An Example of a Model Walking Course for Dogo Onsen and Dogo Park on a Day Trip An Example of a Model Walking Course for Dogo Onsen and Dogo Park on a Day Trip

Arrival at the Dogo Area and Setting the Walking Start Point

This is an example of the procedure for traveling from major terminals such as Matsuyama Airport, JR Matsuyama Station, or Matsuyamashi Station to the front of Dogo Onsen Station, and starting a day-trip walking tour. Tram stops and bus stops are concentrated in front of Dogo Onsen Station, and Hojoen, which features a footbath, is located adjacent to the station plaza. Upon arrival, first check your position around the plaza and then plan your route toward Dogo Haikara Dori (Dogo Shopping Street) and Dogo Park to ensure smooth movement. If you plan to store large luggage, it is important to check the available facilities around the station in advance before starting to move.

An Example of a Strolling Procedure for Historical Sites and Views in Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins)

Dogo Park, adjacent to the south side of Dogo Onsen Station, is the site of Yuzuki Castle, the stronghold of the Kono clan, who were medieval lords, and is a designated national historic site. Remains such as samurai residence sites, earthen walls, and moats are preserved in the park, and you can walk around them via the footpaths. A viewing space is set up on top of the small hill in the center, making it possible to look out over the streets of Dogo and the city of Matsuyama. Strolling through the park during the relatively uncrowded morning hours allows you to observe the historical ruins in a quiet environment. Note that if you plan to use facilities such as the museum in the park, you need to check the latest opening hours and closing days in advance to make your visit plan.

Procedure for Visiting the Museum Dedicated to Masaoka Shiki and Surrounding Cultural Facilities

Located on the east side of Dogo Park, the Matsuyama Municipal Shiki Memorial Museum is a facility that introduces the life of Masaoka Shiki, a haiku poet from Matsuyama, and the history of modern literature. The Dogo area is also known as the setting for Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan," and stone monuments and haiku monuments related to literature are scattered throughout the region. Visiting the museum and surrounding haiku monuments after strolling in the park can deepen your understanding of Dogo's history and cultural background. Please refer to the latest official announcements regarding details of exhibits, facility equipment, and admission fees, as they are subject to change.

Characteristics of the Three Bathhouses (Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu) and the Flow of Use

In the Dogo Onsen area, there are three public bathhouses: Dogo Onsen Honkan, Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu. Dogo Onsen Honkan is divided into courses such as "Kami-no-Yu" and "Tama-no-Yu", and depending on the course, usage times (60 or 90 minutes), rest rooms, and the inclusion of rental towels differ. Since rental towels are not included in the Kami-no-Yu (lower floor and second-floor seats) courses, you must prepare them yourself or purchase them on-site. Asuka-no-Yu is a bathhouse that incorporates the architectural style of the Asuka period, offering courses such as the use of second-floor private rooms. Tsubaki-no-Yu is a public bathhouse style that is highly used by local customers, with an admission fee of 500 yen for adults, and soap and shampoo are sold for a fee. When using them on a day trip, it is recommended to check the business hours and ticket sales closing times (fudadome) of each bathhouse and choose a facility based on the congestion status.

Bathing Etiquette and Preparation at Dogo Onsen for Foreign Travelers

It is important for travelers from foreign countries who are using Japanese traditional bathhouses for the first time to understand the basic bathing rules. Take off your shoes before entering the changing room, and store your clothes in the changing baskets or lockers. When entering the bathing area, you must perform "kakeyu" (pouring hot water over yourself) or wash your body thoroughly at the washing station before entering the bathtub. Bringing towels into the bathtub or washing your body inside the bathtub will trouble other users, so it is general etiquette to place the towel on your head or in a space outside the bathtub. Additionally, you are required to wipe off moisture from your body thoroughly before returning to the changing room after bathing.

Strolling on Dogo Haikara Dori and Thoughts on the Return Journey in the Evening

After bathing or in between walks, you can combine shopping and resting at Dogo Haikara Dori, an L-shaped arcade street connecting Dogo Onsen Station and the Honkan. Gift shops dealing in Ehime's specialties, Japanese confectionery shops, and restaurants line the street. In the evening, congestion around the Honkan and the shopping street tends to increase with overnight guests and day-trippers. If you are taking a limousine bus or city tram to Matsuyama Airport or JR Matsuyama Station for your return journey, it is desirable to plan a travel schedule with time to spare so as not to miss them, taking into account the congested time periods.

※ 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.