Visit Matsumoto

About a 15-minute drive from the city center, the historic “Asama Onsen” and “Utsukushigahara Onsen” are known as “Matsumoto’s Inner Sanctum”—a place said to have been frequented by the lords of Matsumoto Castle in the past. Asama Onsen boasts a history of 1,300 years since its discovery and is known for its lively hot spring town.On the other hand, Utsukushigahara Onsen has a tranquil atmosphere and has long been beloved by many writers. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the castle town, and with its abundance of day-trip bathing facilities, visitors of all ages can easily enjoy Shinshu’s famous hot springs during breaks from their strolls.

① Asama Onsen

Boasting a history of 1,300 years since its discovery, this historic hot spring resort once housed the “Goten-no-Yu” (Lord’s Bath) for the lords of Matsumoto Castle. Beloved by many literary figures since the Meiji era, it still retains the atmospheric scenery of a traditional hot spring town.

Shinshu Matsumoto Asama Onsen Official Website

② Utsukushigahara Onsen

Boasting a history dating back to the Nara period, this renowned hot spring was once recorded in the *Nihon Shoki* (Chronicles of Japan) as “Tsukuma no On’yu.” Designated as a National Health Resort, its tranquil setting and gentle waters gently soothe the minds and bodies of visitors.

Utsukushigahara Onsen Inn Association

③ Gake no Yu Hot Spring

Located on a hilltop at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, this hot spring is characterized by a landscape that, as its name suggests, appears to stand on the edge of a cliff. It boasts open-air baths offering breathtaking views of the Northern Alps mountain range; the panoramic scenery from dusk through the night is particularly spectacular.

④ Tobira Onsen

Located in the mountains at an elevation of 1,050 meters, this secluded hot spring derives its name from the legend of “Ama-no-Iwato” (Heavenly Rock Cave), which dates back to mythological times. Surrounded by deep forests and valleys, its tranquil setting makes it the perfect location to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and rejuvenate both mind and body.

Day-Use Bathhouses in the East Area

With easy access from Matsumoto Station and major tourist attractions, this area is the perfect place to relax and recharge between sightseeing and business activities. It features a variety of simple, welcoming hot springs that have long been cherished by the local community.

① Yokota Onsen

Located in the eastern part of Matsumoto City, this hot spring resort sits quietly within a residential neighborhood. It’s highly convenient as a base for sightseeing, and day-trip bathing is available at local ryokan, allowing you to enjoy a bathing experience that feels like you’re blending into the daily life of this castle town.

② Ryujima Onsen

Located on the banks of the Azusa River, this hot spring is conveniently situated along the route to Kamikochi and Norikura. Its high-pH alkaline simple hot spring has a smooth texture on the skin, and—with its focus on day-trip bathing facilities—it is a popular stop for travelers returning from road trips or hikes.

Ryujima Onsen Seseragi-no-Yu

Day-Use Baths in the Central Area

Located at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, this area offers visitors the chance to fully enjoy the dynamic natural beauty of the Northern Alps. It serves as a gateway to Kamikochi—one of Japan’s most iconic scenic spots—and Mount Norikura, and is dotted with rustic hot spring resorts.

① Shirahone Onsen

This renowned hot spring is characterized by its milky-white waters and is said to offer the benefit of “three days here keeps colds away for three years.” The mystical waters that spring from the mountains have long been known as a therapeutic retreat, and the resort enjoys nationwide popularity as one of Shinshu’s premier hot spring destinations.

Shirahone Onsen

② Norikura Hot Spring Village

This highland hot spring resort lies at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, spreading out at the foot of Mount Norikura. Its milky-white sulfur springs are well-known for their skin-beautifying properties. One of its main attractions is the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs in combination with seasonal highland leisure activities.

Norikura Hot Spring Village

③ Kamikochi Onsen

This historic hot spring is located within Kamikochi, one of Japan’s most scenic mountain areas. Bathing while surrounded by the gentle murmur of the Azusa River and the lush greenery of the trees offers an unparalleled, luxurious and refreshing experience for hikers and visitors out for a stroll.

④ Nakanoyu Hot Springs

Located at the foot of Awa Pass, this hot spring resort—home to a single inn—is known as the gateway to Kamikochi. Set in a quiet location surrounded by virgin forest, its open-air baths offer views of the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mount Kasumizawa, making it a valuable base for serious mountaineering.

Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan

⑤ Sakamaki Onsen

Located along the Azusa River gorge, this single-inn hot spring exudes the charm of a hidden hot spring. Situated just before the area where private vehicle access to Kamikochi is restricted, guests can enjoy a rustic bathing experience while listening to the gentle murmur of the river flowing over the rocky banks.

Sakamaki Onsen Ryokan

⑥ Sawando Onsen

This hot spring is located in a bustling area that serves as a transfer point for travelers heading to Kamikochi. Although it is a relatively new hot spring resort, it features mild, slightly alkaline waters that are gentle on the skin, and offers a variety of public baths and foot baths where you can easily stop by before or after exploring Kamikochi.

Sawando Onsen

⑦ Nagawa Onsen

Located at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the eastern foothills of Nomugi Pass, Nagawa Onsen is a historic hot spring said to have been discovered during the Kamakura period. It springs up along a mountain stream near the entrance to the Kamikochi-Norikura Super Forest Road, and the time that has quietly passed here stands as a testament to its reputation as a renowned hot spring. The water is also safe to drink, and the area offers excellent access to major tourist destinations such as Kamikochi and the Norikura Highlands.

⑧ Shin-Nagawa Onsen

A natural hot spring that flows along the beautiful Kurokawa stream. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine such as hand-made soba noodles made with locally grown flour from Nagawa, the specialty “Touji Soba,” and seasonal mountain delicacies. With excellent access to Kamikochi and the Norikura Highlands, you can fully savor both the rich natural beauty and culinary delights of Matsumoto all at once.

⑨ Shibusawa Onsen

This hot spring began flowing in Heisei 2 on the Nagawa Plateau, located at an elevation of 1,350 meters on the eastern foothills of the Nomugi Pass. Characterized by its gentle, alkaline waters that are mild on the skin, it is safe for children and the elderly to bathe in. It bustles with visitors in the summer as a summer retreat and sports training camp, and in the winter as a base for skiing.

Day-Use Hot Springs in the Alps Area

Located in the mountains of northern Matsumoto City, this area charms visitors with its tranquility and harmony with nature. In this peaceful setting, a short distance from the main tourist routes, you can enjoy the hot springs while time seems to slow down.

Anazawa Onsen

Located in the Shiga district of northern Matsumoto City, this hot spring resort is nestled within a peaceful rural landscape. At these quiet inns, surrounded by abundant nature, you can gently soothe the fatigue of daily life while experiencing the changing seasons. Cuisine featuring local ingredients is another highlight.

Day-Use Baths in the Northern Area