[2025 Matsuyama Hotels] Travel Guide for Funaya (Updated Jul)

| Guide to traveling to niche secret places. Everyone 👋, if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the authentic Japanese style, Matsuyama is definitely the best choice. 🎈Preliminary preparation: Get a Japanese tourist visa and book your flight in advance. You can fly to Matsuyama Airport. If the flight is not suitable, it is also convenient to fly to Takamatsu and then take JR or bus to Matsuyama. Remember to prepare a Suica card, it is very convenient to take the tram when traveling in the city. 🌟Must-see attractions: Matsuyama Castle: One of the most primitive castles in Japan. Take the cable car to the top to overlook the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama. The castle tower is rich in historical relics and allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the past of the ancient city. Dogo Onsen: One of the three ancient hot springs in Japan, and the prototype of the hot spring in "Spirited Away". Soaking in hot springs here can relax your body and mind. There is also a royal hot spring hall to visit. Don't miss the free foot bath at the door and enjoy the street view while soaking. Isaiba Shrine: With a history of thousands of years, walk up the steps and overlook the beautiful scenery around. It is a great place to take photos, especially in the autumn maple leaf season, which is so beautiful that you will be speechless. Yuanman Temple: It is very effective in praying for marriage. Although the temple is small, it is simple and peaceful, and is very popular. Single friends may wish to pray sincerely. 🍱Food exploration: Sea bream rice: Ehime Prefecture's signature dish, fresh sea bream paired with soft glutinous rice, "Matsuyama Taimeshi Akiyoshi" is a must-try, the fish melts in your mouth. Shaoye Dumplings: Soft glutinous rice cakes with red beans and matcha, sweet but not greasy. Have one when you are tired of shopping and you will instantly feel full of energy. Citrus products: Songshan is rich in citrus. Citrus juice is sweet and sour, and citrus ice cream is refreshing and cool. They can be found everywhere, so you must try them. 🛏 Accommodation selection: Dogo Onsen Hotel - Dogo FUNAYA: Strong Japanese style, cozy rooms, super comfortable private hot spring, convenient shopping and dining nearby. Guyongyuanyao Hotel: high-end and comfortable, the open-air hot spring on the rooftop has a great view, and it is extremely romantic to soak in the hot spring and enjoy the starry sky at night. There are trams throughout Songshan City, so it is more cost-effective to buy a tourist ticket. Take this guide with you and start your dream trip to Songshan.

✅Must-see Matsuyama Castle: Built during the Warring States period, it is one of 12 remaining castle keeps in Japan. You can take the cable car up and down the east side of Matsuyama Castle for JPY 520 round trip, or you can take a one-way cable car ride and walk down in just 15 mins. Inside the castle, you can see historical materials, and from the castle keep, you can overlook the whole city and the Seto Inland Sea in the distance. ✅Must-see Dogo Onsen: One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history of over 3,000 years, it is the inspiration for Yubaba's bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. In addition to bathing, you can also enjoy a free foot bath. The surrounding Dogo shopping street is very lively, and the Botchan Karakuri Clock at the entrance "transforms" every hour. 👍Most recommended: Baishinji Station: The station where Rika and Kanji broke up at the end of *Tokyo Love Story*. You can take the Iyo Railway from Matsuyama Station, and the journey takes 15 mins. Many fans come here to tie handkerchiefs in remembrance. 👍Most recommended: Isaniwa Shrine: With a thousand years of history, it is one of Japan's three great Hachiman-zukuri shrines. It is a 5-min walk from the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and the stone steps are a beautiful spot for photos. 👍Most recommended: Shiki-no-Oka Museum of Art: Designed by Tadao Ando, the theme is the eponymous masterpiece by Ryotaro Shiba. Food 🍲Tai Meshi (Sea Bream Rice): A specialty of Ehime Prefecture. Try the unique way of eating it: raw egg + broth + sea bream + rice. Recommended restaurants include "Matsuyama Taimeshi Akiyoshi," "Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi Marumizu," and others. 🍲Citrus Products: Matsuyama City has a variety of citrus juices, citrus ice cream, and more. "10 Factory" on Dogo Shopping Street is a good choice, and there's even a shop where you can "turn on the tap and get orange juice." 🍲Botchan Dango: Small rice cakes with red bean paste, egg, and matcha, perfect for dessert. 🍲Wagyu Charcoal Grill Bistro Tobi-gyu: The wagyu beef in this restaurant is of high quality and the meat is excellent. 🏨Luxury: SETOUCHI RETREAT by Onko Chishin, the hotel is like an art museum. 🏨Hot Spring Bathing: Beteiobrotsukiyo, Dogo Oyu, Dogo Onsen Hotel - Dogo Funaya, etc., offer excellent service and hot spring experiences. 🏨Upscale: Dogo Onsen Daiwa Yamatoya Honten, Koyugien Haruka Ryokan, convenient for shopping, with a high-class feel. 🚉Transportation Guide: For external transportation, you can fly to Matsuyama Airport, or choose to take a JR train, highway bus, or Seto Inland Sea ferry from surrounding cities. For transportation within the city, you can take the streetcar in Matsuyama City, which can reach most attractions. The fare is a uniform JPY 210, payable when you get off.

📍Location: Ehime Prefecture, Japan 🌟Recommended Reason: Dogo Onsen Hotel, a hot spring resort with over 3,000 years of history, is known as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs. It not only boasts a long history but also attracts countless tourists with its high-quality hot spring resources and comfortable accommodations. 🛁Hot Spring Bathing: When you come to Dogo Onsen Hotel, how can you not experience the joy of hot spring bathing? The hotel's hot spring bathing area uses 100% Dogo Onsen water. The alkaline simple spring water is mild and smooth, making it very suitable for hot spring therapy and beauty treatments. Here, you can temporarily forget the worries of the world and allow your body and mind to be completely relaxed. Imagine soaking in the warm hot spring water on a cold winter day, watching the snow scene outside the window, and enjoying the peace and beauty. How pleasant it is!😌 🍽️Japanese Cuisine: In addition to hot spring bathing, the Japanese cuisine at Dogo Onsen Hotel is also a major highlight. The hotel uses seasonal ingredients from Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and the Seto Inland Sea to prepare Japanese dishes, each filled with traditional Japanese flavors. Classic dishes include sushi and sashimi, each bite allowing you to experience the freshness and deliciousness of the ingredients. Here, you can indulge in a feast for your taste buds.😋 🏨Hotel Facilities: Dogo Onsen Hotel has 58 guest rooms, renovated in 2015, with complete facilities and attentive service. Whether you are on a business trip or a leisure vacation, it can meet your needs. The rooms are warm and comfortable, making you feel at home during your travels. In addition, the hotel also offers a wealth of entertainment facilities, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant holiday while enjoying the hot springs.🎉 ✨Summary: Dogo Onsen Hotel is a hot spring resort that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Here, you can fully enjoy the comfort and relaxation brought by the hot springs, taste authentic Japanese cuisine, and experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture. Come here and start your millennium hot spring journey!🌸

Hey everyone👋! Are you tired of the same old Tokyo and Kyoto trips to Japan? Today, I'm unveiling a hidden gem that's both unique and stunning—Matsuyama👏! Nestled in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, it boasts a thousand years of history, breathtaking scenery, and best of all, fewer crowds and friendlier prices. It's a true travel treasure💖! 🚗Travel tips: While Matsuyama has an airport, flights are limited. Consider flying into Takamatsu and taking a bus or JR train to Matsuyama, which is about a 3-hour journey. Enjoy the scenic views along the way. Once in the city, hop on the adorable orange tram—it's the perfect way to get around and explore all the must-see spots🚌. 🌟Must-see attractions: 👉Matsuyama Castle: One of only twelve remaining original castle keeps in Japan. Take the cable car up for a wow-worthy😍 panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama City. The castle keep houses a rich collection of historical artifacts, immersing you in the atmosphere of the past. 👉Dogo Onsen: One of Japan's three oldest hot springs and the inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. After a relaxing soak, experience the royal treatment in the exclusive bathhouse. Don't miss the free footbath nearby—it's the perfect way to soothe tired feet😌. 👉Isaniwa Shrine: A thousand-year-old shrine and one of Japan's three great Hachiman-zukuri shrines. Ascend the ancient stone steps for a stunning panoramic view—a picture-perfect moment📷. 👉Enman-ji Temple: Calling all singles👀! This is a renowned spot for finding love. Though small, the temple is filled with spiritual energy. 👉Bansui So Villa: A must-visit for art lovers! Designed by Tadao Ando and themed after Ryotaro Shiba's novel *Clouds Above the Hill*, this museum offers a truly enriching experience. 🍱Matsuyama's culinary delights: 👉Tai Meshi (Sea Bream Rice): Ehime's signature dish featuring incredibly tender sea bream. Try it at "Matsuyama Taimeshi Akiyoshi" or "Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi Marumizu"—you can't go wrong! Every bite is a gift from the sea. 👉Botchan Dango: These small rice cakes with red bean, egg, and matcha are sweet but not overpowering. A perfect after-dinner treat for a burst of happiness👍. 👉Citrus Products: Matsuyama is abundant in citrus fruits. Refresh with citrus juice, indulge in citrus ice cream, and get your vitamin C fix. 🛏Accommodation gems: 👉Dogo Onsen Hotel - Dogo Funaya: Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality with on-site hot springs. Relax and unwind after a soak, with convenient access to shopping and transportation. 👉Koyuen Ryokan: Experience pure luxury with stunning views from the rooftop onsen. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation while taking in the scenery—simply amazing~ Matsuyama is a truly wonderful place to explore. Save this guide and embark on your dream trip💖!

Funaya Ryokan, a perfect blend of antiquity and modernity 🍃When in Japan, to experience the oldest hot springs, one must visit the grand bathhouse of Dogo Onsen. However, to truly enjoy the services of Dogo Onsen that have been passed down from ancient times, it's essential to stay at a renowned and established ryokan of Dogo Onsen! 🏨 Funaya, among the upscale ryokans of Dogo Onsen, has secured its place. It has been in operation for over 390 years, and several great literary masters have visited. It's not just a ryokan; it's a witness to history. 🍃The garden spans nearly 5000 square meters, with artificial hills surrounded by streams and small bridges, offering a picturesque scene at every step. The beauty of all four seasons is breathtaking. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture these beautiful moments! 😋 Of course, the cuisine here is not to be missed. Meals are delivered to the room by dedicated staff, each bite an ultimate delight to the taste buds. ✨Here, you can relax and enjoy the perfect blend of antiquity and modernity. Whether spending quality time with friends or on a romantic date with a partner, Funaya Ryokan is an excellent choice.