In Japan, the winter is a season of "illumination". There are some beautiful illumination spots lighted up by LEDs. In Nagano, Karuizawa, Azumino, and Suzaka's illumination events are famous.
This winter, not large but unique illumination has started at Asama Hot Springs in Matsumoto. It is Japanese taste design lighting in front of Hot Plaza Asama, a day trip hot spring facility. You can watch the "healing illumination" while soaking your feet in the free foot hot spring.
Because of the M 6.7 earthquake that occurred on 22nd November and damaged some portions in Hakuba and Northern Nagano, even hotels in Asama Hot Springs suffered from cancellations, even though Matsumoto is in the center of Nagano Prefecture and didn't have any direct damage.
Now, there are no problems at all sightseeing spots and ski resorts in Nagano, including transportation.
People in Asama Onsen hope this beautiful illumination will overcome the quake.
Asama Hot Spring is located in a convenient place in Matsumoto, Nagano. It is just a ten minute bus ride from Matsumoto Castle, which is the oldest castle in Japan. Asama Onsen also has a very long history, 1,300 years or more and feudal lords of the Castle visited there in the Edo period (17th century).
The illumination is shining 5pm to 0am until April 19.
More than twenty traditional Japanese ryokans in Asama Onsen and the illumination are wating for you!
