Natsume Soseki Haiku Monument
A haiku monument in Dogo Park. It commemorates Natsume Soseki (1867–1916), the author known by the pen name “Gudabutsu.” Natsume Soseki was assigned to Matsuyama in 1895, and that experience was reflected in the novel *Botchan*.
The Natsume Soseki Haiku Monument is a haiku monument in Dogo Park that commemorates the great writer Soseki Natsume, who is associated with the novel "Botchan."
Soseki Natsume and Matsuyama
Soseki Natsume (1867–1916) was a novelist known for "I Am a Cat," "Botchan," and other works. His haiku pen name was "Gudabutsu," and he was fond of haiku. In 1895, he graduated from the Imperial University and took up a post as an English teacher at the Ehime Prefectural Ordinary Middle School in Matsuyama, and this experience in Matsuyama was utilized in his novel "Botchan" (1905).
In the same year, Masaoka Shiki, who returned to Matsuyama due to illness, stayed at Soseki's lodging, and they deepened their relationship by holding haiku gatherings together. Dogo Onsen is depicted in the novel "Botchan," and this haiku monument conveys that connection to this day.
Source: "Soseki Natsume" "Masaoka Shiki" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) Last verified: July 2026
More spots in Dogo Park & Isaniwa Shrine Area
See all in this area →CHAHARU Hanare, Dogo Yumekura
A seven-room ryokan standing immediately east of Dogo Onsen Honkan. Each room has an indoor bath fed by piped hot spring water, and Ehime crafts such as Tobe ware and Imabari towels are used throughout.
Hotel Eco Dogo
A hotel in Dogo Yuzukicho. It is close to Dogo Onsen Honkan and serves as a convenient base for visiting the bathhouses and walking around the district.
Dogo Park (Playground) Public Toilet
A public toilet near the playground in Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle ruins). Suitable for park walks and visitors with children.
Iyo Yuoka Monument (Replica)
A monument in Dogo Park. It conveys the tradition of a monument related to Prince Shotoku’s visit to Dogo Onsen (the original monument does not exist). Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs and an ancient bath mentioned in the Manyoshu.
Doramomiji Red Yuzukicho
Doramomiji Red Yuzukicho is a seafood izakaya within a 1-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan. It offers Setouchi sashimi, the owner’s catch, and local sake from across Japan selected by a sake sommelier.
Kimono Bar -CHAHARU-
A bar located on the 1st floor of Dogo Onsen Chaharu. It serves sake, cocktails, local beer, and more in a Japanese-style space. It is open on Thursday through Sunday nights.
Hotel Katsuragi Spa Resort Dogo
A hotel adjoining Dogo Onsen Honkan and the shopping street. Its baths include one with ukiyo-e prints set against hinoki-wood walls, and day-use bathing is also available.
Monument to the Crown Prince's Visit
A stone monument within Dogo Park. This monument, indicating "Chugasho" (a place where the Crown Prince stopped), can be seen while strolling around the park.
More "Stone Monuments & Poem Steles" spots
See all in this category →Masaoka Shiki Haiku Monument (Ishite-ji Temple Approach)
A haiku monument of Masaoka Shiki is located on the approach to Ishite-ji Temple, the 51st pilgrimage temple in Shikoku. It can be visited along with a visit to Ishite-ji Temple, known for its National Treasure, Nio-mon.
Kawahigashi Hekigoto Haiku Monument (Dogo Park)
A haiku monument within Kawahigashi Hekigoto Kuhi Dogo Koen. It commemorates Kawahigashi Hekigoto (1873–1937), a poet from Matsuyama. Hekigoto was a disciple of Masaoka Shiki and known as an innovator who promoted the New Tendency haiku.
Monument to the Crown Prince's Visit
A stone monument within Dogo Park. This monument, indicating "Chugasho" (a place where the Crown Prince stopped), can be seen while strolling around the park.
Taneda Santoka Haiku Monument (Choken-ji Temple)
A haiku monument at Choken-ji Temple in Miyuki, Matsuyama. It commemorates Taneda Santoka (1882–1940), a poet of free-form haiku. Santoka spent his final years at the hermitage Isso-an in Matsuyama, where he died.
Monument to the Merits of Isaniwa
A monument in Dogo Park. It honours Isaniwa Yukiya, the first mayor of Dogo Yunomachi, who led the 1894 (Meiji 27) rebuilding of Dogo Onsen Honkan. The Honkan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
Sakai Mokuzen Haiku Monument (Iwazeki Amusement Park)
A haiku monument inscribed with a poem by Sakai Mokuzen, standing in the amusement park at Iwazeki in Ishite, Matsuyama. It can be seen while walking the area.
Naito Meisetsu Haiku Monument
This haiku monument is in Dogo Park. It is inscribed with the verse "Mottozu ya itsuika no tenzi futai no yama". In 1918, former dormitory residents erected it as a longevity monument to celebrate the long life of the poet Naito Meisetsu (1847–1926).
Masaoka Shiki Haiku Monument
Located within Dogo Park, near the Masaoka Shiki Memorial Museum. This haiku monument commemorates Masaoka Shiki (1867–1902), a poet from Matsuyama. Shiki led a movement to innovate haiku in the newspaper 'Nippon'.