Overview

Dogo-kan sits at the heart of Matsuyama’s historic Dogo Onsen district, home to Japan’s oldest hot spring. Designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, the ryokan blends traditional aesthetics with a sense of warmth from the past. The atmosphere reflects the philosophy of “symbiosis,” harmonizing classic Japanese architecture with thoughtful design. When you enter Dogo-kan, you step into what Kurokawa called his “dream crystal,” a space that aims to make your journey joyful and unforgettable.

The newly opened Free Lounge “Ougi” on the first floor invites you to relax and enjoy the view of a 300-year-old pine tree. You can stop by anytime between 7:00 and 21:00, as long as you’re staying at the ryokan. Drinks and snacks are available to take back to your room.

Accommodation

Dogo-kan offers a wide range of rooms to suit your travel needs. Whether you want a classic Japanese-style room or a space with a private open-air bath, you’ll find a place to unwind.

Standard Japanese Rooms (18–22 sqm): These rooms feature simple comfort with nostalgic warmth, designed in the spirit of traditional Edo-style interiors.

Shofu Ro Top Floor Rooms: These rooms were renovated with a modern Japanese touch. Room 801 combines Japanese and Western elements and includes a double bed and cypress inner bath. Rooms 802–807 are twin rooms for two adults only and reflect Kurokawa’s refined design. Children under 12 are not accepted in these rooms.

Top Floor Room 808: Offers a refined Japanese modern style with views over Matsuyama city. Like other top-floor rooms, this space accommodates up to four adults.

Rooms with Garden Open-Air Baths (7th Floor): These nine rooms each feature their own garden bath fed by 100% Dogo Onsen water. This is the most popular room type at Dogo-kan, perfect for private relaxation.

VIP Garden Room – Tea Room Juando: A luxury space with a wide tatami area overlooking a peaceful garden. You can enjoy a cypress-built bath (not a hot spring) while sitting comfortably on a large sofa by the window.

Western-Style Twin Room: A compact room that suits both sightseeing and business trips. Despite its size, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for a restful night.

Dining

Your stay includes an authentic kaiseki meal that showcases the richness of the Setouchi region. The head chef selects seasonal ingredients from local mountains and seas, crafting dishes that highlight the unique flavors of Ehime.

You can choose to dine in your room, where dishes are served with perfect timing—warm items arrive warm, and cold dishes stay cold. If you prefer a semi-private setting, head to the in-house restaurant “Four Seasons, Number of Flowers” or the newly opened Hanazuri. Both options offer a carefully curated dining experience rooted in local traditions.

If you have food allergies or specific preferences, notify the ryokan at least three days before your arrival. Same-day requests cannot be accommodated.

Onsen and Wellness

At Dogo-kan, you can enjoy Dogo Onsen’s famous hot spring water in multiple ways. The large communal bath uses 100% Dogo Onsen water and includes a wide variety of bathing styles: hot and warm baths, open-air bath, sleeping bath, hammered water, and a sauna.

Operating hours are 5:00 to 9:30 and 14:00 to 24:00. The system maintains cleanliness and consistent temperatures using a heat exchange circulation and chlorine sterilization that meets health center standards.

Before you reach the baths, you’ll walk along Yukemuri Road, a charming path that recalls the look of old Japanese streets. After your bath, stop by the tea room lounge for free mineral water sourced from a deep well under the ryokan. Massage chairs are also available for added relaxation.

Guests with Tattoos

Those with tattoos cannot use the public bath. However, you can still enjoy the hot spring experience by choosing a room with a private open-air bath. These rooms provide the same high-quality Dogo Onsen water in complete privacy.

Facilities

Dogo-kan offers more than just hot springs and fine dining. The Free Lounge “Ougi” is open daily from morning to evening and offers a quiet place to unwind. You can’t bring your own food or drinks, but you’re welcome to take out items for your room.

If you’re looking for extra space to dine or relax, the semi-private dining rooms offer a perfect setting for quiet meals. Some rooms feature garden views, and the top floor gives you panoramic views of the city and Matsuyama Castle.

Activities

Take your time walking along Yukemuri Road before or after your bath. This charming lane is designed to resemble the streets of old Japan and sets the tone for a peaceful retreat.

You can also spend your time in quiet reflection inside your room, reading a book or enjoying the changing light over the garden. Dogo-kan encourages you to leave the noise of daily life behind and focus on rest.

Additional Features

• Free Lounge “Ougi” (7:00–21:00, for staying guests only)
• Rooms with private open-air baths available
• Kaiseki meals served in-room or in semi-private restaurant
• Complimentary mineral water and massage chairs
• No children under 12 allowed in top-floor rooms
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Scheduled maintenance closures (see website for dates)