Published date: April 10, 2025
Solo Female Trip: Staying at Dogo Onsen
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Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
A pure Japanese-style hot spring hotel located very close to the Dogo Onsen main building. The building has a classic feel, yet the service has a modern touch to it. What I found interesting was the mikan juice (welcome drink) that you could get from a tap during check-in! It's available at the front desk, and you can drink it anytime within the offered hours. I was thirsty, so I immediately had two glasses. My room was western-style. There was a massage chair and a TV where you could watch YouTube, and I could choose from three sizes of yukata (S, M, L), with even white tabi socks provided. Everything was taken care of. And above all, the hot spring was fantastic! Towels and amenities were provided at the hot springs, so you could go without bringing anything. There was a large indoor bath and two outdoor baths. By chance, I had the place to myself, allowing me to relax deeply. After the bath, sake and traditional Japanese sweets were provided for free. There was also a Noh stage where you could take pictures. It seems that Noh performances were once held here. It was such a magnificent stage that I thought it would be wonderful to see a Noh performance here. It was an inn where I could touch upon Japanese culture.
Experiences during the trip
I have visited Matsuyama several times due to my husband's job, but it was my first time staying in the Dogo Onsen area. I arrived in the evening, and there were souvenir shops open until around 8 PM, allowing me to enjoy leisurely shopping.
There are several hot springs in Dogo Onsen, but I recommend Asuka no Yu. The building is new, clean, and beautifully kept. It is also colorfully illuminated at night, making it Instagram-worthy. There were boards that clearly introduce the history of the hot spring with illustrations. The baths include both indoor and outdoor baths, and they are spacious. Every 30 minutes, a projection mapping show is held, allowing you to experience the world of Manyo poetry with sound and visuals against the backdrop of ceramic murals from Tobe.
My way of spending time in Matsuyama is a bit unique; I enjoy hot springs and going to the hair salon. After exhausting all the sightseeing options, I tried going to a hair salon, and it turned out to be delightful. Now, whenever I go to Matsuyama, I always make hair salon reservations. Even at the same salon, different stylists handle my appointments each time, but I have never been disappointed. The prices are reasonable too. Nowadays, I often feel like I want to visit Matsuyama just to go to the hair salon (laughs).