Asama Onsen

Located in the northeastern part of Matsumoto City in the center of Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), Asama Onsen is a hot spring resort known as the “back seat” of Matsumoto. The mountains of the Northern Alps can be seen to the west.

It is a 10-minute drive to Matsumoto Castle and the castle town for strolling, and is also a good base for sightseeing to Azumino and other areas.

The hot spring boasts the top level of hot spring water among all hot springs in Nagano Prefecture. The temperature of the source is 42-52.3 degrees Celsius, which is characteristic of many inns that offer completely free-flowing hot spring water.

Seven sources are in use: No. 1 fountainhead, No. 2 fountainhead, No. 4 fountainhead, Tohoku fountainhead, Yamada fountainhead, Oshita fountainhead, and Takanoyu fountainhead.

In addition, an unused fountainhead also gushes out naturally in the mountain forest about 300 meters southeast of the center of the hot spring resort.

The quality of the spring is alkaline simple hot spring. Most of the hot springs are colorless and odorless, but only the No. 1 source has a faint sulfur smell.

There are about 30 inns in the hot spring resort, centering on Hot Plaza Asama. In addition, there are bathing facilities for one-day trips only (Biwano-yu, municipal Asama Onsen Kaikan Hot Plaza Asama) and public bathhouses (Senki no Yu, Minato no Yu, Kurashita no Yu).

There are many other public bathhouses managed by the town council and others, but they are not open to the public.

History

The hot spring was discovered by the Inukai clan, a local powerful family, in 939, more than 1,000 years ago. It was called “Sokuma-no-yu” (hot water of Sokuma). Later, it was renamed “Chikuma-no-yu.

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it became a fiefdom of the Hojo clan, and became a popular retreat for warriors.

In addition, successive lords such as the Ishikawa, Ogasawara, and Toda clans distinguished it from the people’s baths as a “warrior’s hot spring. Even today, the name “Goten-no-yu” and other such names retain traces of this tradition.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), it was used as a resort for the Ishikawa clan, the lords of the Matsumoto domain, and was crowded with many spa visitors.

Even today, there is a one-day bathing facility called “Biwano-yu” and about 30 inns and public bathhouses in the hot spring resort area.

Asama Onsen was also the site of a waiting area for Kamikaze pilots at the end of the Pacific War. It was also used as a stage for other TV dramas and events.

Torch Festival

This festival is held to pray for a good harvest and peace, and is one of the three most bizarre festivals in Japan. At the end of each year, torches are dedicated at the Misagi-jinja Shrine.

More than 100 torches are used in the festival, making it a powerful event in which tourists can participate.

There are two Misagi-jinja shrines: the Okumiya (autumn shrine) in the Sanzaiyama mountains and the Sengen no Miya (spring shrine) in the Sengen hot springs. In ancient times, the deity was a mountain deity, but later became the same deity as the Suwa-taisha shrine.

The three deities are Kenomikata-no-Mikoto, Yasakatono-Mikoto, and Kotoshironushi-mikoto, and they are regarded as gods of hunting and agriculture. In the old days, this place was called “Sengen-sha” and Jingu-ji Temple was built as a separate temple just below the Mikage Shrine Harumiya.

Soba (buckwheat noodles)

Due to Matsumoto’s cool climate and temperature differences, soba (buckwheat noodles) flourished as one of the staple foods in place of rice. The flavorful “Shinshu soba” has been nurtured by the climate here. The Shinshu Soba Expo is held every year in early November.

From late October to November, “new soba” appears on the menu of the inn’s signature dishes.

Food of the Seasons

Spring wild vegetables: In Shinshu, wild vegetables are abundant in spring. Fukinoto (butterbur sprouts), taranobuds, bamboo shoots, and others, with their distinctive aroma and bitterness, delight visitors with the arrival of spring. Wasabi flowers are another spring delicacy.

Mushrooms in autumn: During the season of new buckwheat noodles, mushrooms such as “matsutake” (matsutake mushroom) are delicious. Mushroom dishes are also popular at Asama Onsen.

Nozawana pickles: Nozawana, a typical Shinshu pickle, is harvested, and inns proudly serve pickled nozawana.

Fruits: Due to the large temperature difference between day and night in the Matsumoto area, watermelons and grapes are sweet and delicious in summer, and chestnuts and apples in autumn. Apples in particular are enjoyed as the king of winter fruits.

Asama Onsen is surrounded by nature and has been popular among the general public as the backstage of Matsumoto, a castle town with a national treasure castle that is steeped in history and culture.

The hot spring water is alkaline simple hot spring, clear and colorless, and makes your skin smooth and smooth. Many people love Matsumoto as a hot spring resort with a wonderful location where they can enjoy a variety of events and seasonal foods.