#dogoonsen

Visiting Dōgo Onsen felt like stepping into living history. Said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring, its roots stretch back over 3,000 years. The current main bathhouse, built in 1894, is a majestic three-story wooden structure and one of Matsuyama’s most iconic landmarks. In fact, it even inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. When we arrived, we were immediately struck by the nostalgic charm of the building. It’s not just a bathhouse—it’s a cultural treasure. Inside, narrow corridors, tatami lounges, and the sound of the taiko drum marking the hour all contribute to a wonderfully preserved traditional atmosphere. We opted for the public bath experience at Kami-no-Yu, the main bath. The water was rich, smooth, and comforting—perfect after a day of walking. For those looking for more, there are different plans, including access to a more exclusive bath or private rooms, some of which were once used by the imperial family. Outside, the onsen town had a relaxing vibe, with visitors in yukata strolling through quaint streets filled with snack shops and foot baths. We also enjoyed some local sweets like Botchan dango. Dōgo Onsen is more than a soak—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a Studio Ghibli fan, or just someone needing a peaceful soak, it’s a must-visit. #summervacay #DogoOnsen #Matsuyama #HistoricOnsen #JapanTravel #SpiritedAwayVibes #CulturalHeritage #OnsenExperience #JapanHotSprings #Botchan #ShikokuHiddenGems #japan #japantrip

We popped by Starbucks Coffee at Dogo Onsen Station quite late in the evening, just before closing time, and had the rare experience of having the entire café to ourselves. The setting was calm and serene, which made the coffee break extra enjoyable after a long day of exploring Matsuyama. What truly stood out was the building itself—a beautifully preserved, historical structure that retains the charm of Japan’s old railway architecture. Sitting inside, sipping coffee while soaking in the heritage vibes, was quite special. One small drawback: since it was near closing, our drinks were served in paper cups instead of the usual ceramic ones. Understandable, but it took a bit away from the cozy Starbucks café feel. That aside, it was a memorable stop, and if you’re already visiting Dogo Onsen, it’s worth stepping in just for the ambiance. #summervacay #DogoOnsen #StarbucksJapan #HistoricStarbucks #MatsuyamaTravel #JapanCafeCulture #CoffeeWithAView #HiddenGemsJapan #TravelMoments #japan #japantrip

#budgetairlines If you’re planning to explore Japan without breaking the bank, Jetstar Japan is a fantastic option. I recently flew from Narita to Matsuyama for around $50 round trip, thanks to one of their frequent sales. The flight itself took just 90 minutes, and everything from check-in to landing was smooth and on time. Jetstar often runs limited-time promotions, so it’s worth checking their website regularly if you’re flexible with your dates. Matsuyama is packed with sightseeing spots—from the famous Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, to the charming town of Ozu, just a short trip away. For such a low fare, this flight opened up a whole region to explore! Why I recommend Jetstar Japan for domestic travel: ・Incredible deals (I paid ~$50 round trip during a sale!) ・Short, comfortable flights between major cities ・Great way to access lesser-known areas like Ehime Prefecture 📍From Narita Airport (Tokyo) to Matsuyama Airport (Ehime Prefecture) #JetstarJapan #BudgetAirlines #DomesticTravelJapan #EhimeTrip #JapanOnABudget #DogoOnsen #HiddenJapan #TripcomCommunity #TravelSmart

#cityplaybook Step into the timeless charm of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot springs, nestled in the heart of Matsuyama, Ehime. Surrounded by retro streets and historical landmarks, this area is perfect for a slow and scenic stroll. 🚃 Bocchan Train A nostalgic steam-style train that chugs through the city—named after Natsume Soseki’s famous novel Bocchan. It’s a must-see (and ride!) when visiting Dogo. 🏛 Bocchan Train Museum Get a closer look at the train’s history, enjoy train-themed interiors, and grab a coffee or snack while you’re at it. ⛩ Yuzan Shrine A peaceful hilltop shrine overlooking Dogo. A great spot to take a break and soak in the atmosphere (and views!). Why I recommend this area: ・Perfect for a nostalgic stroll filled with history and local charm ・Great mix of cultural spots and scenic relaxation 📍Dogo Onsen Area, Matsuyama City, Ehime #DogoOnsen #BocchanTrain #MatsuyamaTrip #EhimeTravel #OnsenTown #CityPlaybook #JapanHeritage #SlowTravel

#cityplaybook Tucked away in the quiet hot spring town of Dogo Onsen, Umenoya is a charming little ryokan with only 8 rooms. I stayed here solo for one night—and barely saw another guest the whole time. It felt like I had the entire place to myself! There are two beautiful baths: one indoor and one semi-open-air. Both are spacious and so relaxing—it’s easy to lose track of time just soaking in the quiet. Breakfast was another highlight. A gorgeous spread of seasonal dishes, all packed with umami flavor. Even the dessert—a sweet Ehime mikan—was perfection 🍊 I stayed in a room called “Uguisu,” which was spacious, peaceful, and overlooked a lovely garden and park. The view of the greenery from the window was incredibly calming 🌿 📍Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture #DogoOnsen #EhimeTravel #Umenoya #SoloTripJapan #RyokanLife #OnsenStay #HiddenJapan #JapaneseHospitality #CityPlaybook

#cityplaybook Rainy days can be magical—especially in Dōgo Onsen. With covered arcades, charming shops, and the scent of onsen in the air, this historic hot spring town in Matsuyama is a joy to explore, no matter the weather. The shopping arcade is full of local souvenir stores, from traditional crafts to modern favorites. One stop you can’t miss? The Rilakkuma shop—it’s full of adorable goods you’ll want to bring home, whether you’re a fan or just need a bit of cute in your day. There are also plenty of cozy cafés. I grabbed a seat at Yukemuri Café and tried their freshly grilled dango—warm, sweet, and perfect for a rainy afternoon. Even under gray skies, Dōgo Onsen glows with charm. And once you’re done wandering, there’s always a hot bath waiting. Why I recommend Dōgo Onsen: ・The covered streets make it an ideal destination even when it rains ・Between the hot springs, sweet treats, and charming shops, there’s comfort at every corner 📍Dōgo Onsen, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #DogoOnsen #Matsuyama #RainyDayTravel #CoveredArcades #JapaneseSweets #YukemuriCafe #RilakkumaShop #OnsenTown #SlowJapan #PerfectDay

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip Nestled in the northwest of Shikoku, Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture and a city where history and modern life coexist beautifully. Known for its ancient hot springs, literary heritage, and imposing castle, Matsuyama offers a serene yet culturally rich escape. The city’s crown jewel is Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered hot springs. With over 1,000 years of history, this public bathhouse inspired the setting for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. The traditional architecture and steamy, mineral-rich baths provide a glimpse into Japan’s centuries-old bathing culture. Towering above the city is Matsuyama Castle, a well-preserved hilltop fortress that dates back to the early 17th century. Visitors can either hike or take a ropeway to the top, where panoramic views of the city, sea, and mountains unfold. Inside, samurai-era exhibits bring feudal Japan to life. Matsuyama is also famous for its connection to literature, particularly the beloved novelist Natsume Sōseki. His book Botchan is deeply rooted in the city’s identity. You’ll find statues, themed trains, and even a mechanical clock that celebrates the novel’s characters. Beyond the city center, tranquil temples such as Ishite-ji—a stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage—invite spiritual reflection and exploration. Whether soaking in ancient hot springs, strolling castle grounds, or diving into literary culture, Matsuyama is a destination where tradition, relaxation, and storytelling converge. #Matsuyama #DogoOnsen #MatsuyamaCastle #EhimeJapan #ShikokuTravel #HistoricJapan #Botchan #NatsumeSoseki #JapaneseHotSprings #TemplePilgrimage #OffTheBeatenPathJapan

I have been wanting to visit Dogo Onsen in Shikoku for years. It is one of the oldest in Japan. for all the Miyazaki fans , it is the building that appeared in the film- Spirited Away. We arrived in Dogo Onsen town in late morning and parked in the nearby parking lots. The covered shopping street was already quite vibrant and ready for the lunch hours. We followed the street to the end and came to the spot where I was supposed to see the beautiful onsen house. Instead, I saw a colorful hoarding covering all three sides of the building ! Only the lower part of the front facade and the entrance was not covered! As I finally learned, the building is under going renovation for 7 years. ( starting Jan 2019 ). Whether there was delay due to covid, I am not sure. So disappointingly, we can only see part of this building and read about the history of the Onsen in the little exhibition house across the street. Hopefully I will have the chance to go back when the work is completed. The good thing is that the Onsen is still opened for business during this time. Aside from the Onsen, there are also other fun things to do such as the foot bath at the park, and plenty of shops for shopping and enjoying udon which is famous in Shikoku. Hours- 6am-11 pm daily #Dogoonsen #Matsuyama #Onseninjapan