A Cultural Walking Tour in Asama Onsen

This cultural walking tour takes you through the historic Asama Onsen hot spring town, combining visits to book cafes, gift shops, and ancient temples.

Why not come and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of this retro hot spring town?

Travel Time
6 hours
Transportation
On foot, by bus
Category
Area
A Cultural Walking Tour in Asama Onsen
Start

Matsumoto Station

The gateway to sightseeing in Matsumoto

JR Matsumoto Station is the representative transport hub of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, and is the starting point of your trip, where the limited express trains from the Shinjuku area and regular trains arrive and depart. The station has two exits, the Castle Exit (East Exit) and the Alps Exit (West Exit), and is characterized by its structure, with views of the mountains of the northern Alps from the free walkway running east-west. The station also houses a tourist information center, where you can discover information about tourism in Matsumoto City and discuss plans for excursions. There are plenty of hotels and eateries in this area, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Matsumoto.

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Address
Fukashi 1-chome 1 Matsumoto City
Phone
0263-36-6071

Jingūji

A Zen temple where one can calm the mind by gazing upon the rock garden

Adjacent to Oshijinja Shrine, Jingūji Temple stands quietly on its vast grounds, a Zen temple that calms the hearts of visitors. Legend holds it was founded as the shrine's attendant temple, and true to its name, it is a sacred place where the divine and Buddhist realms stand side by side. Walking toward the main hall while


gazing at the beautifully maintained stone garden helps you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.Here, zazen meditation sessions are held early on the first and third Sundays of each month, open to anyone wishing to participate. The time spent unifying your spirit in the crisp morning air will surely become a special memory of your journey.


Furthermore, the main hall houses the "Pictures of the Atomic Bomb" by Maruki Iri and Maruki Toshio, which are publicly displayed every August. It is a place where you can confront history and quietly engage in self-reflection—a place to spend such a luxurious time.

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Address
Asama Onsen 3-chome 21-1 Matsumoto City
Phone
0263-46-0096

Bookstore Matsumoto Honbako

A new kind of bookstore where you can drown in books in the bathhouse of a former inn

Have you ever experienced "drowning in books"? Located within the renovated historic inn complex "Matsumoto Jujo," this bookstore offers unique spaces like the "Adult Book Box"—a converted former large bath—where you can discover approximately 10,000 volumes. The "Book Bath," designed for immersing yourself in reading while soaking in a tub, is currently trending for its photogenic, aesthetically stunning space.All books, curated around the theme "Worlds You Never Knew," are available for purchase. Day-use visits operate on a strict reservation-only basis, so be sure to book ahead to secure your luxurious time enjoying an adventure of knowledge in tranquil surroundings.
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Address
Asama Onsen 3-chome 13-1 Matsumoto City
Phone
0570-001-810
Opening Hours
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Guests may use 24 hours a day)
休業日
Irregular holidays

Letter House Letter Box

With coffee in hand, writing a letter to someone special

A stationery and café shop operated by Tegami-sha. Next to the store, which served as a bank 30 years ago, stands the Asama Onsen Post Office.
Buy postcards at the shop, write your letter while enjoying tea at the adjacent café, then drop it off at the post office next door. It offers the perfect space for writing letters.
The cafe space offers meals and sweets to enjoy with your coffee. Sweets are also available for takeout, making them a great souvenir.

Whether Asama Onsen guests stop by for souvenirs or locals venture out from Matsumoto city center to browse paper goods and relax in the cafe, we aim to be a deeply rooted local space offering both comfort and inspiration, no matter when you visit.
Show Details
Address
Asama Onsen 1-chome 30-6 Matsumoto City
Phone
0263-87-2716
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM) Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Last Order 5:00 PM)
休業日
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (We are open if Tuesday or Wednesday is a national holiday)

Hot Plaza Asama (Asama Onsen Kaikan)

The beauty-enhancing hot springs beloved by successive lords, with a history of 1,300 years since their discovery

Asama Onsen, known as "Matsumoto's Inner Sanctum." This historic hot spring resort, cherished by Matsumoto castle lords from the Muromachi period through the Edo period, offers a timeless experience. Hot Plaza Asama is a day-trip hot spring facility operated by Matsumoto City. The


moment you sink into the bath, the warmth and aroma of the hot spring gently envelop your body and mind.Enjoy authentic hot springs while gazing at seasonal scenery in the indoor bath, open-air bath, cold water bath, and sauna. A free footbath is also available, allowing you to easily experience the benefits of the hot springs.After bathing, relax in the spacious hall on the second floor, where a pleasant sense of fatigue melts away, soothing your mind. In winter, the garden's "Healing Illumination" glows fantastically, deepening your healing time alongside the warmth of the hot springs.


Conveniently located near the city center, Hot Plaza Asama is easily accessible. It also houses the massage facility "Iyashi-dokoro Fuan," enabling true relaxation. Spend a special time here, warming both body and soul in this historic hot spring resort.

Show Details
Address
Asama Onsen 3-16-3 Matsumoto City
Phone
0263-46-6278
Opening Hours
10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) Last admission at 11:00 PM
休業日
Tuesday
Goal
View Map
  • Matsumoto Station
  • Jingūji
  • Bookstore Matsumoto Honbako
  • Letter House Letter Box
  • Hot Plaza Asama (Asama Onsen Kaikan)

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