Approach to Public Transportation and Walking for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama City Approach to Public Transportation and Walking for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama City

Convenience of Public Transportation in Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama City

When traveling around the Dogo Onsen area and the city center of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, trams (city trams) and local buses are available as means of transportation. When planning a trip, whether to rent a car or use public transportation depends on the range of destinations to be visited.

The city trams operated by Iyo Railway connect major transportation hubs and sightseeing areas, such as JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyamashi Station, and Okaido (the access base to Matsuyama Castle), using Dogo Onsen Station as a hub. Therefore, for sightseeing centered on the Dogo Onsen area and the center of Matsuyama City, the transportation network functions well even without a private car or rental car.

Traveling on Foot and by Tram within the Dogo Onsen Area

Focusing on the inside of the Dogo Onsen area, major facilities are concentrated within a radius of several hundred meters around Dogo Onsen Station. The three public bathhouses—Dogo Onsen Honkan, Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu—as well as the shopping street (Dogo Haikara Dori), Hojoen, Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins), and Isaniwa Shrine are all located within walking distance from the station.

The historic townscape remains inside the hot spring resort of Dogo Onsen, and some roads are narrow, with many pedestrians, such as tourists, coming and going. For exploring the area, walking around is more common than traveling by vehicle.

An Example of an Itinerary Easily Completed Using Only Public Transportation

If the destinations of the trip are limited to Matsuyama City, it is possible to complete the stay with an itinerary that combines public transportation and walking. As an example, after arriving at Matsuyama Airport, visitors can take a direct limousine bus to Dogo Onsen Station (required time is approximately 40 minutes, adult fare is 1,200 yen in cash and 1,180 yen by cashless payment).

After arrival, visitors can explore the Dogo Onsen area on foot. When heading to Matsuyama Castle, they can take the city tram from Dogo Onsen Station and get off at Okaido tram stop. Since trams and buses connecting major spots run regularly, convenience of transportation is secured for exploring the urban area and the hot spring town.

Considerations and Cautions When Planning to Use a Rental Car or Private Car

On the other hand, if you plan an itinerary to travel not only within Matsuyama City but also to distant areas within Ehime Prefecture (such as around the Shimanami Kaido or the Nanyo region) or suburban areas with low frequency of public transportation, renting a car is an option.

However, there are points to note when accessing the Dogo Onsen area by rental car. The center of the hot spring town has many narrow streets, and there are spots that require caution for vehicle entry and traffic. Also, Dogo Onsen Honkan does not have a dedicated parking lot. When visiting by car, you will need to park the vehicle at Dogo Onsen Parking Lot, Kanmuryama Parking Lot, nearby paid parking lots, or parking spaces provided by accommodation facilities, and then walk from there.

When moving around the area by bicycle or motorized bicycle under 50cc, you can park at the "Dogo Onsen Chiku Machi Churinjo" (Matsuyama City Dogo Yunomachi Ko 1461-1, business hours are 6:00 to 23:30, open year-round, equipped with approximately 75 cycle racks) located on the south side of the construction site of Asuka-no-Yu.

How to Ride City Trams and Buses and Cashless Payment Support

When using city trams and local buses, various cashless payments can be used in addition to cash for fare payment. Nationwide transportation IC cards such as ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO, mobile IC cards, and the Mican App are supported.

Payment is made by tapping the card or device on the reader inside the vehicle when boarding or alighting. Note that "IC I-Card" cannot be used as all of its services ended on September 30, 2025. Also, for the latest operating schedules and fare details, please check the official website of each transport operator before traveling.

※ 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.