LOCAL TOUCH
by ALPSCITY pay

KIKUNO-YU
Owner: Toru KIKUCHI

Public bathhouse loved by locals for 100 years

#activity

Why don't you enjoy the public bathhouse called Sento in Matusmoto? Sento is a culture that originated when there were no bathhouses in Japanese households. You can enjoy bathing in the same big bathtub with local people. It is truly an experience with a local touch.

KIKUNO-YU, a public bathhouse, is a 13-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station. Founded 100 years ago, it has long been loved by the local community. The baths were originally started for craftsmen working in lumberyards. Since it became a public bathhouse, it has become a popular place for people in the neighborhood as well as mountain climbers.

Matsumoto is also known as the city of good water. Water springs out of the ground here and there throughout the city. This water is the underground water from the surrounding mountains. KIKUNO-YU's hot water is drawn from that spring water and boiled. It means you can enjoy the gifts of the mountains.

KIKUNO-YU is owned by Toru Kikuchi, who took over management of the bathhouse in 2020 from the previous owner, who was considering destroying the bathhouse. Mr. Kikuchi is the owner of the cafe across the street from KIKUNO-YU. Every day he watches the neighbors gather at KIKUNO-YU before it opens. He wanted to preserve this scene and this culture, so he took over the management of KIKUNO-YU.

KIKUNO-YU is a typical Japanese public bathhouse, with three different large bathtubs. There are many washbasins and shower heads. Bathrooms and locker rooms are separated by gender. The etiquette in Sento is to take a shower, wash yourself, and then get into the bathtubs. There is also a water bath. We recommend that you enjoy taking turns between the water bath and the hot water bathtub.

Don't worry if you don't have a towel. The Local Touch service includes high quality Japanese towel. Resting after bathing is also part of the Japanese Sento culture. Please lie down on the tatami mats in the rest area. After the bath you should taste the local drink.

You will see locals enjoying a chat here and there in KIKUNO-YU. You will see how the locals love public bathhouses and how they heal. Please share the same time and space with them.