Best Ehime Onsens & Hot Springs | All-Inclusive Hotels & Resorts

No trip to Japan is complete without a stop at an onsen. Onsen is the Japanese word for hot springs, and bathing in these natural waters is a popular traditional pastime in the country. Onsens can either be indoor or outdoor, and some of the best Ehime onsens and hot springs retreats are attached to traditional inns, or ryokans. An onsen hotel is a special place where visitors can both enjoy the warmth and benefits of hot springs while also staying in lovely accommodations. Ehime is home to one of the oldest onsens in Japan, Dogo Onsen, in the capital city of Matsuyama. Visiting an onsen while in Ehime is a cultural experience that should not be missed.

Important Tips For Visiting Hot Springs in Japan

Bathing in an onsen is different than going to a spa or public pool. Onsens are special pools that make use of geothermal heat, meaning they’re heated by hot springs. In Japan, there are many customs and rules that visitors should be aware of before striking out on a hot springs retreat. Knowing what to do in certain situations will help ensure that tourists don’t inadvertently give offense, and a little preparation also helps travelers feel more confident as they explore this remarkable country.

• In Japan, onsens aren’t just a place to relax, though they are very relaxing. Some people go on religious pilgrimages to onsens, so it’s important to always behave respectfully.
• Before visiting a particular onsen, it may be helpful to look up its information beforehand and read through any rules or procedures.
• Visitors to onsens will find that bathing is communal, and it is usually separated by gender. Visitors are expected to bathe in the nude which may be a new experience for some tourists, but it is a traditional part of Japanese culture and very common.
• Before entering an onsen, it’s expected that guests shower. So visitors should be sure to wash up thoroughly before entering the hot springs.
• Visitors who have long hair should wrap their hair up in a towel and keep it out of the water.
• Visitors who have large tattoos may not be allowed into some onsens. For travelers with large or multiple tattoos, it may be best to opt for a ryokan with private hot springs.
• Some onsens will offer towels, soap, and other amenities for a fee, but it’s good to bring a towel, soap, and shampoo just in case these amenities aren’t offered.

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Best Onsens in Ehime

While there are onsens all over Shikoku Island, many of the best Ehime onsens are located in Matsuyama. Matsuyama is the biggest city in Ehime and is a great stop for visitors who are looking to enjoy as many onsens as they can.

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Dogo Onsen Honkan – Dogo Onsen Annex Asukano-Yu

The big attraction at Dogo Onsen is Dogo Onsen Honkan, the main public bathhouse. This wooden building is massive and spreads over several floors. Within, the bathhouse is cavernous and feels a little like a maze and is rumored to have been a source of inspiration for movies and other artistic endeavors. Visitors with tattoos are welcome to enjoy a visit to this hot spring. Stop by Dogo Onsen and experience a traditional onsen in the modern world. Admission starts at 420 yen for adults.

Address: 5-6 Dogoyuno-machi, Matsuyama

Asuka-no-Yu is a newer facility affiliated with the historical Dogo Onsen. This location opened in 2017 and offers a beautiful onsen experience that seamlessly blends traditional relaxation with modern amenities and designs. Stunning local arts and crafts are featured throughout the onsen, including a large, woodcut mural near the entrance. Within the onsen, relaxing baths, private rooms, a resting lounge, and more await. Visitors who have tattoos can enjoy a visit to this location. Admission starts at 610 yen for adults.

Address: 1-22 Dogoyuno-machi, Matsuyama

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Higashi Dogo Sora to Mori

Higashi Dogo Sora to Mori is a celebrated spa and hotel that’s taken the traditional onsen and given it a look for the modern age. While not technically a ryokan, travelers can find accommodations and hot springs services at this location. Visitors to the onsen will note its stunning black exterior, and they can enjoy a range of amenities from hot springs and massages to dining and overnight accommodations. Travelers who are looking to extend their enjoyment of the onsen should consider a stay at Higashi Dogo Sora to Mori.

Address: 3-1 Minamikume-machi-cho, Matsuyama

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Poppo Onsen

Poppo Onsen is an onsen in the Ehime town of Matsuno. Poppo Onsen gets its unique name from the sound that trains make as they pass by, which is appropriate because this onsen is located above a train station. Poppo Onsen is small but big on atmosphere and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. With rock features, wooden decor, and with some unique baths made of wooden barrels, guests can settle in and unwind while the hot water helps to relax their bodies. Admission for adults starts at 520 yen.

Address: 1661-13 Matsumaru, Matsuno-chō

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Oyabu Onsen

At the top of Oyabu Gorge lies Oyabu Onsen, with origins dating back to the late 19th century. The three-story wooden building is located in Ozu and offers a beautiful, historical ambiance that’s surrounded by lush nature and running water from the nearby mountain stream. Inside, visitors can enjoy communal baths. For women, there is a gorgeous rock pool, and for men, there is a rustic wooden pool. Visitors can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding forest as they soak. There is also a break room that features traditional Japanese decor, including tatami floor mats, sliding doors, and low furniture. Guests can enjoy the bath or opt for an extended stay at this onsen, as it also doubles as a ryokan. Rates for the onsen start at 500 yen for adults.

Address: 1433 Hijikawacho, Uwagawa, Ozu

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Nibukawa Onsen

Nibukawa Onsen is an onsen and hotel that’s located in Imabari. This hotel is surrounded by lush nature and is a great stop for visitors who are hoping to combine their onsen visits with a hotel stay. With large communal baths and private options (depending on facility), visitors can slip into the hot springs and enjoy the relaxing sight of the forest as they sit and soak. With Japanese-style rooms, onsite dining, sauna access, and more, there’s so much to enjoy at this onsen. Nibukawa Onsen also is available for use without a hotel stay, with rates starting at 420 yen for adults.

Address: 281-1 Tamagawacho Nibukawa, Imabari

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Takanokono Hot Spring

Takanokono Hot Spring, which is also known as Takanokono Hotel, is situated in Matsuyama and offers both onsen and hotel services. The hotel provides modern, western-style accommodations for guests, and access to amenities, like onsite dining, massage services, saunas, and more. Within the onsen are a variety of baths for guests to choose from, including large communal baths that are separated by gender, a children’s bath, open-air baths, and more. Rates for the onsens start at 700 yen for adults, and visitors who have tattoos are not allowed entry into these hot springs.

Address: 736-4 Takanoko-machi-cho, Matsuyama

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Yamatoya Besso

Yamatoya Besso is a hot spring and hotel in Matsuyama. Guests can choose from Japanese-style rooms that offer amenities which include private hot springs access, tatami floor mats, and futon sleeping mats. Located within walking distance of public transit, this hotel is a great option for travelers who are looking to explore the area, while also enjoying the amazing local hot springs. The hot springs facility offers communal open-air and indoor baths.

Address: 2-27 Dogosagidani-cho, Matsuyama

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS 

Dogo-Kan

Dogo-Kan Onsen, also known as Dogo Onsen Dogokan, is an onsen and hotel located in Matsuyama. The uniquely modern exterior of this onsen is a contrast to much of the traditionally decorated interior and was designed by famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Within the tiered layers of this hotel are beautiful hot spring services, with two large communal bathing pools and two open-air baths. Private open-air baths also are available for reservation. Visitors to the hotel can choose from western-style and traditional Japanese rooms and can also enjoy massage services, onsite dining and karaoke.

Address: 7-26, Dogotako-cho, Matsuyama

FIND BEST EHIME ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS HOTELS