While many onsens (natural hot springs) and sento (public bath houses) in Japan offer picturesque sights, many of them are far away in the mountains or only offer a few baths. However, if you visit Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture to see the renowned Matsumoto Castle or impressive Ukiyo-e Museum, be sure to spend some down time in the local hot spot: Ringo-no-Yuya Obu also known simply as Obu.
Offering the tranquility of a mountain resort with convenience of a city sento, Obu isn’t a natural hot spring but a super sento with a variety with two saunas and 10 different baths (both indoor and outdoor). Ranging in temperature, style and health benefits offered, the bath area is a place where two hours can seamlessly pass by in a second!
Dry skin from traveling? Obu’s exfoliating salt sauna, where handfuls of salts are gently rubbed over the body while in the sauna, will remove impurities and leave the skin silky smooth. Has sleeping in odd places and toting heavy luggage left your body with aches and pains? To release some tension in your muscles try the electric bath, a memorable experience.
Obu also offers baths with bubble jets to help massage your body. Looking for your own personal bath? One of Obu’s outside baths include three separate “pot” baths. Simply climb into one of the large ceramic pots and let the warm water inside take away all your stress.
If your visiting Matsumoto during a holiday, check out one of Obu’s specially themed baths.
If your visiting Matsumoto during a holiday, check out one of Obu’s specially themed baths. Yuzu (a citrus fruit similar to a grapefruit or lemon) baths, chocolate baths, ginger ale baths and many more have all been enjoyed by the lucky few to come in on the right day or night. That being said there is no guarantee that there will be any limited edition baths for any given holiday.
After a restful bath, partake in a variety of menu items from cold stone ice cream bars to soba noodles (buckwheat noodles). Last, Obu’s staff is first and foremost friendly and welcoming, so when in Matsumoto, do as the locals do and let its healing waters wash away your troubles.
