Dogo Onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen Honkan (“¹Œã‰·ò–{ŠÙ, Dōgo Onsen Honkan) is the symbol and main attraction of Dogo Onsen. The charismatic bath house was built in 1894 during the Meiji Period. Its wooden interior is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, usually bustling with activity by staff and guests. Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to have served as inspiration for the award-winning animated film "Spirited Away" by Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli.
The Honkan offers two gender-separated, old-fashioned public baths made of stone. The main bath is called Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods), while a second, smaller but more distinguished bath is called Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits). Large communal tatami rooms on the second floor and smaller private rooms on the third floor provide bathers with space to rest and enjoy a snack. A variety of admission plans provide visitors with varying levels of access to the Honkan's facilities (see details under Hours and Fees).
A special section of the Honkan, called Yushinden, was constructed and set aside for the Imperial Family's visit in 1899. Today, visitors can join a short guided tour of the Yushinden and view the facilities reserved for visiting emperors. These include a lavishly decorated room with a coffered ceiling, and a bath and toilet for the emperor's exclusive use. No emperor has actually used the Yushinden since 1952.
In a corner on the second floor, there is, furthermore, a small exhibition of historic documents related to Dogo Onsen, such as old admission tickets for the local baths, that include small pieces of wood (yufuda) used as tickets in the past. You may also notice some paintings and statues of a heron around the Honkan which are related to a legend in which a white heron's injured leg was healed by the local waters.
Getting there and around
Dogo Onsen Honkan is a four minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, the terminus of three tram lines. It can be reached from JR Matsuyama Station by tram line 5 in 20 minutes or from Matsuyama-shi Station by tram line 3 in 15 minutes.
How to get to and around Matsuyama
Hours and Fees
Several ticket options are offered for the bathhouse's two baths and various relaxation spaces: Kami no Yu is the larger bath and Tama no Yu is a smaller, more noble and less crowded bath.
Level 1:
700 yen, 6:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30)
Includes access to the Kami no Yu bath. Stay for up to 60 minutes.
Level 2:
1300 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:00)
Additionally includes access to a public tatami room on the second floor for relaxation. Stay for up to 60 minutes.
Level 3:
2000 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:00)
Additionally includes access to the Tama no Yu bath and a different public tatami room on the second floor for relaxation. Stay for up to 90 minutes.
Level 4:
2500 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entry until 20:30)
Additionally includes access to a private tatami room on the third floor for relaxation. Stay for up to 90 minutes.
Furthermore, there are two larger, private tatami rooms, which can be rented for higher fees and require advance reservations.
Tour of the Emperor's bathing facilities:
500 yen, 9:00 to 16:30
Guided tours of the Emperor's bathing facilities are held every 30 minutes.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Matsuyama
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Kowakuen HarukaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kowakuen Haruka in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony with garden or city views, ensuring a relaxing stay.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and a beautifully maintained garden. The property features a restaurant serving Asian cuisine in a family-friendly environment, complemented by free WiFi throughout.Convenient Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the ryokan is situated in a hot spring area. Nearby attractions include Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, providing easy access to local landmarks.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and delicious breakfast, Kowakuen Haruka ensures a memorable stay for all visitors. -
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Yamatoya BessoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Yamatoya Besso in Matsuyama offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden or city views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and work desk.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa and wellness centre, open-air bath, and sun terrace. Additional amenities include a hot tub, lounge, and public bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Dining Experience
A daily Asian breakfast is served, complemented by a variety of dining options. The on-site restaurant offers Japanese and Western cuisines, catering to diverse preferences.Convenient Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, Yamatoya Besso is situated in a hot spring area. Nearby attractions include Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle. -
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Cinnamon Guesthouse DogoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo in Matsuyama offers adults-only accommodation with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Each room features tatami floors and a seating area, ensuring a relaxing stay.Convenient Facilities
Guests can utilise the shared kitchen and enjoy amenities such as a shared bathroom and a seating area. The property also provides a quiet street view, enhancing the overall comfort.Prime Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the guest house is situated in a hot spring area. The surrounding area offers various attractions, including Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle.Exceptional Service
Highly rated by guests, the property is praised for its attentive host, convenient location, and excellent staff support. Reception staff speak English and Japanese, ensuring smooth communication. -
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Yamatoya HontenView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yamatoya Honten in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, free toiletries, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and public bath. Additional facilities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, coffee shop, full-day security, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Japanese cuisine at its restaurant and bar. Breakfast is highly praised by guests, and the attentive staff provide excellent service support.Convenient Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, Yamatoya Honten is situated in a hot spring area. Paid on-site private parking is available. -
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FunayaBoasting 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.View on Booking.com -
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DogoYayaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
DogoYaya in Matsuyama offers 4-star comfort with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a bath, bidet, and tatami floors.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Paid on-site private parking is available.Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast features local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits. Guests appreciate the quality and variety.Convenient Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport and near a hot spring area, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions. -
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3LDK DENCHI - Private Stay in Central MatsuyamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
3LDK DENCHI in Matsuyama offers spacious family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Each room includes a dining area, work desk, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.Essential Amenities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a private entrance. Additional facilities include a bath, tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, dining table, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, and kitchenware.Convenient Location
Located 6 km from Matsuyama Airport, the property is near a hot spring area. Reception staff speak English and Japanese, ensuring smooth communication.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, room comfort, and room size, 3LDK DENCHI provides a pleasant and memorable experience for all visitors. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel MatsuyamaDaiwa 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.View on Booking.com -
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Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot SpringView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe. Each room includes a work desk for added convenience.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, laundry service, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is provided by the property, highly appreciated by guests. Nearby shops enhance the convenient location.Location and Attractions
Located 8 km from Matsuyama Airport, the hotel is situated in a hot spring area. Guests can explore the surrounding attractions with ease. -
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Hotel Vista MatsuyamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Vista Matsuyama in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, sofa, and electric kettle.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a sofa bed and a work desk.Dining Options
The hotel serves American and Asian breakfasts with local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits.Convenient Location
Located 8 km from Matsuyama Airport and near a hot spring area, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location, sightseeing opportunities, and public transport options.
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