After spending the day walking around taking in the sites of Matsumoto Castle and the Matsumoto City, we headed to Asama Onsen (a hot spring resort town) about 12km out of Matsumoto City. We stayed the night there at family run Ryokan (traditional Japanese Hotel) which the family has been running since Meiji period (1868 - 1912), although newer parts have been added to the buildings more recently. The Ryokan has it's own hot spring baths.

Asama Onsen town looks like it has seen better days, but it was a very friendly place to stroll around. The biggest surprise was on the next morning when we were greeted by magnificent vistas of the Japan Alps. My only regret is not staying longer than one night.