Nagano · Asama Onsen, Matsumoto
Asama Onsen Yūyūan Biwa-no-yu
浅間温泉 湯々庵 枇杷の湯
In Asama Onsen, Matsumoto's spa hinterland, this day-use bath occupies the house of the hereditary bath-keepers who guarded the lords' private 'Goten-yu' for 400 years, since castle lord Ishikawa Kazumasa. Old garden trees and displays on the bath-keepers' history give the place the feel of a heritage site; the clear, mildly alkaline simple spring is fine-textured on the skin. Besides the main hall there is an open-air bath in a separate wing and a rest room, and many visitors come straight from Matsumoto Castle. Open 9:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00), closed Mondays (or the next day after a holiday), ¥900. About 20 minutes by bus from Matsumoto Station to Asama-Onsen Bunka Center-mae, then 10 minutes on foot.
- Price (adult)
- ¥900
- Hours
- 09:00–21:00
- Closed
- Mon (next day if holiday)
- Access
- About 20 min by Gurutto Matsumoto bus (Asama line) from JR Matsumoto Station's castle exit to Asama-Onsen Bunka Center-mae, then 10 min on foot; 25 min by car from Matsumoto IC
- Water type
- Alkaline simple
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Phone
- 0263-46-1977
- Official site
- http://biwanoyu.com ↗
- Open in Google Maps
- Google Maps ↗
Essentials
Stay in this onsen town
Compare and book stays in Asama Onsen, Matsumoto. Day bathing itself needs no booking.
Opens partner booking site (affiliate)
Why go
- Home of the castle lords' bath-keepers
- Garden, history displays, open-air wing
- ¥900; after Matsumoto Castle
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- Last entry is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Features
Mood & scenery
Price
Amenities
✔ Verified operating: 2026-09 松本市公式観光サイト（9–21時 最終20時・大人900円・月曜休）
Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.
More in this area
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan
A Meiji-era inn at the entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous worldwide for wild macaques that climb into its rotenburo in winter. Day bathing is only 12:00–15:00, so most visitors combine it with the monkey park. It's a 30-minute mountain trail from Shibu Onsen — wear grippy shoes in winter.
O-yu (Nozawa outer bath)
The centerpiece of Nozawa's 13 public baths, a traditional bathhouse in the middle of the village. Local 'yunakama' associations have cleaned it daily since the Edo period; payment is a donation in the box at the door. Two pools, hot and 'mild' — though even the mild one exceeds 42°C. Adding cold water is bad manners: rinse first, then keep soaks short. No soap or shampoo.
Shirahone Onsen Awanoyu
The signature inn of Shirahone, famous for milky-white water. Its highlight is a large mixed-gender open-air bath — the water is so opaque that women find it comfortable. Day use at midday only.