15 Best Hotels & Ryokan For a Memorable Trip to Dogo Onsen

Ehime Dogo onsen, a famous hot spring in Matsuyama City, has a history of approximately 3,000 years. It is one of the most popular areas in Shikoku, with easy access from major spots such as airports and train stations. Dogo onsen is said to have opened in 1000 B.C. and is one of the "Three Oldest Hot Springs in Japan" along with Arima onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Shirahama onsen in Wakayama Prefecture.

Dogo onsen is not only attractive as onsen, but also has many attractions as a tourist destination! Needless to say, the Dogo onsen Honkan, the nostalgic Botchan Train, and the fun-filled Dogo Haikara Dori (Dogo Shopping Street) are full of highlights.

Matsuyama's famous hot spring, Dogo onsen, has been loved by representatives of the Japanese literary world, such as Soseki Natsume and Shiki Masaoka. Here are some recommended ryokan and hotels where you can fully enjoy Dogo onsen.

Founded in the early Edo period, Dogo Onsen Funaya is a long-established ryokan that represents Dogo onsen. It has been loved by many people, including intellectuals and politicians of the Meiji era. About 200 kinds of plants grow in the well-maintained garden of 1,500 tsubo, and time passes by calmly. There is also a footbath, so it would be nice to take a break between walks.

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The room where Emperor Showa stayed in in 1950 has now been relocated and is open to the public as an ``exhibition room.'' The Western-style room, with its mantelpiece, stained glass, and chandelier, conveys the atmosphere of the time, and is sure to lull you into a glamorous mood.

There are a total of 12 types of guest rooms, and you can choose from a Japanese-style room, a Western-style room, or a Japanese-Western style room depending on how you spend your time. Would you like to stay in a Japanese-style room like a onsen trip? Would you like to have a Western-style room for your comfort? You can't miss the Japanese-Western style room, which has good points.

Among the many types of guest rooms, we recommend the special Japanese-Western room “Ai”. Ceramic artist Yuki Hayama makes the entire room a work of art, creating a dynamic art space. Dogo onsen actually has an aspect of an art town. It seems to be the best experience to be able to experience it in your room ♩

In the public bath, you can enjoy Dogo onsen with 100% source. “Hinokiyu” is a bathtub that uses ancient cypress lavishly, and “Mikageyu” is a bathtub that uses a lot of Iyo Oshima stone. Both of these large public baths have open-air baths, and they are switched between morning and evening, so please use them as many times as you like at different times of the day.

"Yamatoya Honten" combines the beauty of Japan with heartfelt hospitality and hotel-like service. This is ryokan where you can feel the warm hospitality of the guests everywhere. The traditional Sukiya-zukuri building has a rustic yet relaxing atmosphere. While gazing at the scenery of the beautiful courtyard, take care of your tired body and mind.

There are lots of fun facilities inside the hotel. One of them is that there is a Noh stage inside the facility. When meal at the 4th floor restaurant ``Matsukaze,'' you can see the Noh stage ``Senjuden.'' All of the dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients from Setouchi are said to be delicious. I would like to enjoy a calm adult dinner while looking at the tranquil stage.

After enjoying the onsen indoor bath and rustic rock open-air bath in the luxurious large public bath that draws the same hot water as the Dogo Onsen Honkan, be sure to head to the Yamato Yatai rest area after the bath. There is a sake bar and a candy bar here, and you can enjoy all the alcohol and sweets in the stall for free.

There are two types of guest rooms to choose from: Sukiya-style Japanese-style rooms and modern Western-style rooms. However, the one we recommend is the "Semi-Suite Japanese-style Room," which boasts a standard area of 45 square meters. You can feel the refined beauty of Japan in every corner of the room, without any extravagant decorations.

"Yamatoya Besso" is a hidden inn for grown-ups that stands quietly in a corner of a bustling onsen town. The inn, which was established in 1937, is decorated with the works of famous haiku poets such as Shiki Masaoka and Kyoshi Takahama, giving it a stately atmosphere. At this inn, you can experience ryokan culture that has become rare these days. Let's enjoy the old-fashioned ryokan culture at your leisure, where a room attendant will come to your room, serve you meal and prepare your bedding.

There are three types of guest rooms: rooms with open-air baths, Japanese-Western rooms, and Japanese-style rooms. The interior, decorated with seasonal flowers and luxurious furniture, is a relaxing space. The onsen source is drawn into either the open-air bath or the indoor bath, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. It's a nice touch that there are two yukatas, one for walking outside and one for sleeping.

All rooms have onsen baths, but since it's a big deal, you can also use the large public bath. There is a garden open-air bath where you can relax in the nature of the four seasons and the sun filtering through the trees, and a large indoor bath made of granite, creating an open and very comfortable space. After enjoying plenty of onsen, have a blissful moment with free draft beer. There are also after-bath ice creams, so it's perfect for cool-down time while chatting.

The fact that meal can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own room is a unique feature of this ryokan culture. You can enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine that allows you to fully enjoy the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea and the Uwa Sea. Breakfast is also in-room dining, so you don't have to worry about getting up in your morning clothes.

``Chanoyu'' and ``Chagaru,'' each character taken from the cloisonné ``Hari'' and ``Ruri''. This inn has a very high reputation among the many inns in Dogo onsen, which shines with refined sense and hospitality like jewels. It stands in a good location right behind onsen main building.

A high-class chaharu that combines the best of both Japanese and Western, ryokan and hotel. You can spend a luxurious time here. At the restaurant "LA CUISINE JAPONAISE Glass" located in the English Garden, we recommend a window seat with a view of the garden.

The pride of the inn is the first rooftop open onsen air bath in Dogo Onsen. Because it is located in a high place in Dogo onsen, it is the best environment to see Matsuyama Castle and Mt. Ishizuchi while enjoying the open atmosphere. Furthermore, in the women's rooftop tub bath, a rose bath is also held from the evening on Saturdays and Sundays. Let's relax with gorgeous scent and beautiful appearance♪

There are Japanese-style rooms (8 tatami mats, 10 tatami mats, 12 tatami mats), Western-style rooms, modern Japanese rooms, and executive suites, so you can choose according to your travel style. The Executive Suite is especially recommended. Of course, it's 60 square meters, but it's worth mentioning that items from the popular Nordic brand "Marimekko" are scattered about! It seems that you will want to take a lot of pictures with a gorgeous fabric that will brighten your mood.

“Dogokan” was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, a world-renowned Japanese architect. The unique shape of the building exudes sophisticated beauty and a rich atmosphere. There is a waterfall in the center of the lobby, which is designed in the image of an Edo period storehouse! Please enjoy an extraordinary time in a space that makes you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

There are six types of guest rooms: "Standard Japanese-style room", "Room with open-air bath", "Top floor room", "Japanese-Western room", "VIP room", and "Western room", so you can choose according to the number of people in your group and your budget. The photo above is of a "Top floor Japanese-Western room".

After passing through a space full of atmosphere called "Yukemuri no Michi", you will be able to enjoy the large public bath. The onsen water, which is 100% drawn from Dogo Onsen, can be expected to have various effects, such as recovery from fatigue and improvement in sensitivity to cold. Soothe your mind and body by soaking in a variety of baths, including hot water, lukewarm water, cascading water, sleeping baths, and open-air baths.

The authentic kaiseki cuisine, which focuses on seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and local produce, is a feast for the eyes and the tongue.

For adult travelers who want to enjoy Dogo's uniqueness, "Chaharu Dogo Yumekura" is also recommended. The good location, which is next to onsen main building, is also attractive. Three times a day, at 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00, you can hear the sounds of the drums beaten from Shinrokaku in the Dogo onsen Honkan. You can feel the atmosphere of onsen only in this location.

Each guest room has a different concept, and each room has its own theme, such as Hana-an, Chiku-an, and Tsuki-an, all of which are attractive. Just like in the room, the bathroom also expresses that view of the world, allowing you to spend a more relaxing time. The towels provided are Imabari towels, a towel brand from Ehime that is popular all over the world! Once you use it, it has an outstanding texture that will make you captivated.

Another great feature is that they use Ehime specialties that give a sense of warmth, such as Uchiko and Isozaki washi, Kikuma tiles, and Tobe ware. The interior is filled with things unique to Ehime, which will liven up your travel spirit.

meal are served at the restaurant "Quatre-Cinq" on the 2nd floor. Ehime's delicacies are fully used in creative French cuisine that is not bound by traditional Japanese techniques. There is also a pairing course where you can enjoy wine that goes well with each dish, so if you like alcohol, why not try it?

Bettei Oborozukiyo is perfect for those who want to enjoy a high-quality trip that focuses on total relaxation. Although the price is a little high, it is popular among people who want to enjoy a higher-onsen trip to Dogo Onsen because they can spend time "getting back to their true selves," which is also the concept of the inn.

There are 19 guest rooms in total. All of them have an open-air bath, and the luxury of spending your own onsen time is waiting for you. The interior has a stylish atmosphere that perfectly blends Japanese and Western styles. All rooms are suites and have excellent functionality, so we recommend you to take the plunge and enjoy a longer stay.

The size of the outdoor bath "Dogo Ochaya" in the detached room is also a masterpiece. Since the number of guests is small, it is not often crowded. You will be able to relax both physically and mentally by soaking in the hot onsen here. The time changes, so please enjoy both the rock open-air bath and the cypress open-air bath.

By all means, head to the lobby lounge before dinner. You can enjoy free drinks such as draft beer and coffee. The restaurant "Twenty-three nights" where you can have dinner is a space where you can enjoy completely private rooms. The monthly kaiseki ryori, which features the delicacies of Ehime's mountains and seas, is brought to you one by one so that you can enjoy hot items warm and cold items cold. In front of beautiful dishes, conversation with lovers and friends seems to be lively.

Good location, about 3 minutes walk to onsen Onsen Main Building. ``Warm Yado Taniya'' is an old folk house-style ryokan where you can spend a relaxing time, with a homely atmosphere that makes you feel warm. The guest rooms are small with only 6 rooms. As it is smaller than Dogo onsen, the service and hospitality are excellent. The somewhat nostalgic atmosphere that wafts through the Japanese-style room is a great way to relax.

All three baths are private, so you don't have to worry about it, including a tile bath with the Matsuyama city flower, camellia, on the wall, and a bath made of oil stones from the Ishite River. Although there are 6 rooms in total, there are 3 private baths, so it seems that each group can use it at least 3 times. The smooth onsen water unique to Dogo Onsen is 100% flowing 24 hours a day, so you can always enjoy fresh water.

Before dinner, how about taking a break in the unique book library with an aquarium? A wide variety of creatures are swimming in the aquarium, and you will be healed by the sight of them. More than 700 books can be brought into the room and read, so please look for your favorite book.

Dinner can be served at the meal "Takeshi". A sense of happiness awaits you as you enjoy fresh seasonal produce such as home-grown vegetables and fresh fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea in the morning. In particular, firm seafood such as juicy sea bream, yellowtail, sticky octopus, and small fish from the Seto Inland Sea are an unforgettable taste that you'll never forget. Enjoy it with both your eyes and your tongue.

“Dogo Miyu” has an open-air bath with Dogo onsen in all rooms and a view terrace overlooking Matsuyama Castle. This is an inn for adults, where elementary school students and younger cannot stay, with the concept of "modern hot spring cure". Why don't you regain the right balance of mind and body that has been disturbed in the hectic days by staying at this inn and spending a peaceful time?

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There are four types of rooms: "Suite with Open-air Bath," "Deluxe with Open-air Bath," "Premier with Open-air Bath," and "Superior with Open-air Bath. All rooms are a fusion of modern and Japanese styles, providing a relaxing and calm atmosphere. The rooms are simple and minimalist, furnished with high-quality furniture and a variety of special amenities to ensure that guests can spend a relaxing stay. Dogo Miyu Please just relax in a yukata decorated with the symbol of the "Tachibana" tree, the symbol of the "Tachibana" culture.

Enjoy the luxury of soaking in Dogo hot springs anytime in the open-air baths provided in all rooms. The cityscape of Matsuyama, including Matsuyama Castle, can be seen below. Enjoy Dogo onsen in three bathtubs: the spacious bathtub in your room, the open-air observation bath, and the onsen main building, which is about a 3-minute walk away. The room is fully equipped with toiletries, lotion sets, and towels, as well as safe Imabari towels and support after taking a bath.

``Dogo Onsen Katsuragi Koto onsen'' is an authentic ryokan that is particular about wood and onsen springs. Domestic trees, mainly cypress and cedar, taken from the mountains of Ehime are used throughout the facility, and you can enjoy the beautification of the trees over time. By learning about the taste that you cannot get from mass-produced and mass-consumed products, it may give you a good insight into your future.

Another specialty of the inn is onsen. At this inn, you can enjoy the unrefined "raw water" of the source. All guest rooms are filled with this unbaked hot water, so you can enjoy the blessings of nature more directly in your room whenever you like. Imabari towels are used not only for bath towels, but also for bathrobes. It looks like it will be a stay where you can appreciate the blessings of nature.

There are only 10 rooms in total, so you can relax quietly at your own pace without worrying about other people. Moreover, since it is at least 57 square meters, even if you stay with your lover or friends, you can secure time to spend together doing what you like. The luxurious "Harare Emitei Nureha", the maisonette "Villa Maisonette Moegi", the sky-viewing "Villa Garden Suite Akane", and the standard "Villa Type Kohaku". Now, which one do you prefer?

"Hotel Kowakuen Haruka", which has the concept of "friendly to people and the environment", is an eco-friendly ZEB hotel that considers the people of the future. We are working to reduce greenhouse gases by using environmentally friendly natural gas. If you use the hotel guest elevator, you can access Dogo onsen Main Building and Haikara Street in about 1 minute on foot, making it the perfect hotel for walking around Dogo onsen.

There are 10 types of guest rooms including standard, superior, and suite. All of them combine the relaxation of a onsen ryokan with the comfort of a hotel stay, making them extremely comfortable. The important sleeping environment to soothe the fatigue of your journey is perfect with a Serta mattress and high-quality duveiner from Maruhachi Mawata. With this, you can sleep properly and feel refreshed ♩

onsen is at the Observation Large Public Bath Haruka no Yu. In addition to indoor onsen, there are open-air baths and sleeping baths in the large public baths where you can see Dogo Onsen Main Building, Matsuyama Castle, and Matsuyama City, so you can fully enjoy the hot waters of Dogo. There is also a massage chair in the relaxing area after the bath. Choosing this hotel, which is perfect as a base for your trip, is also connected to the earth... Why don't you stay at such a win-win "Hotel Kowakuen Haruka" and enjoy Dogo onsen?

“Hanayuzuki” is a popular inn in Dogo onsen, where you can spend your time more like a ryokan. The atrium that extends all the way to the 11th floor and the see-through elevator provide a sense of openness. There are also many colorful yukatas that are sure to please women, so why not take a walk around the onsen town in Dogo in a cute and stylish way?

From the rooftop observation open-air bath on the 11th floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Dogo cityscape. Even though the scenery changes from morning to night, the beauty at dusk is exceptional. The indescribable scenery will make you feel purified...♡

There are 43 guest rooms in total. The room is decorated with a unique Japanese paper art that combines Ehime's specialty, Ikazaki Japanese paper, and French traditional technique, gilding, and its beauty will enchant you. Even the standard Japanese-style room has a modern atmosphere, so you can spend a comfortable time.

For meal, we offer a wide selection of luxurious dishes made with high-quality ingredients such as the local specialty, Iyo beef. The many dishes where you can enjoy the deliciousness of the ingredients are so beautiful that they look great in photos and are a feast for the eyes.

Dogo Yamanote Hotel is a sophisticated European-style hotel based on the concept of "Old England." Located on a hill next to the main building of onsen Onsen, you will find a stylish space that stands out even in the onsen town. There is also a garden, cafe, and museum on the premises, so you can spend an elegant time here.

There are 70 rooms in total, and there are 4 types in total: "semi-double", "double", "twin" and "executive". With an old European style interior, each room has a different antique interior and wallpaper with an atmosphere, creating a wonderful space. From check-in at 13:00 to check-out at 12:00 the next day, you can stay for up to 23 hours, so if you're a girls' trip, you'll be able to have a girls' party in your room.

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In the evening, a creative French dinner using seasonal ingredients from Setouchi awaits you. Accompanying this is a selection of over 1,000 types of wines from around the world. We also prepare message plates and cakes, and decorate your room with balloons, so we recommend using them for important anniversaries.

Hotel Tsubakikan is a charming hotel with a retro atmosphere reminiscent of the Meiji era. The atrium lobby has large windows and a delicate framework, and the design is reminiscent of the time of civilization. The staff who welcomes you is dressed in a hakama of Yagasuri. It looks like Madonna from "Botchan".

The guest rooms are mainly simple Japanese-style rooms with a calm atmosphere, and there are various types such as special rooms with rock baths and modern Japanese-Western style rooms. You can choose according to your budget and number of people, so you can enjoy your hotel stay in your own style.

The entrance to the public bath on the 2nd floor is a stately gate that resembles the main building of onsen Onsen. It will make you feel like you are in a hot onsen. The large communal bath is made of granite, and the open-air bath is surrounded by a Japanese garden, both of which are full of atmosphere. In addition, the hotel's original yukata is also available, so you can enjoy a tasteful walk around after taking a bath.

For dinner, you can choose between a buffet or a kaiseki meal. Particularly recommended is the buffet served at Restaurant Buffet TSUBAKI. We offer a wide variety of menu items, including freshly grilled steaks. Of course, there are also sweets that are perfect for women.After the meal, there will be an impressive Suigun Taiko show in the lobby. It's a huge hit with both adults and children, so please come and give it a try. However, please note that the show may be closed on some days.

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"Sachiya" is located in the middle of Haikara-dori, and is only a minute's walk from onsen Onsen Honkan. It's not big, but it's a reasonably priced inn with excellent cost performance.

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The guest rooms are small, with only 7 rooms in total, all located at the back of the alley. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a quiet moment. Due to the small number of guest rooms, the hotel offers excellent hospitality, and many customers are so moved by the warmth that they become repeat guests.

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The highlight is this large bath! You can enjoy the same soft water as the onsen Onsen main building, 100% directly from the source. What's more, it can be reserved for private use after 8:00 pm, so it's great for couples. It is a service full of charm that can only be found in a small inn. If you would like one, please ask at the front desk.

source:Contribution of Hakuna Matata

At dinner, prepared by a highly skilled chef, you can enjoy creative kaiseki cuisine that lets you enjoy the deliciousness of locally sourced ingredients, such as ``Himetai Kabuto-ni'', ``Himetai Usuzukuri'', and ``Iyo Beef Loin Steak''. . The luxurious meal that complement your onsen trip will fill your heart and stomach♪

Dogo onsen is a town where many inns are concentrated around the historic Dogo onsen Main Building, which makes you feel as if you have wandered into the world of the masterpiece "Botchan". While enjoying your stay at a wonderful inn, please enjoy walking around like Madonna.