Matsumoto Jujo

Matsumoto Jujo, a Michelin Key Selected property in Matsumoto, Japan, offers a distinctive and highly-regarded hotel experience, blending modern design with a rich historical context.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Matsumoto Jujo generally receives excellent feedback, with an overall rating of 9.3 out of 10 based on over 400 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as "amazing," "wonderful," and a "great place to rest and relax." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a luxurious and unique experience that often exceeds expectations.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Matsumoto Jujo:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is a redevelopment of a 17th-century inn, preserving historical elements while incorporating a modern, minimalist, and stylish design. The facility is described as neat and unique, with an artistically elegant atmosphere.
• In-room Onsen: A significant highlight is the private, spring-fed open-air onsen bath in every room, offering a convenient and relaxing experience with natural spring water.
• The Library/Bookstore: The meticulously designed library, transformed from an old public bathhouse, is a unique and cherished amenity where guests can read and enjoy complimentary beverages. It's noted for its curated book selection and photogenic quality.
• Amenities: The hotel provides a wide range of amenities, including complimentary snacks, drinks, cream puffs, and ice cream in rooms, along with high-quality toiletries and comfortable roomwear (original yukata). There are also towel warmers in all rooms.
• Service: The staff are consistently described as warm, welcoming, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Matsumoto Jujo are spacious, comfortable, modern, and clean. They combine traditional Japanese elements with contemporary comforts, featuring plush beds for a restful sleep. Each room boasts an open-air bath fed by natural hot spring water. Some rooms offer views of the garden, mountains, city, or inner courtyard. While Matsumoto Honbako rooms do not have televisions, Koyanagi rooms are equipped with portable TV/Blu-ray players that can be used even in the bath.

4. Dining Experience

Matsumoto Jujo offers a culinary adventure with two on-site restaurants, Alps Table and 367 Sanrokunana, focusing on local gastronomy and healthy, conscious cuisine.

• Dinner: The à la carte Alps Table restaurant serves Italian dishes, while 367 (Sanrokunana) offers wood-fired cuisine featuring fermented dishes unique to the Shinshu region, along with Azumino pastured pork and fresh fish from the Sado Strait. Some guests have praised the dinner as delicious, of fine dining organic quality, and beautifully presented. However, some found the first night's dinner menu "complicated" or with "strange flavor profiles," though a second night's Italian-inspired dinner was often better received. Dinner is served in two sittings and requires reservations.
• Breakfast: Described as "delicious" and "amazing," breakfast features fresh baked bread (especially praised croissants from the on-site bakery) and a generous serving of vegetables, sometimes including champagne and local specialties.
• Bakery & Cafes: The on-site bakery offers delicious items, and there are also two off-site cafes.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Matsumoto Jujo consistently receive high praise for their hospitality, warmth, and helpfulness. Guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, including dietary requirements for meals. Many reviews highlight the staff as "beyond nice" and contributing significantly to an exceptional stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Matsumoto Jujo is located in the Asama Onsen district, about 4 km from the center of Matsumoto. While it's in a quiet area outside the city, hot springs are nearby.

• Transportation: It's approximately a 20-minute taxi ride from Matsumoto Station, costing around ¥2,500-¥2,800. There is no shuttle service from the station, and guests are directed to check in at the off-site Oyaki & Coffee cafe, a three-minute walk from the hotel. Public bus service is also available from Matsumoto Station to Asama Onsen, taking about 30 minutes.
• Nearby Attractions: Matsumoto Castle is about 2.6 miles away, and other attractions like the Former Kaichi School and Matsumoto Alps Park are also within a few kilometers. The hotel also aims to invigorate the surrounding Asama Onsen area, encouraging guests to explore the hot spring town's cafes and shops.

7. Value & Pricing

Matsumoto Jujo is considered a luxury property. The average room price is approximately $587, which is significantly higher than the average hotel room price in Matsumoto ($143). While the price is on the higher side, many guests feel that the exceptional service, unique facilities, and high-quality food justify the cost, making it a worthwhile experience for special occasions. Additional charges apply for children, with those aged 9-12 staying for ¥30,000 per night using an existing bed, and those 9 and over costing ¥40,000 for an extra bed.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some guests have noted minor issues:

• Dining Rigidity: Guests cannot opt out of the dinner/breakfast plan, which can be an issue for those with specific dietary preferences or who are not "food people."
• Dinner Complexity: Some found the first night's dinner menu to have "too many things going on with flavor profiles that we thought were strange."
• Location/Check-in Inconvenience: The check-in process requires guests to first go to an off-site cafe (Oyaki & Coffee), then walk to the hotel, which some found a bit inconvenient, especially with luggage, though pick-up service is available if needed. On-site parking is not available; guests park next to the reception cafe.
• Room Maintenance: Isolated comments mention a slippery/slimy onsen tub bottom, dusty aircon vents, uncomfortable tatami, and an air conditioner that emitted a humid/moldy smell in some rooms.
• Tattoo Policy: The public onsen is not tattoo-friendly, which can limit the experience for some guests.

Sources

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