Matsumoto Jūjō

Absolutely fabulous hotel with amazing chef, rooms and vibe. Perfect place to see Matsumoto and relax with Michelin star quality meals included and baths in room. A second night earns you a completely different sunny experience with Japanese style breakfast. The only slight downside is that it is a bit distant from the castle and downtown (30 min bus, 10 min cab), but that is an advantage in that it is a quiet, historic, beautiful area with great views, beautiful temples and trails to explore nearby. A destination level library in a three level large converted bathhouse is a must see.

The hotel itself is a destination that would give you deep relaxation and just make you want to stay there forever. The hotel is generous. It is all-out in providing the best hospitality to its guests. The staffs were so attentive to the guests and would go out of their way to assist us which made us feel so pampered. The onsen in the room was very nice with the right temperature which made us soak there 5 times in just a span of 2 days. It felt so indulgent to have such easy access to the onsen. The food was also 5-star quality. From the presentation to the taste, the restaurant did not fail to deliver. It was my first time to eat venison meat and though I thought it would be hard and gamey, it was in fact very tender and delicious. The overall design of the hotel was also very relaxing. The lighting and choice of furniture elevated the hotel's aesthetic. However, the part that moved me the most was the library. It was a public bath that turned into a library which made it look so unique and beautiful. There was a good collection of books and the relaxing space just made me want to stay there and read books all day. Overall, the hotel experience was luxury at its finest without making us feel intimidated.

An Exceptional Stay – A Perfect Escape! I had the pleasure of staying at this incredible ryokan in December 2024, recommended by a close friend, and it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I checked in until check-out, every part of my stay was seamless and indulgent. The staff was incredibly attentive and welcoming, making me feel right at home. I left with the strong desire to return. Here are three highlights that made my stay unforgettable: 1. The Hot Springs The private outdoor onsen in our room was pure bliss. Surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, I could relax and soak in the warm waters while taking in the beautiful winter view. The space is thoughtfully designed, with plants and wooden screens ensuring complete privacy—perfect for unwinding in total peace. 2. The Cuisine The meals were nothing short of spectacular. Using the freshest ingredients from the local region of Nagano, each dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The venison and carp, both unique to the area, were prepared in a way that made them approachable and delicious. The breakfast spread was equally impressive, with healthy options like organic vegetable salads, homemade bread, and fresh, additive-free juices that made me feel energized and well cared for. 3. The Library Lounge One of the standout features of this ryokan is its library space—a tranquil spot to read and unwind. In the evenings, complimentary drinks and snacks were served, making it the perfect setting for relaxation after a day of exploration. The collection of books caters to all ages, so it’s an ideal spot for families. Spending time in one of the semi-private nooks with a loved one, reading side by side in peaceful silence, was a truly special experience. This ryokan is the perfect place for a memorable getaway, and I can’t wait to return for another special occasion.

Jujo Matsumoto is a stunning onsen hotel located in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature—perfect for a peaceful retreat. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making the experience feel special from the moment you arrive. A few days before your stay, they reach out to ask about dietary preferences or restrictions, ensuring that the meals are tailored and enjoyable. There’s no à la carte dining here—both dinner and breakfast are set menus, and the food is absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. The rooms are tastefully designed, combining traditional and modern elements for a comfortable stay. Outside, you can unwind in the hot tub while taking in the serene views and fresh air. In the evening, the library offers complimentary drinks, which is a lovely touch, and there’s also a welcome drink available until 5 PM. For those looking to explore the area, there’s a bicycle rental station on-site, making it convenient to ride into the city and discover local attractions. While the stay is expensive, it’s well worth the price for the exceptional service, amenities, and overall experience. Highly recommended!

From booking until check out, their service was impeccable. The staff were attentive to our dietary restrictions and thoughtfully adjusted our meals. Check-in took place at Oyaki and Coffee, just a few minutes away from the property, where we were warmly welcomed with drinks and snacks. Some staff members spoke English, which made things convenient for us. We spent the afternoon exploring the town, visiting temples and quaint shops, before finally checking in. Matsumoto Honbako’s exterior and interior design was simply stunning. Our twin room on the top floor was spacious and comfortable, fully stocked with snacks, drinks, and other thoughtful amenities. The outdoor onsen was a highlight—we enjoyed it several times during our one-night stay and found it incredibly relaxing. Dinner was superb: a well-balanced meal with local and fresh ingredients. We tried both their alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink pairings, which were excellent and definitely worth experiencing! One staff member went above and beyond, kindly providing a pillow to ensure my comfort. Later, we enjoyed some time in the library, surprised by its cozy reading nooks and a collection of Japanese and English books. The ambiance of both the dining area and library was exceptional; the moody lighting, calming music, and overall vibe created a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Our stay at Matsumoto Jujo left us feeling completely recharged, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit!

We stayed here for one night with our friends, including dinner and breakfast. The location is easy to find but check-in is at the cafe, they will help you to bring the luggage to your room. The receptionist is at the cafe, they had welcome drinks for us. The room was so nice and clean and onsen in the room. There is a public onsen, but the size is so small, I think it can only fit four people. The dinner was great, we all like it. However, we were so disappointed for the breakfast. You don't have a choice for bread, eggs, yogurt, and salad. Overall, we like the room and in room onsen and we didn't like the breakfast.

This hotel is wonderful, featuring a library and a bookshop with an extensive collection of amazing books. The interiors of the rooms, library, restaurant, bar, and café are all beautiful. They have a separate check-in counter located in the Oyaki and Coffee area, which is also charming and well-designed. The oyaki is exceptionally delicious! Additionally, the hotel has an Alps Bakery. Unfortunately, I visited on Wednesday and Thursday when the shop was closed. However, I had the chance to try some of the bakery items during breakfast, and they were truly delicious. I can confidently say it's the best bakery I have experienced so far in Japan.

I'm already dreaming of my next trip back!! I loved everything about my stay at Matsumoto Jujo's Honbako hotel, the beds were the best I've ever laid down on in a long time, and having an open-air hotspring bath in the balcony is just the cherry on top. But here are my top 3 things I enjoyed during my stay at Matsumoto Jujo's compound: - the Philosophy & Sweets cafe was such a cozy spot, and I'm still dreaming about the pumpkin baked cheese cake I had paired with milk amazake! I can imagine myself coming back to visit for coffee and desserts even if I'm not staying at Matsumoto Jujo. - the food at Dining 367!! Every dish served was not only delicious but came with a story shared by the friendly and capable service crew. Also most ingredients incorporated in the dishes come from the Shinshu area, aka Nagano. The non-alcoholic drink pairings were the highlight for me, which were all so creatively made! - the bathhouse-turned-bookstore/library called Honbako. If you are a book lover this is the place to be...I loved how the shower taps and sinks are still left as they were (there's also a kids' section that looks like a maze and has a ballpit!!) This place is also very aesthetically pleasing and I can't take enough photos of the area. Definitely a must-stay if you are visiting Matsumoto. Asama Onsen is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered, and I have Matsumoto Jujo to thank!!