[2025 Matsuyama Stay] Travel Guide for Hotel Kowakuen Haruka (Updated May)

| 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.

This 11-day trip to Shikoku, Japan, started from Osaka. All flights and hotels were booked seamlessly through Trip.com, offering a quick and easy booking process. Additionally, all hotels provided free cancellation, greatly enhancing the flexibility and peace of mind for the trip. Shikoku has become a new travel hotspot in Japan in recent years, especially popular for self-driving tours. It allows travelers to deeply experience the natural beauty and immerse themselves in the local culture. On April 12th, we departed from Hong Kong and arrived at Kansai International Airport. From there, we took the Nankai RAPIT Express directly to Osaka city center. The first night was spent at Sanrriott Shinsaibashi, conveniently located near restaurants and shopping malls. On the second day, we indulged in shopping at Shinsaibashi, enjoyed crab dishes at Dotonbori, and admired the light art at teamLab Botanical Garden in the evening. The third day coincided with the second day of the Expo 2025 Osaka opening. We specifically planned a visit to explore the China Pavilion, Gundam Pavilion, and Japan Lifestyle Pavilion, experiencing the cultural features and cutting-edge technologies of different countries firsthand—it was truly impressive. On the fourth day, we reserved a full day to enjoy Universal Studios Japan. We pre-purchased Fast Passes for Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World through Trip.com. Although the price was slightly higher than regular tickets, it saved us from long queues. Popular attractions like Super Mario were easily accessible, making the experience more enjoyable and time-efficient. On the fifth day, we drove for two hours from Osaka to Suzuka Circuit. We had already purchased Suzuka Circuit experience tickets via Trip.com. Driving a small race car on the actual F1 track, even at a maximum speed of only 40 km/h, was an unforgettable experience. The sense of speed and immersion gave us a taste of what it feels like to be an F1 racer. In the following days, we continued our self-driving tour across Shikoku. Strawberry picking on Awaji Island was particularly memorable—not only could we pick strawberries ourselves, but we also enjoyed fresh strawberries with hot coffee right in the strawberry field, which was incredibly relaxing. We then headed to Kotohira Onsen and stayed at the newly opened Oyado Shikishima-kan. The highlight was the four free private baths available for reservation, allowing us to fully enjoy the hot spring experience. Later, we visited the Cloud Edge Temple Mountain Park, where the Sky Swing and Sky Frame are must-tries. The panoramic view from the mountaintop was breathtaking and romantic, perfect for taking photos. We also explored Oboke Gorge and the Double Vine Bridges of Iya Valley, marveling at Shikoku's magnificent gorges and pristine forest landscapes. At Matsuyama Castle, visitors could dress up in samurai costumes for free and take photos, fully immersing themselves in the local historical and cultural atmosphere. For accommodation near Dogo Onsen, we chose the newly opened Furuyu-en Haruka Ryokan, located right behind the Dogo Onsen Honkan. The ryokan offered modern and comfortable facilities, and the quality of the hot springs was excellent. As for the legendary bathhouse in "Spirited Away," which was inspired by Dogo Onsen, it is actually just a regular hot spring. There's no need to pay for entry; taking photos outside is sufficient. Lastly, we visited Ryugado Cave, one of Japan's three major limestone caves. The stalactite formations inside were spectacular and mysterious, leaving a lasting impression. In the final days, we went on a shopping spree at Kobe Mitsui Outlet and returned to Osaka to continue enjoying various local delicacies. All arrangements for the trip were effortlessly completed through Trip.com, making last-minute changes and flexible adjustments incredibly convenient. Trip.com has become my go-to platform for booking tickets and accommodations for future travels. Shikoku's natural scenery and cultural charm are absolutely worth a visit.

Check-in at night on April 1, 2025 The location is next to the Dogo Onsen main building. There is an elevator that can take you from B2 to B1 inside the building, and then change to another elevator from B1 to the check-in counter. It is super convenient! ! The exterior is very impressive, with a low-key and luxurious feel. When you enter the lobby, you will be greeted by a white English speaker. You can be assured when you hear English. There is a small shop on the first floor. There is a live piano performance at 7 o'clock in the evening. There are also floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor. You can sit and watch the sunset. It is very comfortable. Next, the white receptionist will help you carry your heavy luggage to your room (this is also a super plus) Another receptionist led us to the room where we were staying and introduced the room facilities one by one, including free yukatas that we could wear when shopping in Dogo Street. Not only were there different sizes, but there were also thoughtful small baskets, socks, and shoes, a complete set of equipment! The public bathhouse is located on the 8th floor of the hotel, which is divided into indoor and outdoor areas. There are large transparent glass windows indoors, through which you can see the night view of Dogo. It is really beautiful, especially when the lights are on at night! The outdoor hot spring is even more amazing, with Japanese style bath design, I love it so much❤️ There are also large and small bath towels for guests to use for free in the open-air bath. The point is, it is very comfortable after taking a hot spring bath👍 The hot spring bath is also equipped with 3 electric massage chairs, which is really great! ! ! The overall price is also very sweet. Today I booked a double suite with two small beds and a living room for just under NT$6,000. The floor in the room is designed with Japanese tatami, and the bed and pillows are very comfortable to sleep on! I give full marks for the overall evaluation 💯 Every little detail is very thoughtful~ It is recommended that tourists visiting Songshan come here to have a look and stay, it really feels like a vacation 👍 💰Average consumption per person: Double room excluding breakfast per night about NT$6,000 #Japan #Hotel #Hot Springs #March Destinations 2025

✅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.

| Guyongyuan Yao Ryokan. 🌄 Hey everyone, I have to share this hidden gem of a Japanese-style hotel with you – Guyongyuan Yao Ryokan. I was completely captivated after just one visit, and it's now on my list of favorites for the year! 🏡 [Japanese Garden: A Picturesque Scene at Every Turn] Stepping into the hotel feels like entering a secluded paradise. The traditional Japanese garden is unbelievably beautiful, with meticulously trimmed greenery, uniquely shaped rock formations, and gently flowing streams. Every step reveals a picturesque scene, and every corner exudes refinement. Especially at dusk, when the setting sun casts a warm glow on the garden, the interplay of light and shadow creates the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Photography enthusiasts, don't miss this! 🛏 [Tatami Rooms: An Immersive Experience] The guest rooms feature a cozy tatami style, decorated with simple elegance and warmth. Slide open the wooden doors to reveal breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. After a day of exploring, lie down on the soft tatami mats and let all your worries melt away. Immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese living culture and experience pure bliss. 💧 [Natural Hot Springs: Soothing Body and Soul] The highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly its natural hot springs! The open-air baths offer direct views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Soak in the warm, soothing waters while enjoying the changing seasons – cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and cozy warmth even in the cold of winter. The mild, mineral-rich water leaves your skin feeling silky smooth, washes away fatigue, and rejuvenates your entire being. 🍱 [Exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine: A Culinary Journey Through Japan] The food here is also exceptional! Each night's kaiseki dinner is a work of art. With fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation, every dish is impeccable in both presentation and flavor. As you savor each course, your taste buds embark on a delightful culinary journey through Japan. The staff is friendly and professional, providing attentive care from check-in to check-out. Trust me, a stay at Guyongyuan Yao Ryokan will capture the true essence of Japanese travel.

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💖!