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, 170 yen). From Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 (15 minutes, 170 yen).
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.
100 metres from Botchan Train Museum, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is around 1.9 km from Ishitegawa Park, 2.7 km from Matsuyama castle and 3 km from Joshin-ji Temple. The guest house has family rooms. At the guest house, all rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Popular points of interest near 3LDK Denchi include Okaido Shopping Street, Matsuyama Civic Center and The Museum of Art, Ehime. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
Boasting a 390-year history, Funaya offers hot-spring baths, a beautiful Japanese garden and a sauna. Just 200 metres from Dogo-Onsen Train Station, it provides traditional rooms with futon bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors. Each air-conditioned Japanese-room at Funaya Ryokan comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge and tea maker. The en suite bathroom has a bathtub and slippers. Isaniwa Shrine and Dogo Park are a 5-minute walk away, and Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum is a 10-minute walk. Matsuyama Castle is about 3 km away. The hotel is a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Train Station and a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport. On-site parking is free. Guests can relax and unwind with a massage, or enjoy with footbath within the hotelfs peaceful garden. Free wired internet access is provided in the lobby. Japanese cuisine is served at Aoigoke Restaurant, and tea and coffee can be enjoyed at Garden Terrace Komorebi.
Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring is set in Matsuyama, within 1.9 km of Matsuyama Civic Center and 2.1 km of Matsuyama castle. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Local points of interest like The Museum of Art, Ehime and Joshin-ji Temple are reachable within 2.1 km and 2.3 km, respectively. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Guests at Dormy Inn Matsuyama can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The wellness area at the accommodation is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Popular points of interest near Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring include Okaido Shopping Street, Botchan Train Museum and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 9 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.
Ideally set in the Dogo Hot Spring district of Matsuyama, DogoYaya is situated 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine and 1.4 km from Miyukiji Temple. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Buffet and ? la carte breakfast options are available each morning at DogoYaya. Matsuyama castle is 2.3 km from the accommodation, while Okaido Shopping Street is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 11 km from DogoYaya.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Comfort Hotel Matsuyama is situated in Matsuyama, less than 1 km from Okaido Shopping Street and an 11-minute walk from Matsuyama castle. 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. All units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Rooms include a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. The rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. A continental breakfast is available each morning at Comfort Hotel Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Museum of Art, Ehime, Matsuyama Civic Center and Botchan Train Museum. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from Comfort Hotel Matsuyama.
700 metres from Okaido Shopping Street, Hotel Taiyo Noen Nibancho is situated in Matsuyama and features air-conditioned rooms. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Taiyo Noen Nibancho include Ishitegawa Park, Botchan Train Museum and Matsuyama castle. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
Set in Matsuyama, 600 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Yamatoya Honten offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking and a bar. The property is around less than 1 km from Matsuyama Shrine, 1.8 km from Miyukiji Temple and 2.4 km from Matsuyama castle. The accommodation provides a hot spring bath, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. All rooms include a private bathroom, a bath and a hairdryer, and some units at the ryokan have a safety deposit box. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at Yamatoya Honten. Okaido Shopping Street is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Ishitegawa Park is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 12 km from Yamatoya Honten.
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido is situated in Matsuyama, 1.6 km from Matsuyama castle and 1.8 km from Matsuyama Civic Center. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Attractions in the area include The Museum of Art, Ehime, 2 km away, or Joshin-ji Temple, located 2.2 km from the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms at Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido have air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido include Okaido Shopping Street, Botchan Train Museum and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 9 km from the hotel.
