Activities in Matsumoto
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Goodwill Guide Group
The Goodwill Guide Group gives free one-hour tours of Matsumoto-Jō Castle by advance notice.
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Utsukushi-ga-hara & Asama Onsen
Northeast of town, Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen (not to be confused with Utsukushi-ga-hara Kōgen) is the more beautiful of these two bathing areas, with a quaint main street and views across the valley. Asama Onsen's history is said to date back to the 10th century and includes writers and poets, though it looks quite generic now. Hot Plaza Asama feels like a neighbourhood sentō but boasts many pools and sauna.
Both towns are easily reached by bus from Matsumoto's bus terminal (Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen: ¥330, 18 minutes, twice hourly; Asama Onsen: ¥350, 23 minutes, hourly).
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