Iyotetsu Dogo Onsen Station
This is the terminal station of the Iyo Railway Chonan Line. The station building is a restored version of the original building, constructed in 1911, and is also known as a station for the Botchan Train.
Dogo Onsen Station is a station on the Iyotetsu Jonan Line located in Dogomachi, Matsuyama City, and serves as the gateway to the Dogo Onsen town. It is the terminal station of the city tram (streetcar), and is within walking distance to Dogo Onsen Honkan and Dogo Haikara-dori.
Station Building
The current station building is a restoration of the exterior of the former station building built in 1911. The Western-style appearance blends into the scenery of the Dogo Onsen town. There are no ticket gates, and Hojoen and the Botchan Karakuri Clock are located in front of the station.
Botchan Train
Dogo Onsen Station is the departure and arrival station for the "Botchan Train," a sightseeing train that recreates a steam locomotive from the Meiji era. The Botchan Train began its restored operation in 2001. Although powered by a diesel engine, dummy smoke using water vapor comes out of the chimney. At the terminal station, you can see the locomotive being uncoupled and turned around manually.
Access
- Connected by city tram from Matsuyamashi Station and JR Matsuyama Station directions.
- Location: 1-chome, Dogomachi, Matsuyama City
Source: "Dogo Onsen Station" "Botchan Train" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), Iyotetsu official website. Please check the official Iyotetsu information for operation schedules and suspension information.
Last confirmed date: July 2026
Articles that mention this place
History
Dogo Onsen's History: From the Waters of the "Nihon Shoki" to the "Botchan-yu"
We trace the history of Dogo Onsen, counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, from myths and ancient legends to the mystery of Prince Shotoku's epitaph, the reconstruction of the main building in the Meiji period, the literature of Shiki and Soseki, and the recent preservation and repair work, all based on primary sources.
文学
The Waters of Literature: Dogo Walked by Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki
Matsuyama, the birthplace of Masaoka Shiki who revolutionized haiku, and Natsume Soseki, who took up a teaching post at Matsuyama Middle School. Based on primary sources, this article traces the Dogo Onsen Main Building frequented by the two, the novel Botchan, and the literary traces remaining in this hot spring town.
歴史
Botchan Train — The Meiji-Era Steam Train Named After "Botchan"
Iyo Railway was depicted as a "matchbox-like train" in Soseki's novel "Botchan." This article introduces its history from its opening in 1888, 78 years of steam locomotives, the Heisei-era restored operation, to current usage information. You can check the history and how to ride before seeing it in Dogo.
まちの記憶
Dogo Onsen Station and Hojoen — Gateway to the Hot Spring Town and the Karakuri Clock
Dogo Onsen Station, which opened in 1895, and Hojoen stretching in front of it. From the restored station building, footbath using a hot water cauldron, Sagi Stone, and haiku monuments to the Botchan Karakuri Clock, this article introduces the sights gathered at the gateway to the hot spring town. It also outlines walking routes from the station.
Getting around
Steps and Estimated Travel Time from Matsuyama Airport Arrival to the Dogo Onsen Area
This guide outlines access methods from Matsuyama Airport to the Dogo Onsen area, the travel time for the limousine bus, the availability of cashless payments, walking routes after arrival, and procedures for storing baggage. Please use this as a reference when planning your personal itinerary.
Getting around
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
This explanation outlines whether sightseeing is possible using public transportation (city trams and buses) and walking, or the conditions under which a rental car is required, when traveling around the Dogo Onsen area and central Matsuyama City.
Getting around
Differences and Access Between "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Differences and Access Between "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
"Matsuyama Castle" located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture have similar names but are castles in different locations. This article explains the geographical differences, nearest stations, and points to note when booking tickets.
Practical
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.
Walking the town
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
This guide outlines an example of a short walking route starting from Dogo Onsen Station and visiting the shopping street, the exterior of public bathhouses, and surrounding temples and shrines when the stay in the Dogo Onsen area is approximately 2 hours.
Getting around
Access Routes from Matsuyama Tourist Port to Dogo Onsen (Limousine Bus, Train Transfer, Taxi)
This article outlines the main access routes from Matsuyama Tourist Port to the Dogo Onsen area. It explains the lack of direct bus services, the transfer procedures between limousine buses and city trams, and the connection with ferry schedules.
Getting around
Iyotetsu Streetcar (Tram) User Guide (How to Board/Alight and Fare Payment System)
This guide explains the rules for boarding and alighting doors, fare payment procedures when getting off, and how to use nationwide IC cards for public transportation and 1-Day tickets for the Iyotetsu streetcar (tram) running in the Dogo Onsen area in an easy-to-understand manner.
Practical
Status of Multilingual Signs, Transportation Landscape Guidance, and Accessibility in the Dogo Onsen Area
For international travelers visiting Dogo Onsen, this article explains the status of multilingual information provided on official websites and at tourist information centers, as well as key points when exploring the local area.
Practical
How to Search for "Dogo Onsen" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and Distinction from the Homonymous Place Name in South Korea
This article explains the designated keywords and geographical verification procedures to prevent confusion with another region of the same name when searching for "Dogo Onsen" in Korean or other languages.
Getting around
Travel Time and Itinerary Planning Considerations for Tours Based in Dogo Onsen
When planning to travel around various parts of Shikoku while staying in Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen, this section organizes the points you should know regarding the characteristics of transportation and the coverage area of travel passes.
Getting around
Geographical Location and Overview of Wide-Area Access for Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen in Shikoku
For travelers heading to Dogo Onsen from a wide area, this section explains the geographical relationship of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, the access routes from airports and ports, and the distinction from castles sharing the same name.
Walking the town
An Example of a Time Schedule for a 2-Day, 1-Night Stay in Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
This is an example of a standard stay time schedule when visiting Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture for 2 days and 1 night. It explains a reasonable route that combines the operating hours of the public bathhouses, bathing procedures, and surrounding sightseeing spots.
Getting around
An Example of a Walking Route to Explore the Dogo Onsen Area During a 4-Hour Layover at Matsuyama Airport or Port
This is an example of a route to explore the Dogo Onsen area by utilizing a layover time of approximately 4 hours from Matsuyama Airport or Matsuyama Sightseeing Port. It explains the access procedures for the limousine bus, baggage storage, and how to walk around the town in a short period of time.
交通
Touring by Bicycle Starting from Dogo Onsen — Rental Bicycle Locations and Fees, Bringing Bikes onto Trains and Boats
Based on primary information from Matsuyama City and respective operators, this article summarizes operators renting bicycles around Dogo Onsen and their fees, the Iyo Railway Cycle Train, and the availability and fares for bringing bicycles onto Gogoshima and Kashima.
散策
An Afternoon Walk Through Dogo Onsen and Its Surroundings After Arriving in Matsuyama
This is a sample itinerary for spending several hours in Dogo Onsen after arriving in Matsuyama and checking in at your
More spots in West Dogo Area
See all in this area →Shigematsu Seishinkyu In
A community-based acupuncture clinic near Dogo Onsen Station. There are variations in the name’s notation (common name: Shigematsu Yuki Shin’kyu-in).
Bibu
Bibu is a Western-style food and cafeteria restaurant in Imichi, Dogo, Matsuyama. It offered Bibu hamburgers and daily specials at affordable prices.
Meiko Gijuku Dogo
A learningcram school that combines interactive individual instruction and digital learning materials. Self-study space and parking are available.
Taiyoken
A casual diner located in Dogo Ichiman. Having been in business for over 50 years, its signature "Gatsu Teishoku" inherits the recipe from the first generation.
Akatsuki Bleu
A French patisserie in Dogo Kitamachi that opened in 2021. It sells baked custard puddings and seasonal baked goods, and has a cafe space.
Repark Matsuyama Dogo Onsen Ekimae
A Repark parking lot very close to Dogo Onsen Station, suited to station users and short sightseeing stops.
Daigaku Juken Try Dogo
One-to-one tutoring specialising in university entrance exams, for third-year high school students and graduates. Covers preparation for competitive universities.
Daikokuya Dogo
A Japanese restaurant in the Dogo Onsen area serving udon and kamameshi. The udon is finished with the salt and water adjusted each day, the kamameshi is cooked one pot at a time, and marinated sea bream rice bowls are also served.
More "Stations & Stops" spots
See all in this category →Iyotetsu Bus Dogo Onsen Ekimae
A bus stop of Iyotetsu Bus located in front of Dogo Onsen. It serves as a hub for access to various areas within Matsuyama city, as well as to the airport and JR Matsuyama Station.