Overview

At Yamatoya Honten, you stay in a long-established ryokan that has been welcoming travelers since 1868. Located right beside the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse, this is one of the best places to enjoy the historic hot spring town. In 1996, the ryokan was renewed to blend contemporary hospitality with the timeless traditions of a Japanese inn.

Every Japanese-style room follows the aesthetic of a tea ceremony room, built with traditional architectural techniques. The refined simplicity, free from excessive decoration, highlights exquisite craftsmanship. Walls finished with Juraku mud—made from fine Kyoto Nishijin soil—add warmth and authenticity to the space.

Accommodation

Yamatoya Honten offers a range of rooms, from authentic tatami spaces to modern Western-style options:

• Standard Japanese-style Rooms – Featuring a 10-tatami main room, enclosed veranda, and alcove, each with unique details in the ceiling and latticework.
• Japanese-style Junior Suites – Offering a 10-tatami main room and 6-tatami anteroom, with hanging scrolls, flower arrangements, and traditional fittings.
• Japanese-style Suites – Spacious layouts with a 13-tatami main room and 7-tatami anteroom, plus a fragrant cypress bathtub.
• Japanese-style Suites with Double Bed – Same as the suites, but with a Slumberland bed for those who prefer not to sleep on a futon.
• Western-style Rooms – Simple and comfortable, ideal for casual or business travelers, with private bathrooms and access to the large communal baths.

All rooms feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, tea sets, refrigerators, yukata for relaxing in the ryokan, and a full range of amenities.

Dining

Yamatoya Honten serves multi-course Japanese dinners that showcase the bounty of the Setouchi region, known for its mild climate and rich harvest from both sea and mountains.

Menus such as “Sansho” and “Kocho” feature seasonal delicacies carefully prepared by skilled chefs. You can dine in the ryokan’s restaurant or enjoy the meal in your room for a more private experience.

Onsen and Wellness

Relax in Yamatoya Honten’s large bathing areas, each with its own charm:

• Women’s Bath – Ominameshi: Features two rustic open-air baths—a rock-lined tub and a pot-shaped bath carved from a single block of Iyo-Oshima Stone—plus a cypress indoor bath with a warm, calming wooden interior.
• Men’s Bath – Otokoeshi: Offers a spacious indoor bath with a striking Iyo-Oshima Stone centerpiece, and a cypress open-air bath facing a small garden.

A footbath, Iyo no Yugeta, is available through a collaboration with the nearby Dogo Machiya Café (temporarily closed).

After-Bath Lounge – Unwind with complimentary drinks from the sake bar or treats from the candy bar, available in the rest area after bathing.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can enjoy the baths by arranging private use or visiting during less crowded times. The staff will assist you in making your bathing experience comfortable.

Facilities

• Large men’s and women’s baths with open-air and indoor options
• After-bath relaxation lounge with complimentary drinks and sweets
• Seasonal multi-course Japanese dinners
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the ryokan
• Yukata for use during your stay
• Easy access to Dogo Onsen Honkan and local attractions

Activities

From Yamatoya Honten, you can walk to Dogo Onsen Honkan, explore Dogo Haikara Street, and visit the many cafes, shops, and historic sites nearby. Seasonal festivals, traditional performances, and art installations add extra charm to your visit.

Additional Features

• Prime location next to Dogo Onsen Honkan
• Blend of modern hospitality and traditional Japanese architecture
• Wide selection of room types, including suites with cypress baths and Western beds
• Complimentary after-bath refreshments in the lounge