Dogo Onsen (“¹Œã‰·ò, Dōgo Onsen) is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, located to the east of central Matsuyama. The area is popular with tourists for its beautiful bath house and many ryokan. Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan's most prestigious guests, the Imperial Family.
The main attraction in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away".
The Dogo Onsen area also features many other attractions such as a shopping arcade, the secondary bath house Asuka no Yu, interesting temples and shrines, Dogo Park and a museum about Masaoka Shiki, one of Matsuyama's most celebrated figures. Ryokan guests often walk around the streets in their yukata, giving the onsen town a very pleasant atmosphere.
Hours: 6:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30) Admission: 420 yen
The Honkan has two indoor baths: Kami no Yu is the larger public bath and Tama no Yu is the smaller, more noble and less crowded bath. Four different options provide visitors with varying levels of access to the Honkan's facilities, with some price plans including a snack and some green tea. Visitors on the highest price level can view the exclusive bathing facility reserved for visiting emperors.
Hours: 6:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30) Admission: from 610 yen
Located about 100 meters away from the Honkan stands Dogo Onsen's newest bath house, Asuka no Yu. Opened in 2017, it is a tastefully designed, modern version of the Honkan, offering similar visiting plans from simply using the bath to the additional use of private rooms and a private bath at additional costs. In between is the pleasant plan that allows visitors to relax and drink tea in a large tatami room on the second floor after taking a bath.
Tsubaki no Yu
Hours: 6:30 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30) Admission: 400 yen
Tsubaki no Yu ("Camellia Bath") is another public bath house that stands just next to Asuka no Yu. Dating from the 1980s, it offers simple, gender-separated indoor baths and the same hot spring water as the Honkan.
Dogo Onsen Station
Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station is a nice representation of Meiji Period architecture. It serves as the terminal station to three tram lines. A "Botchan" steam locomotive is often exhibited in front of it.
Botchan Karakuri Clock
Clock chimes every 30-60 minutes from 8:00 to 22:00 Foot bath can be used from 6:00 to 23:00
The Botchan Karakuri Clock near the station plays music on the hour whilst figurines of characters from the famous novel "Botchan" come to life. Next to the clock stands a foot bath free for all to enjoy.
Shopping Arcade
Hours: varies by shop, typically from 9:00 to 22:00 Closed: varies by shop from no closing days to one per month or week, typically Tuesday or Wednesday
An approximately 250 meter long, covered shopping arcade connects Dogo Onsen Honkan with Dogo Onsen Station. The arcade is filled with stores selling local specialties, gifts and snacks. Most shops here open into the night and the shopping street remains lively with strolling visitors and ryokan guests in their yukata.
Shiki Memorial Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November to April) Admission ends 30 minutes before closing Admission: 400 yen Closed: Most Tuesdays
The Shiki Memorial Museum displays information on one of Matsuyama's most well-known sons, Masaoka Shiki, who introduced modern haiku poetry. Shiki's works of poems and paintings, as well as materials documenting his life are presented.
Dogo Park
Dogo Park occupies the former grounds of a castle. Today, only the moats and barely noticeable castle ruins remain, and Dogo Park is better known as a great cherry blossom spot in spring. The spacious park offers wide lawns which are ideal for picnics and barbecue parties.
Ishiteji is Matsuyama's most famous temple, located a short bus ride or 20 minute walk from central Dogo Onsen. On its spacious grounds stand several temple buildings, a three-storied pagoda and a temple gate that is a designated national treasure. Ishiteji also has a cave that leads to a somewhat bizarre secondary temple complex.
Isaniwa Shrine
Hours: 5:00 to 19:00 (6:00 to 18:00 during winter) Admission: Free
Isaniwa Shrine is located about 200 meters east of Dogo Onsen Station. A tall flight of stairs lead to the shrine, which is constructed of the traditional Hachiman architectural style. In this style, the shrine consists of two halls whose roofs are connected with each other, essentially forming a single building. Sheltered corridors and vermillion pillars and walls are also a feature of this style.
Getting there and around
Dogo Onsen Honkan is a four minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, the terminus of three tram lines. From JR Matsuyama Station, take tram line 5 (20 minutes, 180 yen). From Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 (15 minutes, 180 yen).
Set in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Dogo Miyu offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 4-star ryokan offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is situated 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units feature a wardrobe. Dogo Miyu offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Miyukiji Temple is 1.4 km from the accommodation, while Matsuyama castle is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Dogo Miyu.
Open from 2015, Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo offers female only and mixed dormitory rooms with free WiFi. Dogo Onsen Station is a 4-minute walk away. Each bunk bed in the dormitory rooms come with a curtain to secure your privacy. Bathroom facilities and toilets are shared with other guests. Guests can cook their own meals in the shared kitchen with free-use kitchenware and seasonings. There is also a bar on the ground floor. There is no laundry facility on site, however, guests can take a 10-minute stroll to a nearby public coin launderette. The nearest super market is a 5-minute walk away, while the nearest convenience store is just a 2-minute walk from Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo. The property is a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Tourist Port. Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute train ride away.
Situated in Matsuyama and with Joshin-ji Temple reachable within 500 metres, Kowakuen Haruka features a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All rooms at the ryokan come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. All rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature city views. At Kowakuen Haruka the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Buffet and Asian breakfast options are available each morning at the accommodation. Kowakuen Haruka offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the ryokan, while Miyukiji Temple is a 17-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Kowakuen Haruka.
Featuring 1-star accommodation, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama, 100 metres from Botchan Train Museum and less than 1 km from Yasaka Temple. This 1-star guest house offers luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Matsuyama Civic Center. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at the guest house also have free WiFi. At 3LDK Denchi all rooms have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Matsuyama Station. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from 3LDK Denchi.
Set in Matsuyama and with Joshin-ji Temple reachable within 600 metres, Yamatoya Honten offers a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. The ryokan provides some units that feature a safety deposit box, and all rooms include a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at Yamatoya Honten. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from Yamatoya Honten, while Miyukiji Temple is a 19-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from the ryokan.
Situated in the popular Dogo Hot Spring area, Onsen Ryokan Dougoya provides traditional Japanese-style accommodation with natural a hot spring bath and a lovely garden. Free WiFi is available in guest rooms. The ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from famous Dogo Hot Spring Bathhouse. It is a 8-minute walk from Dogo Onsen tram stop, which is an 18-minute ride away from JR Matsuyama Station. Iconic Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute tram and a 5-minute lift ride away. Each room at Dogoya is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. Private rooms feature a low table and seating cushions. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. Two 24-hour shower rooms are available on site. Free toiletries and free towel rental are available in the hot spring bath and shower. Private use of public hot spring bath is available during limited hours. Guests can relax in the common room with a flat-screen TV. Free luggage storage and a free safety deposit box to store valuables is available.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring is set in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Yasaka Temple and 60 metres from Okaido Shopping Street. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Botchan Train Museum, Matsuyama Civic Center and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring.
Situated 600 metres from Botchan Train Museum, Comfort Hotel Matsuyama offers 3-star accommodation in Matsuyama and has free bikes. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Comfort Hotel Matsuyama rooms include bed linen and towels. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Comfort Hotel Matsuyama include Matsuyama Civic Center, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 7 km from the hotel.
Featuring 4-star accommodation, DogoYaya is situated in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple and 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine. With a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms at DogoYaya are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. A buffet, ? la carte or Asian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Staff at the accommodation are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Miyukiji Temple is 1.3 km from DogoYaya, while Matsuyama castle is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from the hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama offers accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Botchan Train Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms at the japanese-style business hotel feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, Yasaka Temple and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8.5 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama.
