Three standout accommodations lead the pack in Matsuyama’s historic Dogo Hot Spring district. The immaculate Yamatoya Besso wins hearts with its traditional Japanese rooms, therapeutic hot spring baths, and outstanding local cuisine. Historic Funaya, operating since 1633, transports guests through time with its enchanting gardens and authentic atmosphere. The intimate Dougoya stands tall for its personalized service and homey comfort, making visitors feel like cherished family members.
Let’s explore these remarkable stays in detail.
Good To Know
- Yamatoya Besso offers exceptional Japanese-style accommodations, on-site hot spring baths, and attentive staff, making it a top choice in the Dogo Hot Spring area.
- Funaya, a 390-year-old ryokan, provides a traditional Japanese experience with modern amenities, a serene garden, and a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisine.
- Dougoya, a highly-rated ryokan, offers an authentic hot spring experience with cozy Japanese-style rooms, a communal lounge, and delicious seasonal breakfasts.
- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo is a popular option featuring an outdoor pool, sauna, and various on-site entertainment and dining facilities.
- Hanayuzuki, located within walking distance of key attractions, offers a shared lounge, breakfast service, and relaxing hot spring baths, making it a convenient choice.
Kowakuen Haruka
Kowakuen Haruka is a 4-star ryokan located 1.5 miles from Matsuyama Castle and 6.2 miles from Matsuyama Airport.
With an impressive 8.9/10 rating based on 1,152 reviews, this ryokan offers a wide range of amenities. Rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with bidets. Guests can enjoy an Asian buffet breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant.
The ryokan also boasts open-air, public, and hot spring baths. Reviewers praise the ryokan’s convenient location, cleanliness, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms. However, the dinner menu has received mixed reviews.
Policies include a minimum check-in age of 18, no pets, and restricted access to public areas for guests with tattoos. Nearby private parking is available for ¥1,100 per day.
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Yamatoya Honten
Yamatoya Honten is located just 600 meters from Joshin-ji Temple and less than a kilometer from Matsuyama Shrine.
This ryokan offers a range of accommodations, from Japanese-style rooms with multiple futon beds to single rooms with a single bed. All rooms feature modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, as well as the bar, coffee shop, and public baths. The ryokan’s location near Dogo Onsen is a major draw, and reviews praise the helpful staff and excellent breakfast buffet.
However, opinions on the dinner offerings are mixed. Yamatoya Honten operates under a strict non-smoking policy and quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM.
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Yamatoya Besso
Situated a short 6-minute walk from Joshin-ji Temple and 10 minutes from Matsuyama Shrine, Yamatoya Besso offers a range of accommodations to suit varying preferences.
This ryokan features Japanese-style rooms, suites with tatami areas, and rooms with open-air baths. Guests can enjoy the on-site hot spring bath, spa, and public bath.
Amenities include free WiFi, air conditioning, and in-room refrigerators and tea/coffee makers. The ryokan serves an Asian breakfast, and special diet meals are available on request.
Other conveniences include private parking, a garden, and a 24-hour front desk.
With an exceptional rating of 9.3/10 from over 100 reviews, Yamatoya Besso is praised for its attentive staff, high-quality food, and luxurious onsen experience.
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Funaya
Funaya Ryokan, a longstanding hotel with a 390-year history, resides just 200 meters from Dogo-Onsen Train Station in Matsuyama, Ehime.
Guests can easily reach nearby attractions like Isaniwa Shrine, Dogo Park, and Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum within a 10-minute walk. While Matsuyama Castle is about 3 km away, a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Train Station provides convenient access.
Funaya offers traditional Japanese rooms with modern amenities, including hot-spring baths, a sauna, and a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisine.
Guests have praised the staff, cleanliness, and serene garden atmosphere, though some noted value for money could be improved.
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Dougoya
Located just a stone’s throw from the renowned Dogo Onsen Train Station, Dougoya offers travelers a charming and authentic ryokan experience in the heart of Matsuyama, Ehime.
This traditional Japanese inn boasts an impressive 8.3 rating based on 369 reviews, with guests praising its warm hospitality, personal service, and the building’s cozy, character-filled atmosphere.
Accommodation options range from Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms to artist-designed options and private hot spring baths. Amenities include free WiFi, parking, and a communal lounge.
Dougoya’s highlights are its natural hot spring, beautifully landscaped garden, and delicious seasonal breakfast.
While the public bath is currently unavailable due to COVID-19 measures, guests can still enjoy a private soak.
With its prime location and well-appointed facilities, Dougoya is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional Japanese getaway.
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Dogo Prince Hotel
Perched atop Dogo Hill, the Dogo Prince Hotel offers guests a prime vantage point to explore the renowned Dogo Hot Spring area. This 8.6-rated hotel is a 17-minute walk from Joshin-ji Temple and just over a mile from Matsuyama Shrine and Ishitegawa Park.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s onsen, sauna, and spa facilities, as well as an indoor play area and garden. Rooms feature amenities like kettles, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s coffee shop, bar, and breakfast option provide dining options.
While some guests noted room comfort and bed hardness issues, the hotel scores highly for its staff, facilities, and cleanliness. Advance reservations are required for the dinner service and access to public bathing areas may be restricted for those with tattoos.
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CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura
CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura is a highly-rated ryokan nestled in the heart of the renowned Dogo Hot Spring area.
This 9.1/10 rated accommodation offers guests a tranquil retreat, with easy access to top attractions like Joshin-ji Temple and Matsuyama Shrine.
Rooms feature modern amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and access to the property’s private onsen baths. Theres some good fusion Japanese/French dinners and delectable buffet breakfasts.
The ryokan’s 24-hour front desk, baggage storage, and private parking make it a convenient choice.
However, those with tattoos may face restrictions in the public bathing areas. Children and pets aren’t allowed.
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Chaharu
Nestled in the heart of Matsuyama’s renowned Dogo Hot Spring district, Chaharu is a ryokan that offers guests a serene retreat.
Just a 2-minute walk from the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, it provides easy access to the area’s top attractions. Guests can enjoy the property’s hot spring bath while taking in stunning mountain views.
Accommodations feature traditional Japanese-style rooms with air conditioning, paper screens, and low tables with cushions. Private bathrooms include bathtubs and toiletries.
Chaharu’s exceptional kaiseki meals and buffet breakfast have been praised by past visitors. With a rating of 8.4 based on 357 reviews, it’s clear Chaharu delivers a high-quality experience.
Couples particularly appreciate the excellent location, which earned an 8.8 score.
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Dogo Onsen Yachiyo Behind the Hot Springs Eight Thousand Generations
Dogo Onsen Yachiyo is a renowned ryokan situated behind the historic Dogo Onsen Honkan, capitalizing on the area’s natural hot spring resources.
Located in Matsuyama, the ryokan offers a luxurious Japanese-style experience, with spacious rooms featuring private open-air baths. Theres some good the onsite hot spring facilities, including a public bath and hot tub.
Spa services like massages are also available for an additional charge. The ryokan’s accommodations and amenities have consistently received high praise from visitors, who highlight the friendly staff, clean facilities, and comfortable futon beds.
While children are welcome, pets aren’t allowed, and guests with tattoos may face restrictions in the bathing areas.
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Dogo Grand Hotel
The Dogo Grand Hotel is a 3-star ryokan located in Ehime, Matsuyama, just a 6-minute walk from Joshin-ji Temple and a 9-minute walk from Matsuyama Shrine.
Rated 8.3 by recent guests, it offers various room types with tatami flooring and shared bathrooms. Amenities include air conditioning, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s public bath, open-air bath, and hot spring bath. The hotel also provides parking, daily housekeeping, and baggage storage.
While children aren’t allowed, the hotel is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and accommodating special requests.
Guests should note the on-site dining policies and tattoo restrictions for public bathing areas.
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Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo is a popular hot spring resort located in Matsuyama, just a short distance from the Dogo Grand Hotel.
It offers a range of amenities, including free private parking, an outdoor pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, TVs, fridges, and kettles.
Visitors can enjoy activities like billiards, table tennis, and karaoke. The resort has 24-hour security, smoke alarms, and CCTV for safety.
While children are welcome, pets aren’t allowed, and guests with tattoos may face restrictions.
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo is rated 7.0 out of 10 based on 319 reviews, making it a solid choice for those seeking a hot spring experience in Matsuyama.
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Hanayuzuki
Situated in the heart of Matsuyama, Hanayuzuki offers a tranquil oasis for those seeking a rejuvenating hot spring experience.
An 8-minute walk from Joshin-ji Temple and 11 minutes to Matsuyama Shrine, this Japanese-style inn provides easy access to local attractions.
Guests can choose from various room types, including options with dining areas and tatami sections. Each unit features modern amenities like air conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms.
On-site, visitors can enjoy the shared lounge, breakfast, and relaxing hot spring baths. While spa services come at an additional cost, the inn’s private parking, non-smoking policy, and family-friendly facilities make it a convenient choice.
With a rating of 6.9/10 and positive reviews for its staff and location, Hanayuzuki is a pleasant option for exploring the Dogo Hot Spring area.
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Katsuragi, Dogo-no-Yado
Located just a 10-minute walk from the famous Joshin-ji Temple and a 15-minute stroll to Matsuyama Shrine, Dogo-no-Yado Katsuragi offers a comfortable ryokan experience in the heart of the Dogo Hot Spring area.
This 8.0-rated ryokan features well-appointed rooms with amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy access to the property’s hot spring baths and indulge in local cuisine, though breakfast variety has received mixed reviews.
With its convenient location, clean and spacious accommodations, and friendly staff, Dogo-no-Yado Katsuragi is a solid choice for those seeking a traditional Japanese inn experience in Matsuyama.
Parking is available on-site for a daily fee.
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Dogo Kan
Conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from the revered Joshin-ji Temple and an 8-minute stroll to Matsuyama Shrine, Dogo Kan offers guests a well-appointed home base to explore the Dogo Hot Spring area.
This traditional Japanese inn features a variety of accommodation options, including twin rooms, Japanese-style futon rooms, and suites with private open-air baths.
Guests can unwind in the on-site sauna and hot spring baths, and enjoy Asian cuisine at the inn’s restaurant, Shiki Hanasuki.
With free WiFi, air conditioning, and parking, Dogo Kan provides modern comforts while maintaining a cultural ambiance.
However, guests with tattoos may be restricted from the public bathing areas.
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The Sum Up
Dogo Hot Spring in Matsuyama offers a range of excellent hotel options. Kowakuen Haruka and Yamatoya Honten are luxurious ryokans, while Yamatoya Besso and Funaya provide more affordable accommodations. For a unique experience, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo and Hanayuzuki are worth considering. Whichever hotel you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the natural hot springs and relaxing atmosphere of this charming Japanese destination.