Matsumoto Jujo
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 427 reviews
Matsumoto Jujo is a carefully restored ryokan complex that reimagines a long‑standing Asama Onsen inn as two complementary hotels: a book‑focused property and a warmer, family‑oriented hotel that carries on the historic Koyanagi name. The project combines modern craftsmanship and traditional materials across a compact site, bringing together a bakery, a bookstore, a small cidery and multiple cafés and dining spaces to create an integrated guest experience rather than a single monolithic hotel. The design vocabulary favors natural wood, diatomaceous‑earth finishes and understated fittings, producing a calm, contemporary interpretation of a ryokan with onsen in Matsumoto.
Guest accommodation ranges from compact twin rooms to multi‑room suites with terraces; many rooms are fitted with open‑air baths supplied by the local spring, allowing private soaks directly from your room. A flagship terrace suite retains a formal Japanese layout alongside contemporary furnishings, and universal‑access rooms and family configurations are available. Onsite food and beverage options emphasize local produce and simple wood‑fire cooking, while the bakery and bookstore on the premises extend the stay beyond sleeping and bathing into a leisurely day‑to‑day rhythm typical of the area. Functionally equipped rooms, free Wi‑Fi and quiet communal reading spaces support both short stays and longer, restorative visits to this ryokan with private onsen in Nagano.
Located in the compact streets of Asama Onsen, the property encourages exploration of the neighborhood on foot: small shops, public bathhouses and cafés cluster nearby, framing a walkable hot‑spring town rather than a detached resort. The layout and operations emphasize local engagement—receptions, cafés and public spaces are arranged to draw visitors through the streets—so guests tend to experience the surrounding community as part of their stay. The combination of in‑room spring baths, neighborhood amenities and purposefully simple design makes the complex a practical choice for travelers seeking a quiet, locally rooted onsen stay within reach of central Matsumoto.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsumoto Jujo
Positive Reviews
Elegant, well-designed property
Multiple reviewers highlight the hotel's refined, tasteful design and decor — modern yet referencing tradition — with thoughtfully furnished common areas and rooms that create a 'wow' effect.
Excellent dining and culinary creativity
Guests praise the restaurant and meals (dinner and breakfast) for high quality, creativity and refinement; several called the cuisine extraordinary and a major highlight of the stay.
Private onsen baths on balconies
Many reviews mention the private balcony onsen as a standout feature — a memorable and unique experience with mountain or town views.
Attentive, very friendly staff
Numerous guests appreciate the warm, attentive service; staff courtesy and helpfulness are repeatedly noted as enhancing the stay.
Great facilities and extras (library, café, bakery, snacks)
The hotel's concept and amenities — library theme, bakery/coffee shop, deli, free snacks/drinks, and useful extras like floor fridges — are frequently praised and add to the overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Location is somewhat remote
Several guests point out the hotel is outside Matsumoto's center, requiring a car, taxi, shuttle or short drive to reach town attractions.
Food can be overly experimental or not to all tastes
A few reviewers found some dishes too audacious or unconventional (e.g. unusual preparations) and noted occasional mismatch with expectations for traditional meals.
Pricing and wine selection concerns
At least one review criticized high wine-package prices and limited/underwhelming wine pours; other guests reported selected wines were sometimes unavailable.
Public onsen supplies lacking
One guest mentioned the small public onsen lacked basic supplies (towels, soap), although private room onsens were available.
Room lighting and breakfast variety
Isolated comments highlighted insufficient or impractical lighting in rooms and suggested offering simpler, more basic breakfast options in addition to the existing menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: most rooms suit 1–2 guests, family and suite options can take extra futons or beds and some suites sleep up to six; confirm exact capacity when booking.
Yes; the property uses natural hot springs and many room types include private open-air baths, plus there is a shared hot-spring facility on the grounds.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 16 km); the hotel can arrange pick‑up or drop‑off on request, but there is no regular public shuttle—taxis are commonly used.
Check‑in is normally from 15:00 to 20:00 at the Oyaki & Coffee reception café; check‑out is by 11:00.
Staff speak Japanese and can assist in English; please notify the hotel ahead of arrival if you need additional language support.
The property blends historic ryokan elements with modern design, offering tatami features, in‑room open‑air baths, regional cuisine, a bookstore, bakery and neighborhood cafes for a local onsen-town experience.
You are in Asama Onsen so the hot‑spring neighborhood is walkable; Matsumoto Castle and central Matsumoto are a short drive or taxi ride away, with museums, parks and hiking in the region.
Matsumoto Station is about 6 km away; most guests take a taxi (roughly 15–25 minutes) or arrange a pick‑up with the property in advance.
Many room types provide private in‑room baths for exclusive use; pets are not permitted on the property.
Yes — the property has two on‑site restaurants, a bakery, a cafe and a small shop; larger supermarkets and a wider range of restaurants are in central Matsumoto a short drive away.