Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa メルキュール長野松代リゾート＆スパ 長野松代美居溫泉度假酒店

Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa is an onsen resort hotel located in the Matsushiro area in southern Nagano City, just about two minutes by car from the Nagano IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Despite its quiet, mountain-surrounded setting, the hotel operates a complimentary shuttle from Nagano Station, making it a convenient base for exploring major sightseeing areas such as Zenkoji Temple, the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Obuse, Hakuba, Matsumoto, and Karuizawa.

Formerly known as Royal Hotel Nagano, the property has been refreshed under the Accor “Mercure” brand while retaining the expansive scale of the original resort. The interior incorporates motifs inspired by the mountains and natural landscapes of Shinshu, and guests can enjoy views toward the Northern Alps from the lobby and lounge. The hotel combines the calming atmosphere of the historic castle town of Matsushiro with excellent accessibility thanks to its proximity to the expressway.

Guest rooms come in a wide variety—Western-style, Japanese-style, and Japanese-Western hybrids—all offering a generous 35 sqm or more. Standard Classic Twin rooms are around 35 sqm, with some layouts allowing up to five guests using a sofa bed. Corner rooms and larger double-bed rooms range from roughly 40 to over 50 sqm, providing ample space for families or groups. All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, in-room safe, and washlet toilet.

The onsen draws from Matsushiro Onsen, a sodium-chloride hot spring historically associated with Takeda Shingen. Its tea-colored mineral-rich waters are known for warming the body deeply and helping prevent post-bath chills. The bathing area includes an indoor bath (heated water) and an open-air rock bath featuring Matsushiro Onsen water. A sauna and cold bath are also available, making the facilities suitable for alternating hot-cold bathing. After bathing, guests can relax at the “Onsen Lounge,” where local teas and amazake are served.

Dining focuses on buffet restaurants offering a mix of Japanese and Western dishes incorporating Shinshu ingredients and regional specialties. Dinner buffets feature live-kitchen stations, hot dishes, salads, appetizers, and desserts in a format suitable for all ages. Breakfast includes breads, egg dishes, salads, rice and miso soup, Japanese side dishes, yogurt, and fruit—ideal for starting a day of sightseeing or business travel.

A major feature of the hotel is its all-inclusive system. Many plans include dinner, breakfast, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the lounge, light snacks, access to the large baths, and selected activities. Lounge access is included for all guest rooms, with sparkling wine, beer, wine, coffee, juice, and herbal water available depending on the time of day. This setup makes it easy to relax within the hotel without worrying about extra charges after check-in.

Facilities are extensive, including restaurants, lounges, a bar lounge, shop, game corner, karaoke rooms, and banquet/meeting halls—reflecting the scale of its former resort hotel era. The property also supports group stays, training trips, and sports camps. Nearby, guests can enjoy local experiences such as soba-making, oyaki-making, and pottery workshops, adding a “Shinshu-flavored” component to the stay.

For access by car, the hotel is located about one kilometer from the Nagano IC, making arrival smooth and straightforward. A large outdoor parking lot is available on-site and accommodates oversized vehicles. While parking is currently complimentary, policies may change, so checking the latest information in advance is recommended. For public transport users, the hotel’s free shuttle from JR Nagano Station is the most convenient option, though local bus routes combined with a short walk are also possible.

Nearby attractions include the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Sanada Residence, and the Zozan Underground Bunker—sites rich in samurai and wartime history. With a short drive, guests can access Zenkoji Temple, the Togakushi area, Obuse, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, and Kamikochi, making the property a convenient base for road trips around Nagano Prefecture.

With spacious rooms, the mineral-rich waters of Matsushiro Onsen, expansive facilities, and an all-inclusive lounge and buffet system, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa suits travelers who want to explore Shinshu by car, enjoy both history and hot springs, or simply relax in a resort without worrying about extra costs during their stay.