Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Biwa No Yu, Asama Onsen, Matsumoto, Nagano

Tel: 02 63461977
Entry: 800 Yen
Open: 9:00 ~ 21:00
Sauna: Yes
〒390-0303長野県松本市浅間温泉3-26-1

Biwa No Yu is an onsen with more than 400 years of history. It was founded by the first lord of Matsumoto Castle, Ishikawa, who bathed at the onsen. The onsen remained a private area maintained by the palace for many years, and to this day is maintained by an ancestor of Lord Ishikawa.

The onsen consists of two completely separated areas, indoor and outdoor. The area surrounding the main house is beautifully maintained, with traditional gardens that are pleasing to the eye making the stroll from the inside bathhouse to the outside bathhouse enjoyable. However yukata (dressing gowns traditionally used for onsen) are not provided so it is necessary to reclothe in order to go from one area to the other.

The inside bathhouse has three baths and washing facilities. Sumi (charcoal) foot scrub is provided in addition to the usual body soap and shampoo/conditioner. Some face cleanser is also available.

Inside you will find a large bath which is great for the first stop after washing as the water is quite hot.
On the balcony of the indoor bath house you will find a hinoki bath. The smell of hinoki is a unique scent that cleanses like hot sake.

The outdoor bath has a lovely garden surrounded by maple trees and bamboo. It is very relaxing and tranquil.

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