Hot Plaza Asama — Local services in Matsumoto

I wouldn't really call this an "onsen" experience, it felt more like a regular public bathhouse.

Afternoons and evenings are crowded with locals, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the bath.

Half of the lockers in the changing room are old and there is no free water provided.

The hot spring water itself is colorless and odorless, with nothing particularly special about it. It didn't feel like a traditional onsen at all.

I was also surprised to see groups of young tattooed men bathing together between 8pm and 10pm. (While they were well-behaved, it was still a bit shocking, as other places often prohibit people with tattoos from entering.)

The rest area is cramped and lacks any entertainment such as TV or magazines, making it difficult to pass the time.

Overall, this place was a bit disappointing and not what I was expecting from an onsen experience.

【My rating criteria】 ★★★★★ I definitely want to visit again. ★★★★ I want to visit. ★★★ Average ★★ I don't really want to visit again. ★ I never want to...

600 yen hot bath. One indoor one outdoors has shampoo, conditioner, and body wash inside free of charge. Need to buy or rent a towel about 200 yen. Bus stop to Matsumoto station across the street from the place, costs about 350 yen. Takes about 25 mins to get to Matsumoto station. Nice place to warm up after visiting Matsumoto...

Lovely small, basic bathhouse and onsen. Adults are 680円 and large towels are 200円. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided, including hairdryers. The outdoor onsen is very small and can only fit maybe 5-6 people max, but there were only at most 4 people in there at a time during my visit....