The second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is not only home to one of Japan's few original castles but also to Asama Onsen.

KAI Matsumoto is a hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts located in Asama Onsen, which once fed the baths of the local feudal lord's castle. It now feeds the eight types of baths at KAI Matsumoto.

The variety of bathing experiences along with regional wine tastings and nightly jazz recitals in the cavernous lobby are just some the refined experiences on offer at this luxury hot spring ryokan.

Like every KAI establishment, which introduces guests to distinct regional cultures through its design, facilities and activities, KAI Matsumoto embraces the wine culture of the nearby Kikyogahara Wine Valley in the southern part of the Matsumoto Basin.

KAI Matsumoto is an ideal wine-lovers retreat located in the circular route for those who intend to explore Takayama and Hakuba in the Japanese alps outside of the popular Golden Route.

It is at this establishment that dinners are designed to showcase how well the region's wines pair with seasonal Japanese cuisine. One popular dish is the red wine wagyu beef sukiyaki where the salty-sweet stock with red wine creates a rich and flavourful combination.

KAI Matsumoto carries more than 50 types of the finest wines from 11 local wineries in the Kikyogahara area and provides pairing courses that match the best wine to your meal. Guests can discover exciting new flavours as they dine in subdued, private rooms with tranquil views of the courtyard.

The City of Matsumoto has a long history as a city of music and each year it hosts a summer festival organised by renowned maestro Seiji Ozawa. Guests can enjoy Nagano wine during the evening concerts, which pay homage to the city's love of music. 

Blending elegance with innovation in its use of traditional crafts, the Signature Guest Rooms feature intricately latticed shoji sliding doors and ink-based paper marbling on the fusuma panels. Guests who would like a private bathing experience will be delighted to know that 15 of the 26 rooms come with their own outdoor hot spring.

KAI Matsumoto is a great base to explore local attractions such as the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a registered National Treasure in the heart of the city. Often referred to as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of the 12 remaining original castles in all of Japan and is considered one of the most remarkable alongside Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle.

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About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

About KAI

KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan where every establishment offers a contemporary take on a traditional Japanese inn whilst keeping Western comforts. KAI invites one to discover the multifaceted aspects of Japan through natural hot springs, exploration of local arts and entertainment, and classic Kaiseki-style course meals using local and seasonal flavours. Experience Washoku, Japanese cuisine, presented on carefully selected ceramics for full exposure to culinary sensations.