Dear Matsumoto Fans,
How are you today?

Sakura petals have begun to scatter and the new green is taking over the Sakura trees.
Actually, I think the new green in late spring and early summer looks great!

I think this is an exciting time to be in Matsumoto as well.
I see there are many visitors in town these days, even at the cafe I am writing from.

Most visitors focus on the area around the station, which is quite rich, but I recommend that you take the bus (or take a walk) to the Asama Onsen area in the northern part of the city.

All you have to do is follow Metoba River!

There is an easily accessible onsen (hot spring) establishment in Asama, an onsen area full of traditional hotels and baths you can visit daily.

The establishment is called “Hot Plaza Asama”, it’s a day bathing facility open all day long from 10 AM to midnight,
it has a sauna, a cold bath, a jacuzzi area and an outdoor rock bath. Basically it has everything.

It is popular among visitors as it allows people with tattoos. 
The sauna is hot and enjoyable, hotter than many other saunas in town.

I went the other day and caught a glimpse of cherry blossoms, and an advertisement for a ramen festival in town.
Some day bathing facilities have a lunch area, but I could not find one in Hot Plaza, so I went to a small restaurant right out of the establishment to enjoy Sanzokuyaki, the main dish of the city.

I recommend going to Asama to end your day in Matsumoto with a sauna and a nice hot bath and some fried chicken!

For those of you who do not want to go inside, you can enjoy the free foot bath outside.
Towels are available to purchase inside the facility!

Address:
Asamaonsen 3 Chome-16-3