Located in the hills just outside central Matsumoto, Asama Onsen is one of the region’s oldest and most scenic hot spring towns. Known for its traditional ryokan, natural hot springs, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers an easy escape from the city. For most tours that begin in Asama Onsen, the meeting point is the open square in front of the Lawson convenience store, located in the center of town. The following information explains how to get there and where to find your guide.

 

Where is the Meeting Point?

Your guide will be waiting in the open square directly in front of the Lawson convenience store in Asama Onsen. This wide, paved area is a common meeting spot for locals and is easy to find. It’s also accessible by both cars and buses.

 

How to Get There?

 

  • By Taxi (Recommended)

From Matsumoto Station, a taxi to Asama Onsen takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately ¥3,000, depending on traffic. Tell the driver: “Asama Onsen Lawson.”

 

  • By Car

Driving from central Matsumoto takes about 20 minutes. Free parking is available near the Lawson. For navigation, search “Lawson Matsumoto Asama Onsen” on Google Maps or use the provided link to the hotel parking lot.

Address: 1-29-9 Asama onsen, Matsumoto, Nagano

 

  • By Bus

From outside the Matsumoto Station East Exit (Castle-side Exit), take the Asama Line (浅間線) – “Bus Stop No.23” / “Bus Line No.32”, bound for Asama Onsen. Buses run approximately every 30–60 minutes and the ride takes about 20–25 minutes.

Get off at the “Shita-Asama Hiroba” bus stop. Lawson is just a few meters away on foot.

We recommend taking the 9:15 a.m. bus from the station to join our “Handmade Soba-Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch” experience, which begins at 10:00 a.m.

 

What’s on Offer at Asama Onsen?

Asama Onsen is a charming, walkable hot spring district filled with traditional inns, footbaths, small shrines, and quiet streets. If you arrive early or choose to stay after the tour, consider taking a short stroll through the neighborhood or relaxing at one of the nearby free public footbaths (足湯).

 

The Lawson convenience store is open 24/7 and offers snacks, drinks, restrooms, and an ATM. It’s a convenient place to pick up anything you need before the tour begins.

 

Right next to Lawson, you’ll also find a local strawberry farm and café. Open seasonally, the café serves freshly made strawberry desserts, smoothies, and soft cream using fruit grown on-site. It’s a great place to relax—especially in spring and early summer during the strawberry harvest season.

 

Several restaurants are also within walking distance, offering local specialties such as soba, oyaki, and tempura.

 

What’s Nearby?

Heading up to Asama Onsen takes you out of the city and into the Japanese countryside. The surrounding area is home to many farms, including rice paddies and soba (buckwheat) fields. Just west of Asama Onsen, you’ll find numerous apple orchards and Satoyama Doors—a community-built guesthouse where locals gather and visitors can experience traditional rural life in Japan.