaleas famous as they bloom from late June to early July.
be enjoyed too along with a large open-air art museum with works from both Japaneseartists and around the world.

Kamikochi

MAP 3

Kamikochi, visited by 2 million tourists and Alpine enthusiasts every year is a place wellnoted for its stunning scenic beauty. Lately, it has also been gaining in popularity
amongst nature loving visitors from around the world. In order to protect and maintainsnow throughout the year reaching up to the sky and heights of over 3,000 m. A
beautiful collage of golden autumn leaves are seen from mid to late October, as the trees
colors change.

Norikura

Highlands MAP 4highest altitude road in Japan, whereby visitors can reach as high as 2,702 m above sea level by bus.
playing in snow until mid August, and from mid May to mid June people can take a walk between
snow walls which tower up to heights of 5 to 10 m on either side.
greenery of spring and summer.
tourist destination throughout the year. Featuring its hot springs with their milky colored onsenwater bubbling from the earth, this area is ideal for families.

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Other Sightseeing Spots

Wasabi Farm
Japan Ukiyo-e Museum
Matsumoto Museum of Art
Nakamachi and Nawate Dori Streets
Apple Orchard (apple picking), Winery (grape picking)Asama
Hot Spring

Matsumoto City
Japan Alps

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Matsumoto IC

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Narita Express
1 hr 20 min

Central Japan Airport

Meitetsu
30 minHarukaKansai Airport（Limited Express）

50 minShinjuku

2 hr 30 min – 3 hr

MatsumotoShinanoTokaidoShinkansen
Shin-Osaka 50 min

MatsumotoAzusa (Limited Express)

Bus or Taxi
25 min or 15 min

Nagoya(Limited Express)

Asama Hot Spring

Inquiries: Matsumoto Tourism & Convention Association
E-mail: oote-info@matsumoto-tca.or.jp
3-8-13 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan

52 hrMatsumoto