Dogo Onsen Town, located east of Matsuyama, is one of Japan’s oldest and most cherished hot spring destinations. Its atmosphere is serene yet vibrant, making it the perfect place to unwind. If you love history and relaxation, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Besides the famous Dogo Onsen Honkan—a stunning wooden bathhouse full of unique rooms and passages—this town boasts many traditional ryokans where you can immerse yourself in comfort and local culture. Here are some of the best ones!
1. Dogo Onsen Funaya
Let’s begin with Dogo Onsen Funaya, a ryokan that has been operating for 380 years. Upon entering, you’ll see a spacious Japanese garden and one of the country’s oldest hot springs. Known for its warm hospitality (even the Imperial Family once visited!), Dogo Onsen Funaya effortlessly blends tradition with luxury.
The ryokan features Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and shoji paper screens, but you’ll also sleep on hotel-grade bedding for extra comfort. Out of the 58 rooms, 13 include refreshing indoor hot spring baths. Communal baths inspired by Dogo Onsen’s historic springs are also available. For dining, Funaya offers a fusion of French, Japanese, and Western cuisines.
Book It Here: Dogo Onsen Funaya
2. Chaharu
Chaharu is a lovely, peaceful ryokan situated just a minute’s walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan. Like Dogo Onsen Funaya, it blends modern Western comforts with authentic Japanese design.
Choose from Western-style or Japanese-style rooms, both offering a relaxing atmosphere. The highlight here is the rooftop open-air baths, where you can soak in steaming hot springs while enjoying panoramic views of Matsuyama Castle and Mount Ishizuchi. Chaharu’s on-site restaurant, Hanakoji, serves an excellent multi-course Japanese dinner, while La Cuisine Japonaise Hari offers a memorable dinner buffet.
Book It Here: Chaharu
3. Dogo Kan
Another ryokan close to Dogo Onsen Honkan is Dogo Kan. Its architecture is both minimalist and sophisticated, and the property offers a variety of room styles: from traditional Japanese with tatami floors to modern Western rooms.
Guests who book a room with a private open-air hot spring bath can enjoy therapeutic waters with lovely nature views. Dogo Kan also maintains public onsens sourced from the historic Dogo Onsen springs, and a tranquil tea ceremony room overlooks a lush Japanese garden. For dining, the on-site restaurant Shiki serves exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals.
Book It Here: Dogo Kan
4. Dougoya
Dougoya is ideal if you prefer a peaceful, secluded stay. This charming ryokan offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding, each providing a serene courtyard garden view.
While rooms do not have private onsens, Dougoya has a reservable hot spring bath that accommodates up to three adults. It’s a great spot to relax and soak in the scenery. The highlight of staying here is the seasonal organic breakfast served in your room, made with locally sourced ingredients that are as fresh as they are delicious.
Book It Here: Dougoya
5. Yamatoya Betsu
For a luxurious stay, you should consider Yamatoya Betsu. The staff here are known for their exceptional hospitality, which includes a dedicated room attendant who caters to your needs.
With 19 rooms in total, each space is adorned with haiku calligraphy and seasonal flowers. All rooms feature classic Japanese design elements like tatami floors and futon bedding, and the special suites include private open-air baths. Yamatoya Betsu also has public hot spring baths that source water from Dogo Onsen, plus kaiseki-style dinners and authentic Japanese breakfasts.
Book It Here: Yamatoya Betsu
6. Yamatoya Honten Matsuyama
Yamatoya Honten Matsuyama stands out for its traditional Noh stage. At certain times, you can catch live performances that deepen your appreciation for Japan’s cultural heritage.
This long-standing ryokan showcases classic Japanese architecture while offering modern amenities. Of its 90 rooms, you’ll find various styles—from suites to cozy twin rooms—all featuring tatami floors and futon bedding. Yamatoya Honten Matsuyama also provides open-air baths with scenic views, and its restaurant, Matsukaze, delights guests with Japanese, Western, and Chinese menus.
Book It Here: Yamatoya Honten Matsuyama
7. Kowakuen Haruka
Kowakuen Haruka is a modern ryokan that exudes luxury. After undergoing extensive renovations in 2019, it quickly became one of Dogo Onsen’s most sought-after accommodations.
The property offers 69 rooms, including special suites. One standout is the detached Tokinone room, featuring stunning private open-air hot spring baths. You can also head to the 8th floor’s Haruka-no-Yu bathhouse for panoramic views of Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and Dogo Onsen Honkan. At Dining Kanmido, you can savor a variety of top-quality Japanese dishes.
Book It Here: Kowakuen Haruka
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8. Dogo-no-Yado Katsuragi
Dogo-no-Yado Katsuragi is a comfortable three-star ryokan with a range of Japanese-style rooms that have tatami floors and futon bedding. You can choose the room size that best fits your needs.
The indoor mineral hot spring baths here are a welcome retreat for tired travelers. You don’t need to reserve them, so they’re perfect for spontaneous relaxation. It’s also a fun way to meet and chat with other guests.
Book It Here: Dogo-no-Yado Katsuragi
9. Dogo Onsen Yachiyo
Dogo Onsen Yachiyo is one of the newest, most elegant properties in the area. It blends traditional Japanese design with modern comforts for a serene and refreshing stay.
All 34 rooms at this ryokan include private open-air baths, making it easy to enjoy a quiet soak in therapeutic waters. If you prefer a more social experience, the spacious public bath offers gorgeous views as well. Skilled chefs prepare kaiseki-style meals with fresh local ingredients, served right in your room for a personalized touch.
Book It Here: Dogo Onsen Yachiyo
10. Dogo Grand Hotel
A modern three-star ryokan, Dogo Grand Hotel features 62 Japanese-style rooms, each with tatami floors and futon bedding. It offers a convenient location for exploring all that Dogo Onsen has to offer.
Communal hot spring baths, both indoor and open-air, let you unwind alongside other guests. Whether you’re sightseeing or shopping in town, a hot soak here is a great way to end your day.
Book It Here: Dogo Grand Hotel
11. Dogo Prince Hotel
Dogo Prince Hotel is a ryokan-style hotel that showcases Japanese architecture and warm hospitality. The variety of room types ranges from traditional Japanese-style to Western-style rooms, or even a fusion of both.
For the ultimate treat, book one of the special rooms with a private open-air bath. The hotel also features multi-course Japanese meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s an excellent option for visitors seeking a comfortable stay with plenty of cultural charm.
Book It Here: Dogo Prince Hotel
Dogo Onsen Town offers a captivating blend of history, relaxation, and cultural experiences. From the historic bathhouse of Dogo Onsen Honkan to the variety of ryokans showcasing local traditions, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Whether you’re soaking in a private open-air bath, savoring locally sourced meals, or gazing at serene Japanese gardens, you’ll discover a peaceful escape that rejuvenates both body and soul.
If you’re looking to make your next trip truly special, these ryokans will not disappoint. Each provides a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich onsen culture while ensuring a comfortable, memorable stay. Don’t forget to share your own Dogo Onsen Town experiences—we’d love to hear your stories!
If it’s going to be your first time staying at a traditional Japanese inn, we recommend you to read these guides on Ryokan Etiquette and Onsen Etiquette.
