Getting to Dogo Onsen
Every practical way to reach Dogo Onsen from Matsuyama and the main gateways, with times, rough costs and how to get around once you arrive.
Dogo Onsen is the eastern terminus of Matsuyama’s tram network, so getting there is simple from anywhere in the city. For how to reach the city itself, see getting to Matsuyama.
Routes to Dogo Onsen at a glance
| From | How | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Matsuyama Station | Tram line 5 | About 25 min | Flat fare of roughly ¥200–250; every 10 minutes or so |
| Matsuyama City Station | Tram line 3 | About 20 min | Same flat fare; frequent |
| Okaido (castle ropeway) | Tram line 3 or 5 | 10–12 min | The easiest hop after visiting the castle |
| Matsuyama Airport | Limousine bus | About 40 min | Direct to Dogo Onsen Station; roughly ¥900–1,000 |
| Matsuyama Kanko Port | Limousine bus | About 45 min | Timed to meet ferries from Hiroshima; or shuttle to Takahama Station and train plus tram |
| Okaido | Botchan train | About 15 min | Replica steam train, mostly weekends and holidays; separate fare |
Times are typical journey times; fares are rough guides. Timetables change every spring — check the operator before you travel.
By tram
Two Iyotetsu tram lines end at Dogo Onsen Station, a pretty reconstruction of the original Meiji-era station building. Line 5 comes from JR Matsuyama Station; line 3 comes from Matsuyama City Station; both pass Okaido and the prefectural office below the castle. Pay the flat fare as you leave the tram. Services run from early morning until around 22:00, which is worth remembering if you are bathing late and sleeping in the city centre.
From the airport and the port
Airport limousine buses continue through the city centre to Dogo Onsen, so you can go straight from your flight to your ryokan. From the Hiroshima ferries, a limousine bus runs from Matsuyama Kanko Port to Dogo; the cheaper alternative is the free shuttle to Takahama Station, the Iyotetsu train to Otemachi or Matsuyama City Station, and a tram from there. A taxi from the airport costs somewhere around ¥3,500–4,500.
By car
Driving into Dogo is easy but parking near the Honkan is limited and charged. Most ryokan have their own car parks for guests; day visitors should use the public car park on the hill above the Honkan, beside the Sora-no-Sanpomichi footbath terrace.
Getting around Dogo Onsen
Dogo is a walking district: the station, the arcade, all three public bathhouses and most ryokan are within about 400 metres of each other, and after dark half the people on the street are in yukata and wooden sandals. Ishite-ji temple is a 15–20 minute walk or a short bus ride further east.
Ready for Dogo Onsen?
Lock in a guide, a tasting or a day trip for Dogo Onsen now — most GetYourGuide bookings can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before.