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.

Hot Plaza Asama, Matsumoto, Nagano

ホットプラザ浅間
松本市浅間温泉3-16-3　
Tel: 0263-46-6278
Price: 630 Yen
Open: 10:00~ 23:00
Sauna: Yes
http://www.asamaonsen.com/hot-plaza/

Hot Plaza Asama is a thoroughly modern onsen in an old onsen town. It opened in 2009 and it's main attraction is the location. Only a minute away from the bus stop that connects Asama Onsen to Matsumoto train station, and directly across from the only post office in town, this is a very convenient location for a hot spring, even in this onsen paradise.

The waters are enjoyable with both an indoor and outdoor bath, however the ultra modern design of the onsen is so clean and neat you feel a lot like you're in a giant oversized bathroom.

What it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for with a lovely selection of skin soaps, face treatments and hair products all available for use at no extra charge.

After your bath, you can relax in the tatami room upstairs or take a ride around the town on one of the bicycles available for free use by patrons.