An Example of a Model Walking Course Around Dogo Onsen Station with a 2-Hour Stay An Example of a Model Walking Course Around Dogo Onsen Station with a 2-Hour Stay

Overview of a Walking Tour with a 2-Hour Stay

Even if your stay in the Dogo Onsen area is limited to about two hours due to sightseeing schedules in Matsuyama City or transportation connections, it is possible to explore the atmosphere of the main town on foot by planning an efficient route.

The Dogo Onsen area is characterized by the concentration of its main attractions within walking distance of Dogo Onsen Station. This article introduces an example of a two-hour walking course that visits historical sites around the station, shopping streets, the architectural exteriors of the bathhouses, and surrounding temples and shrines, without going through the bathing procedures inside the bathhouses.

[0 to 30 mins] In Front of Dogo Onsen Station: Hojoen and the Karakuri Clock

The starting point of the walk is Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway. Adjacent to the station plaza is Hojoen, which serves as a sightseeing hub.

The plaza of Hojoen itself is open 24 hours a day. A footbath is set up in the park, and the footbath is available from 8:00 to 22:00. When using the footbath, you should bring your own small towel to wipe your feet or purchase one at nearby shops. In addition, the Botchan Karakuri Clock is installed in Hojoen, and you can watch the clock operate at scheduled times.

[30 to 70 mins] Strolling and Shopping on Dogo Haikara Dori

After leaving Hojoen, you enter Dogo Haikara Dori (Dogo Shopping Street), an L-shaped arcade shopping street that leads from the station to Dogo Onsen Honkan.

Along the shopping street, Japanese confectionery shops offering famous sweets, souvenir shops selling traditional crafts and towels, and shops offering takeout food and drinks line the street. By looking into the shops as you walk, you can experience the specialties and atmosphere unique to Dogo.

[70 to 100 mins] Viewing the Exterior of Dogo Onsen Honkan and Strolling the Surrounding Area

Passing through the arcade shopping street, you arrive in front of Dogo Onsen Honkan, a historical building.

The Honkan is a structure with complex wooden architectural beauty, and you can view and photograph the exterior while walking around the building. A public restroom that can be used 24 hours a day (Dogo Onsen Honkan East Public Restroom) is also installed on the east side of the Honkan.

Note that if you attempt to bathe in the bathhouses such as the Honkan within a limited stay of two hours, there is a risk of being late for your next travel plans due to bathing time limits (such as a 60-minute limit for the Kami-no-Yu lower floor and second-floor seats), waiting time due to congestion, and ticket sales closing times (such as 22:30 for the Kami-no-Yu lower floor and 21:00 for the second-floor seats). Therefore, for a short stay of two hours, a route centered on exterior viewing is secure in terms of time management.

[100 to 120 mins] Dropping by Enmanji Temple and Moving to the Station

Located a short walk up the hill from the area around Dogo Onsen Honkan are temples and shrines such as Enmanji, which is known for its "Musubidama". After a short visit to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds, you walk back toward Dogo Onsen Station again.

After arriving in front of the station, check the departure times of city trams and various buses heading to JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyamashi Station, and Matsuyama Airport, and move to the boarding area with time to spare so as not to miss them.

Please check the latest information, such as the Dogo Onsen Official Area Guide, before visiting for the operational status of each facility and the status of events.

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