Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku, has two things few Japanese cities can offer together: an original castle on a hill in the city centre and one of the country's oldest hot-spring towns ten minutes away by tram. For clients on a repeat trip to Japan, Shikoku is a natural next region, and Matsuyama is its easiest entry point, with an airport, a rail link from Okayama and the Shimanami Kaido bridges close by.
Dogo Onsen: the bathhouse, fully open again
- Dogo Onsen Honkan. The main bathhouse was built in 1894 and is an Important Cultural Property. A conservation programme kept it partly open from 2019, and it reopened fully on 11 July 2024.
- Asuka-no-Yu. A newer annex opened in 2017 in the same historic style. Its larger baths and private rooms often suit groups better than the Honkan.
- The town around it. A covered shopping arcade, the clock tower and a footbath make Dogo an easy evening walk from the ryokan.
Matsuyama Castle and the city
- The castle. Its keep is one of the twelve originals that survive in Japan. A ropeway and a chairlift run up the hill, so most guests can reach it.
- Ishiteji. A temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, a short ride from Dogo, with atmospheric caves and halls.
- The tram. Matsuyama's streetcars link the castle area, the city centre and Dogo, which keeps short transfers simple for small groups.
Beyond the city: Ozu and Uchiko
- Ozu. About an hour south, Ozu has a castle keep rebuilt in wood using traditional methods, and Garyu Sanso, a villa and garden above the river.
- Uchiko. A preserved merchant street of white-plaster houses. Its kabuki theatre, Uchiko-za, closed in September 2024 for seismic renovation. Published reopening estimates range from late 2028 to spring 2029, so we brief clients that the theatre is closed and confirm the date before quoting it.
Routing it
Matsuyama Airport has domestic flights from Tokyo and Osaka. By rail, the Shiokaze limited express takes about two hours forty minutes from Okayama. A natural route is Hiroshima, the Shimanami Kaido by coach to Imabari, two nights in Dogo, then on to Kochi or Takamatsu.
How we plan it
We book the ryokan, timed bath entry for groups, guides and the coach. For guests with tattoos we check the policy at each bath in advance. See our Shikoku region guide, our onsen tattoo guide and our castle towns guide.
FAQ
Can a large group bathe at Dogo Onsen Honkan? The Honkan's baths are small, so larger groups are usually split into timed visits or use Asuka-no-Yu.
How many nights does Matsuyama need? Two nights covers the castle, Dogo and a half-day to Ozu or Uchiko.
Is Uchiko-za open? Not at present. The theatre closed in September 2024 for seismic renovation, with reopening estimated for late 2028 to spring 2029.
Want Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen in your clients' Japan programme? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
