Following the revitalization projects in Japan, where some spots of a town is upgraded to a modern touch keeping the old architecture, and making some to accommodation and cafes. Found Matsumoto Jujo that is a historic hot spring complex in Asama Onsen, Nagano.
It's like a combination of restoration and renovation with respect to the old and new era coexist in layers. They have blended a traditional ryokan culture with modern design and amenities.
Alps Bakery
I just came straight from Kawasaki and was looking for food, too bad that the restaurants in the area were closed. I bought some pastries, but the bakery is just for take out. The empty seats nearby the bakery is not used for dining.
There were beans, coffee, locally made items, and small market shop inside the place.
Thankfully, there were some empty dining tables outside the hotel.
Matsumoto Honbako
I've been including libraries during my visit to Japan. But instead of library, I found this picturesque bookstore. The area is part of the hotel facility for their guests, but offers limited entry to customers between 12nn to 4pm. You need to pre-register before your visit. And also be reminded to limit your stay within one hour.
Matsumoto Honbako is a bookstore based on the concept of "encountering new knowledge." The store is divided into five areas: "The Path of Books," "Gensen Honbako," "Adults' Bookshelf," "Children's Bookshelf," and "367." The selection criteria is "books that allow you to experience worlds you didn't know existed." They stock approximately 10,000 books, mainly photobooks, art books, essays, and introductory books that serve as gateways to knowledge and interest.
Reminder to remove your shoes before proceeding past the red carpet. They provide traditional wooden slippers, but you can walk around with your socks on.
Below covers are those of I like:
1st: Tsundoku: unread books are far more valuable than read ones
2nd: Reminds me of Wisteria Tunnel in Kawachi Fujien
3rd: Reminds of Malmo and Lund in Sweden
4th: I have visited minä perhonen museum in Taki, Mie, Japan
Among the books I browsed, my favourite would be "Library Architecture in Nordic Countries".
- The Old University Library in (Copenhagen) - Arrived few minutes before closing time and missed to enter on my last night in Copenhagen in 2025
- Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library (Copenhagen) - Visited in 2019. I was there roaming around the shelves of books while supporting a priority-1 ticket which got resolved in 2 hours.
- Malmo City Library (Sweden) - Visited in 2019
- Tromsø Public Library (Norway) - This is the pick-up point we had before the aurora chasing. The following day, I have visited and browsed on some of their collection.
- Bergen Public Library (Norway) - I can't remember if this was mentioned in the book, but was also visited in 2025.
The other book "Beautiful cafe floor plans", reminds of Starbucks Design book. (Sharing some Starbucks Japan we have visited).
These simple drawing/painting covers caught my attention.
The next theme room are with children's books. But what's more interesting is it has the old onsen-vibes. You can still see the faucets. The lamp looks like basins. The pool is filled with white balls.
Among the rooms, this is my favorite. It has capsule rooms where you can rest and read books. There are even towels and sinks around this room.
The last room I would say gives the illusion of towering height of books, due to mirror ceiling. The center pool has cushions and pillows to give visitors rest. This room has more English books where I found some Picasso books. But due to limited time, I have to leave the place.
It's so wonderful to experience curated bookshops. Where book selection are handled by book directors and their team.
In the end, I truly appreciate spending time in this curated bookshop.
Matsumoto Bookstore is a bookstore, not a library. You are free to browse the books on display, but please treat them with care as they are for sale. Put books back where you found them.
367 – Sanrokunana Dining
Near the lobby, you can also find a restaurant where breakfast is serve for the guests. And dinner starting at 5pm is by reservation. It off-service during my visit.
Hotel Matsumoto Honbako and Hotel Koyanagi
If you have the budget to stay on this place, try their onsen accommodation. (Sharing the other onsen areas we tried in Japan.)
Based on their website, projects like this are with public funding, but Matsumoto Jujo is a completely private-sector project. It is not just a hotel revitalization project, but also aims to invigorate the surrounding area.
Hope they reach the point that the service is more welcoming and able to promote the offsite cafes they are supporting along with the hotel facility.
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