Onsens around Tobira Onsen and Utsukushigahara Onsen × Gourmet AubergeRecommended Hotel·Ryokan

"Tobira," an intriguing name that evokes mystery, brings to mind phrases like "The Door of Truth" or "The Door of Beauty." Nestled in the untouched embrace of mountains and the Usukawa Valley, Tobira Onsen lies beyond Tobira Pass, as if hiding life's happiness. Located southeast of Matsumoto City, it sits at an elevation of approximately 1,050 meters.In spring, vibrant red azaleas bloom amidst lush greenery, reflecting the simplicity and sincerity of human nature.During summer, visitors seeking cool retreats or hiking adventures to Utsukushigahara and Mount Hachibuse bring a lively atmosphere to the tranquil valley. Yet even then, quiet rooms with refreshing breezes attract those who come for peaceful reading.Autumn transforms the mountains into a fiery display of crimson leaves—an enchanting scene reminiscent of Bonnard's paintings. I also cherish winter in Tobira. Resting by a kotatsu after reading for hours while listening to the gentle sound of mountain streams creates moments where distant murmurs or songs seem almost real—a delightful illusion.Though I do not drink alcohol myself, I imagine that sharing sake with close friends around a kotatsu during winter at Tobira Onsen must be extraordinary. Tobira is a haven for hardworking individuals and their families—a place for warmth and joyful gatherings. It remains untouched by those who view Onsen merely as places for indulgence without deeper appreciation.

"Oiwaraya Ryokan" is a tranquil Onsen accommodation nestled in Matsumoto's Utsukushigahara Onsen, which has been flowing for 1,300 years since the Nara period. We offer heartfelt hospitality in a harmonious blend of traditional and modern Japanese-style comfort. Our facility features seven unique bathing areas, including an indoor bath surrounded by the scent of cypress, an open-air bath with a sense of freedom, stone baths, and garden baths with seasonal views. Each bath offers a distinct charm, allowing you to enjoy Onsen hopping and immerse yourself in the changing ambiance from morning to night, providing deep relaxation to soothe your travel fatigue. Our cuisine showcases vibrant kaiseki dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the local Shinshu region. Each dish, beautifully presented on exquisite plates, reflects the flavors of the seasons and the skill of our chefs, offering a true "culinary art." Centered around Shinshu beef, river fish, and mountain delicacies, our meals allow you to savor both taste and the changing seasons. To complement your dining experience, we offer wines crafted at our own winery, "Domaine de Yunohara," using grapes nurtured in Shinshu's pure air and rich soil. These carefully produced wines pair perfectly with Japanese cuisine. With a variety of white, red, and sparkling options available, you can choose according to your preference. Each room is uniquely designed to provide a relaxing space that combines traditional Japanese tranquility with modern comfort. At Oiwaraya Ryokan, we strive to be a warm and welcoming accommodation that makes you want to return. Along with our dedication to fine cuisine and heartfelt hospitality, we aim to provide each guest with a serene and relaxing experience. Our staff looks forward to welcoming you with all our hearts.

The historic registered cultural property “Shokenro” is a three-story wooden folk-art Accommodation built in the early Showa era. In a retro setting adorned with tasteful furniture and folk crafts, each of the 17 guest rooms has its own distinct character—making it a delight to find your favorite hidden retreat. Enjoy jazz throughout the building, the gentle waters of Utsukushigahara Onsen, creative kaiseki cuisine featuring Shinshu ingredients, and locally brewed sake carefully selected by the host. Please savor an “Onsen getaway for adults” that enriches the senses.

At Asama Onsen, Hotel Tamano-yu has been operating since the 18th year of the Meiji era, always prioritizing guests without being bound by tradition or formality, and all staff have strived to provide comfort to guests. We will continue to offer heartfelt hospitality as a property where guests can rejuvenate.

Kikunoyu stands in Asama Onsen, a retreat of the castle town Matsumoto with a thousand-year history. Built in the dignified Honmune-zukuri style passed down in the Matsumoto region, it is a quiet hideaway for adults, rich in Japanese charm. A polished zelkova main pillar and curated artworks create a refined stay. After savoring the gentle feel of natural hot-spring waters in the open-air bath with a pleasant breeze, enjoy an authentic kaiseki course showcasing Shinshu’s seasonal bounty. Just 10 minutes by car to National Treasure Matsumoto Castle. Escape the bustle of everyday life and spend a soothing, restorative holiday.

The main building, a three-story wooden structure originally built in 1928, underwent renovation along with the construction of a new bathhouse wing over the course of a year, and reopened in April 2020. While preserving the charm of the early Showa era, the space has been transformed into a more comfortable and atmospheric environment. With the concept of "Staying with Time," we have carefully crafted the Property using natural materials that age gracefully over time, aiming for simplicity and quality, and paying attention to every detail. Although there are no picturesque Onsen towns or breathtaking views, we believe you will feel the accumulation of time and the beauty of a traditional inn in the space that retains its historical essence. Additionally, the ever-changing scenery of the garden surrounding the building offers endless fascination. Time spent savoring the blessings of the countryside. Moments of release as you soak in the waters. Conversations with loved ones. And moments of stillness. We hope that a day spent at our Property will become an irreplaceable "moment in time" for you.

In the place where Hotel Heidi has built its history, HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE (Hotel de l’Alpage) has now been born.The grounds, befitting the former site of an imperial family villa, are secluded from their surroundings, including the adjacent Venus Line.Surrounded by abundant nature, our Hotel feels as if a French residence has been brought to Nagano.From the guest rooms, you can enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Tateshina and the Yatsugatake Mountains. The spacious interiors are delicately designed with a warm ambiance, offering “everyday life at its finest.”At our restaurant, we aim to serve “a feast you can enjoy every day,” featuring cuisine inspired by France’s gastronomic traditions and wines imported directly from France.This Hotel was created with the hope that you will enjoy a refined and comfortable everyday stay. Rather than simply a stop along your journey, we hope it will be a place you’ll want to “come back to” with your family and loved ones.

All rooms are equipped with a semi-open-air Onsen bath using the Tateshina Sanshitsu hot spring. For meals, we offer a seasonal Japanese Kaiseki course carefully prepared with ingredients from Shinshu. Enjoy the cozy lobby with a fireplace, the rich scenery unique to the highlands, and the serene atmosphere of modern Japanese design. Experience an extraordinary retreat that invites you to moments of comfort and relaxation.

Yuyado Izumiya Zenbe has been welcoming guests with its unchanging hot spring water since its establishment. Utsukushigahara Onsen, which flourished as the private bath of successive Matsumoto Castle lords after the Sengoku period, features a mildly alkaline simple spring with gentle and smooth water quality. In addition to separate indoor baths for men and women, you can enjoy three types of private baths. For dinner, indulge in "selectable dishes" made from ingredients nurtured in Shinshu and savor Shinshu soba noodles.

At a property with over a century of history, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine and handmade soba noodles made with seasonal ingredients from local Shinshu in a serene space adorned with folk art furniture. The 15 Japanese-style rooms offer a warm wooden ambiance, and the beauty-enhancing water baths are available 24 hours. Breakfast includes a rich homemade buffet featuring freshly picked vegetables, organic eggs, and morning curry.