Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen in 2 Days
Stay at Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring, and ride the streetcar to Matsuyama Castle. A two-day plan in Ehime with the retro Botchan Train and snacks along the shopping arcade.
Hot springsOld town walksHistoryFood
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Why go to Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen has been visited for over a thousand years, and its main bathhouse is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Matsuyama is compact, walkable and far less crowded than Japan's big tourist cities.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: about 1.5 hours by plane to Matsuyama Airport, then a bus into the city.
- From Okayama: about 2.5 to 3 hours by Limited Express Shiokaze to Matsuyama Station.
- Around town: the Iyotetsu streetcar connects Matsuyama Station, the castle area (Okaido) and Dogo Onsen.
Tips for avoiding the crowds
- The Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse is quieter early in the morning and later in the evening.
- Ride the ropeway to Matsuyama Castle in the morning to avoid lines.
- Check the bathhouse's current opening hours before you go.
House rules for this trip
Little challenges to share with your group. Every Tabishiori itinerary has three.
- ① Go to the Dogo hot springs in yukata.
- ② In the shopping arcade, each person picks one mikan-orange sweet.
- ③ Take one group photo with everyone at the Matsuyama Castle keep.
Itinerary
Day 1
- 11:00
TravelMeet at Matsuyama Station, then take the streetcar to Dogo Onsen
Matsuyama Station (map) / 松山駅
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check each official website before you go.
- 11:45–13:00
FoodLunch and snacks along Dogo Haikara-dori
Dogo Shopping Arcade (map) / 道後商店街
Rule ②: pick one mikan sweet each.
- 13:15–14:00
SightseeingMechanical clock and the Hojoen footbath
Hojoen (map) / 放生園
- 14:15–15:00
- 15:30
- 16:30–17:30
- 18:30
FoodDinner at the hotel
Day 2
- 09:30
StayCheck out, then take the streetcar to Okaido
Dogo Onsen Station (map) / 道後温泉駅
On some days, the retro Botchan Train runs.
- 10:00–12:00
SightseeingRopeway up to Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle (map) / 松山城
Rule ③: one group photo at the castle keep.
- 12:15–13:15
FoodLunch in Okaido
Okaido (map) / 大街道
Try tai-meshi (sea bream rice). Decide on a place together and write it in.
- 13:30–14:15
- 14:45
ShoppingSouvenir shopping at Matsuyama Station, then home
Matsuyama Station (map) / 松山駅
Well done! Add everyone's photos to the "Photos" section of your itinerary.
Packing list
- Change of clothes and underwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- IC transit card (Suica, ICOCA, etc.)
- Skincare and makeup
- Charger and power bank
- Transport and hotel booking confirmations (one for the group)
How to use this itinerary
- Open Tabishiori and create a new trip (free, no account needed).
- Add the stops from this page and adjust the times to suit your group.
- Send the trip link via LINE, WhatsApp or email so everyone can add plans, packing items and shared expenses. You can also print it as a booklet.
Opening hours, prices and closing days may change. Please check each official website before you go. Place names in Japanese are shown so you can search for them in maps or show them to staff.