Steps and Precautions for Visiting the Dogo Onsen Area When Using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass Steps and Precautions for Visiting the Dogo Onsen Area When Using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass

This article explains the transfer steps from JR Matsuyama Station to the Dogo Onsen area when traveling using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass, precautions regarding the pass coverage on streetcars, and an example of a route for a short stopover.

Target Users and Basic Conditions of the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass

The "ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass" is a tour pass ticket for foreign visitors to Japan that can be used mainly on the railway network of the Shikoku region. Eligible users are limited to those who hold a passport issued by a government other than Japan and reside in Japan under the status of residence of "Temporary Visitor."

The covered lines of the pass include non-reserved seats in ordinary cars of limited express, rapid, and local trains on all JR Shikoku lines and all Tosa Kuroshio Railway lines, Asasaigan Railway, all Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad (Kotoden) lines, all Tosaden Traffic lines, Shodoshima Ferry (between Takamatsu and Tonosho), and Shodoshima Olive Bus. As specifications such as pass pricing and validity days may be revised depending on the period, please make sure to check the latest information on the official JR Shikoku inbound website or other sources when considering its use.

[Important] Exclusion of Iyo Railway (Trams and Suburban Trains) from the Pass

When traveling in Ehime Prefecture using this tour pass, there is a rule that requires the utmost attention. The official terms of use clearly state, "The ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass cannot be used on Iyo Railway."

In other words, the lines of Iyo Railway running in Matsuyama City (city trams and suburban trains) are excluded from the coverage of the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass. While you can ride trams and trains in Kagawa Prefecture on the Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad (Kotoden) or in Kochi Prefecture on Tosaden Traffic by presenting the pass, you cannot use the pass on Iyo Railway in Matsuyama City.

Therefore, if you board the Iyo Railway city tram aiming for the Dogo Onsen area after arriving at JR Matsuyama Station, you will need to pay the fare separately from the pass.

Travel from JR Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station and Payment Methods

When traveling from JR Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station, go outside the JR station and head to the Iyo Railway city tram boarding area in front of the station. The travel time from JR Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station is approximately 25 minutes by city tram.

For payment of the separate fare, nationwide transportation IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, mobile IC cards, etc.) and the "Mican App" can be used in addition to cash. Payment is made by tapping the terminal inside the vehicle when boarding or alighting. The previously used "IC I-Card" ended all services on September 30, 2025, and cannot be used.

An Example of a Short Walk Using Layover Time

If a train transfer time occurs at JR Matsuyama Station during a tour of Shikoku, it is possible to make a round trip to Dogo Onsen Station for a short walk. For example, a route combining a round-trip tram ride (about 50 minutes) with stay time at the destination is one example.

Upon arriving at Dogo Onsen Station, you can drop by "Hojoen" in the station square. Hojoen features a footbath (available from 8:00 to 22:00, free of charge) and the "Botchan Karakuri Clock." If you wish to use the footbath, you should bring your own towel to wipe your feet or purchase one at a nearby shop. You can also choose a walking route to admire the exterior of Dogo Onsen Honkan by walking through "Dogo Haikara Dori" (Dogo Shopping Street) extending from the front of the station.

Notes on Baggage Handling and Stopovers After Arrival

To avoid missing the next limited express train after your stopover and walk, allow plenty of time for the city tram schedule and travel time back to JR Matsuyama Station.

If you plan to bathe in a public bathhouse in Dogo Onsen during a short stay, you need to check the conditions of use for each building. In the case of Dogo Onsen Honkan, Kami-no-Yu First Floor (adults 700 yen, 6:00-23:00, ticket sales end at 22:30, use within 60 minutes) does not include a rental towel, so you must bring your own or purchase one (soap is provided). Since the usage time limit (60 to 90 minutes) and the inclusion of rental towels vary depending on the course, such as the second-floor seats or the third-floor private rooms, please check the latest guide before taking action.

※ Business hours, fees, and operating schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the detail page of each spot and official information for the latest details.