Asama Onsen has a very long history that dates back as far as 1300 years ago. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the first feudal lord of Matsumoto, Kazumasa Ishikawa, made a Gotenyu bathhouse for himself. This attracted many nearby lords, who also built their cottages in this area. As such, this region was called Matsumoto no Okuyashiki, which means "distant Matsumoto residential resort". One of these Gotenyu stations still remains today at Biwa no yu.
Asama Onsen is located in the center of Nagano prefecture and makes a very good place to stay while sightseeing in and around the Matsumoto area. We are 20 minutes from Matsumoto station by bus, 20 minutes from Matsumoto interchange (on the Nagano Expressway) by car, and 40 minutes from Matsumoto Airport by taxi.