If you’re venturing to explore the Chubu region & the famed Mitsuboshi Kaidou route, most likely you will end up finishing your trip in charming Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture before taking that Limited Azuma Express back to Shinjuku station. End your travels with a relaxing onsen ryokan stay so you’re recharged for the rest of your Japan adventures

Approximately 30min drive from Matsumoto City on a slight slope lies Asama Onsen, a quaint little onsen town. Several onsen ryokans are located in the town to choose from the sweet, small family run to some truly luxe experiences including the renown luxury KAI Matsumoto, part of the famed Hoshino Resorts portfolio.

Twenty-six rooms are available in Kai Matsumoto, with several room types to choose from, such as a traditional Japanese style room, or one that has a semi open air private onsen. Another style has an outdoor private onsen along with a terrace, whilst their largest suite style not only has your own private hinoki bath, along with a water bath, a terrace but also your own private sauna.

Onsen ryokan fooding is one of my favourite things, not only is the food delicious but I absolutely adore it when beautiful pottery & presentation comes to the fore. In keeping with Matsumoto City’s fame of their beautiful temari balls, the traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner started with the first small appetizer coming in a delightful inspired temari pattern to be followed by a grander temari “bento box” where each level was lifted away to reveal more fabulousness. More dishes followed which were utterly divine.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS

FOOD

I do love a beautiful kaiseki spread, and Kai Matsumoto did not disappoint with not only its stunning presentation in the lovely pottery & dishes used, but the food was a delicious celebration of local ingredients & produce. Multiple dishes ensued that by the end there was gratefulness we were wearing the ryokan’s comfortable loose modern yukata style pajamas so the end dish of our summer unagi rice don could be demolished,

Breakfast was equally impressive (sorry no photos as it was a rushed morning, to make the next destination & to ensure one last onsen soak was achieved)

ONSEN

I’m always happy when I stay in a room with a private onsen, as the room was on a upper floor (4th if memory serves), our private onsen was only semi-open air but still utterly lovely to soak away in & relax. Next time I would love to experience the Japanese style room where the private open-air onsen is with the terrace, as I do particularly love having views of a garden/nature (though I believe a room with the terrace & private open air onsen is more expensive).

The public onsen as per the norm had several different onsen to enjoy, where I of course went straight to the outdoor ones! The men’s & female’s baths will swap the next day so you have the chance to enjoy all of them.

ROOM AMBIANCE

Beautiful, I adored the afternoon light streaming through the wide windows giving everything a golden glow. Lovely to have two tatami rooms, perfect for couples who want the separate sleeping area & have a living area to enjoy during one’s stay. The room fits up to 4 people so it’s great for families, as long as one enjoys sleeping on futon.

Lovely touches of local craftsmanship & products decorate the room, one also receives a gift of a traditional furoshiki specially made for Kai Matsumoto to carry one’s towels/clothes to the public onsen.

A separate private bathroom/washroom & toilet ensuite along with the usual bar fridge & amenities are included too.

VENUE AMBIANCE

Kai Matsumoto is a bit of a throwback to the old school luxe of omotenashi & Japanese luxury, where a grand staircase & piano awaits you in the lobby. Every evening, there’s a piano performance for all guests to enjoy if you wish to have some entertainment.

After soaking in the onsen one can also enjoy their little bath lounge where you can rest with tea & some ice popsicles, whilst there’s also a sweet “travel library” where one can peruse various books on travel.

SURROUNDING AREA

Asama onsen is a small quaint onsen town, easy to leisurely explore during your stay, however with it’s proximity to Matsumoto City - one can explore all Matsumoto has to offer during the daytime then return to the ryokan to relax later in the evening.

KAI MATSUMOTO FACTS (at time of stay)

• COST: generally starts from 39000JPY+ per person per night (for a room with private onsen)

• MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

• CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIME: 1500 / 1200

• PAYMENT: cash & credit card accepted

• ROOMS: 26 rooms

• ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF: some

• WEBSITE: KAI MATSUMOTO

• IG: for all Hoshino Kai properties: @hoshinoresorts.kai