Dogo Onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen Honkan (道後温泉本館, 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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Cinnamon Guesthouse DogoOpen 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 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.View on Booking.com -
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Kowakuen HarukaSituated in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Kowakuen Haruka offers accommodation with an open-air bath, private parking and a garden. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The accommodation features a hot spring bath, public bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. At the ryokan, units have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. The units are fitted with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature garden views. At the ryokan, units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Buffet and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fruits are available each morning at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at Kowakuen Haruka. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Miyukiji Temple is a 17-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Kowakuen Haruka.View on Booking.com -
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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 hotel’s 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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CHAHARU Hanare Dogo YumekuraSituated within less than 1 km of Joshin-ji Temple and a 13-minute walk of Matsuyama Shrine, CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Matsuyama. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The ryokan offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with slippers, a hair dryer and bidet. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Miyukiji Temple is 1.6 km from the ryokan, while Ishitegawa Park is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Vista MatsuyamaHotel Vista Matsuyama features accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Matsuyama Civic Center. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 300 metres from Okaido Shopping Street. 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 Hotel Vista Matsuyama the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers an American or Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Vista Matsuyama include Yasaka Temple, Botchan Train Museum and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Yamatoya HontenSet in Matsuyama, 600 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Yamatoya Honten provides accommodation with a hot spring bath, a public bath and an open-air bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. The ryokan offers some units that feature a safety deposit box, and units are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop and bar. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the ryokan, while Miyukiji Temple is a 19-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Yamatoya Honten.View on Booking.com -
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Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot SpringDormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring features rooms in Matsuyama near Matsuyama Civic Center and The Museum of Art, Ehime. 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, a hairdryer 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 Yasaka Temple, Okaido Shopping Street and Botchan Train Museum. Matsuyama Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com -
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REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELSFeaturing 4-star accommodation, REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS is situated in Matsuyama, 300 metres from Botchan Train Museum and 600 metres from Matsuyama Civic Center. The property is around 1.1 km from Okaido Shopping Street, 2 km from Matsuyama castle and 2.6 km from Ishitegawa Park. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, all rooms at REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms are fitted with a seating area. At the accommodation the rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near the hotel include The Museum of Art, Ehime, Matsuyama Station and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS.View on Booking.com -
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DougoyaSituated 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. Only those who have booked the "Private Hot Spring Plan" can use the hot spring water directly from the source exclusively for the time indicated on the plan.View on Booking.com -
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3LDK DenchiFeaturing 3-star accommodation, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama, less than 1 km from Yasaka Temple and a 10-minute walk from Okaido Shopping Street. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Botchan Train Museum is 100 metres away. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a kettle. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Matsuyama Civic Center, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Matsuyama Station. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from 3LDK Denchi.View on Booking.com
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