Shiohara Onsen Matsukawa

Matsukawa makes bathing the center of a visit to the Yoshiwa highlands. The inn offers several bath types, with an upper-floor open-air bath using the changing mountain scenery as its backdrop. Japanese-style rooms range in size, and selected rooms have their own spring bath.

The communal bathing facilities include different water experiences rather than a single large pool. The published spring information describes heating and circulation. Bath opening hours differ by facility, so the full selection should not be assumed to remain open late into the evening.

The kitchen also incorporates spring water into its cooking, an unusual link between the food and bathing sides of the stay. Matsukawa is a practical choice for visitors combining the surrounding mountains with time in the baths. Its appeal lies in that regional setting and the variety of bathing, rather than an especially elaborate service or design tradition.