Overview

At Yamatoya Besso, you experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese ryokan in Dogo Onsen. Located just five minutes on foot from Dogo Onsen Station, it is the only ryokan in Dogo where a dedicated room attendant looks after you from the moment they welcome you at the door until they send you off at the end of your stay.

Each room features seasonal flowers and haiku written by authors connected to Dogo, adding a personal touch that reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of Dogo Onsen, you can fully immerse yourself in a stay that blends refined service with authentic cultural atmosphere.

Accommodation

Yamatoya Besso offers a range of rooms, from special suites with private open-air baths to elegant Japanese-Western rooms and spacious traditional tatami spaces.

Special Rooms such as Ume, Tsubaki, Momo, and Sakura feature private or semi-open-air baths and layouts combining tatami rooms with Western touches.

Japanese-Western Rooms like Jinchoge and Sazanka include tea rooms and twin beds alongside tatami flooring.

Suite Rooms such as Nadeshiko and Yamabuki provide expansive tatami spaces and indoor baths for a luxurious retreat.

Superior Rooms offer comfort and simplicity, perfect for relaxing after a soak in the hot springs.

All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea sets, refrigerators, air conditioning, colorful yukata for strolling in the ryokan, and a full range of toiletries.

Dining

Your stay includes meals served in your room, allowing you to dine in privacy and comfort.

Dinner features kaiseki ryori — a multi-course Japanese haute cuisine that celebrates the seasons of Ehime. The chef selects fresh ingredients at their peak, arranging them into a menu that reflects the beauty and variety of the four seasons. Carefully crafted dishes might include delicacies like sashimi, simmered vegetables, and grilled seasonal fish.

Breakfast is a Japanese set meal passed down from the ryokan’s first chef. It includes tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), freshly boiled kamaage shirasu (young sardines), squid sashimi, and the ryokan’s specialty grilled salmon, salted by hand to bring out its rich flavor. Fresh rice complements these dishes perfectly. You choose the delivery time, and your bedding is put away before breakfast arrives, so you can enjoy the meal in a tidy, relaxed setting.

Onsen and Wellness

Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.

The ryokan’s garden open-air bath lets in soft natural light and changes with the seasons, while the large stone-built indoor bath offers a spacious, calming soak. Both baths use the mineral-rich waters of Dogo Onsen, known for their gentle touch on the skin and relaxing warmth.

After bathing, you can enjoy a refreshing draft beer or a glass of water in the post-bath lounge (Yuagaridoko), letting your body cool down in comfort.

Bath Hours: 15:00–24:00 / 6:00–10:30

Amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, towels, razors, and skincare products are available in the changing rooms, so you can come empty-handed.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can use the baths without restrictions. The staff ensures that all visitors can enjoy the hot springs comfortably.

Facilities

• In-room dining for breakfast and dinner
• Garden open-air bath and large indoor bath with Dogo Onsen water
• Post-bath lounge with self-serve beer and water
• Colorful yukata for wearing inside the ryokan
• Seasonal flower arrangements and haiku in each room
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

Activities

From Yamatoya Besso, you can explore the historic streets of Dogo Onsen, visit the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, and enjoy local attractions such as Botchan Karakuri Clock and the nearby shopping arcade. Seasonal events and festivals bring the area to life, making every visit unique.

Additional Features

• Dedicated room attendant for personalized service
• Selection of Japanese, Japanese-Western, and suite-style rooms
• Seasonal kaiseki dinners and traditional Japanese breakfasts served in your room
• Convenient location just minutes from Dogo Onsen Station