Shoho ★★★★★

Located in the Utsukushigahara hot-spring area, Hotel Shoho offers Japanese and Western accommodation with mountain views. Guests can relax in the indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and request massages for an extra cost. A free shuttle is available from JR Matsumoto Train Station, which is a 20-minute drive away and runs on a fixed schedule.

The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge and a safety deposit box. Japanese Yukata robes and toothbrush set are provided, and the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can choose to stay in rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding or in rooms with Western-style beds.

For an extra cost, guests can use the private reservable hot-spring baths and sing at the karaoke rooms. Bicycles can be rented to travel around the area, while sauna rooms are on-site as well. Local products can be purchased at the souvenir shop and free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas.

Traditional multi-course meals are served for dinner and a Japanese/Western buffet for breakfast.

Shoho Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Matsumoto Castle and a 5-minute drive from Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum. Utsukushigahara Highlands are a 1-hour drive and Matsumoto Airport is a 30-minute drive away.