Easy, no-transfer trip! 2-day, 1-night trip to Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle by express bus from OCAT
Historic hot springs, Japan's only remaining castle tower, and a beautiful castle town. This time, we'll introduce a two-day, one-night itinerary for touring Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, using a special discount ticket that combines a highway bus departing from and arriving at OCAT Bus Terminal with a sightseeing ticket.
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One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is the stop for express buses departing and arriving at all over Japan, as well as buses to Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport for departures around the world. As OCAT has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy food from all over the world. There are also many stores where you can do your everyday shopping, making it a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind, not just while waiting for the bus. On the first basement floor of OCAT, Ponte Square is a large sphere that sparkles in the sunlight. This open-air space with a view of the blue sky is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Required time
2 days and 1 night
Transportation
Train
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Bus
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On foot
Enjoy hot springs, castles, and castle towns! A two-day, one-night trip to Matsuyama by highway bus
Take a direct express bus from Osaka (OCAT) to Matsuyama. This two-day, one-night itinerary is packed with highlights, including relaxing in Dogo Onsen, said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, and strolling around Matsuyama Castle, which still has 12 surviving castle towers, and the castle town. This plan is recommended for first-time visitors to Matsuyama, as it allows you to enjoy both travel and sightseeing without stress.
Day 1
1
OCAT/Osaka City Air Terminal
Great value "Matsuyama Dogo Mican Ticket"
Easy travel without transfers! The Matsuyama Dogo Mikyan Ticket is a great value Matsuyama travel ticket that combines highway bus and sightseeing. It is a convenient and great value special ticket that includes a round-trip highway bus ticket between Osaka (OCAT) and Matsuyama, a tour of Matsuyama Castle's main tower, a bath at Dogo Onsen, and use of a cafe. It is recommended for first-time visitors to Matsuyama as it allows you to enjoy both travel and sightseeing all in one.
①Round-trip express bus ticket between Osaka and Matsuyama
② Benefits: "Shirasagi Pack" to enjoy Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and more
Matsuyama Castle Tower Viewing Ticket + Matsuyama Castle Ropeway/Lift Round-Trip Ticket
〇Dogo Onsen Bathing Ticket - Choose from the following: Main Building (Kami no Yu second floor seats) or Annex Asuka no Yusen (second floor large hall) *Includes rental yukata, tea and sweets
〇 Shirasagi Coffee - Choose one drink (coffee, tea, or soft drinks)
*In addition, by presenting the special ticket, you can receive a discount on admission to the Shiki Memorial Museum (permanent exhibition) and the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum (discount rate from 20%).
③Prices: Normal price for adults 15,500 yen, converted price (web only) 14,900 yen for adults
④Validity period: 3 days including the day of boarding
⑤ Bus company: West Japan JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus
Details and purchase (Japanese)
Details/Purchase (Traditional Chinese characters)
Details/Purchase (Simplified Chinese)
Departs OCAT Bus Terminal at 8:15 AM → Arrives JR Matsuyama Station at 2:01 PM Travel time: Approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes one way Facilities: 3 rows of independent seats / Toilet / Free Wi-Fi / Charging outlet or USB (Type-A)
*Some vehicles are excluded.
Rest stops along the way: 2 locations
You can depart from OCAT, which is directly connected to JR Namba Station.
Even with large luggage, you can move smoothly, giving you peace of mind right from the start of your trip.
*Some vehicles are excluded.
Rest stops along the way: 2 locations
You can depart from OCAT, which is directly connected to JR Namba Station.
Even with large luggage, you can move smoothly, giving you peace of mind right from the start of your trip.
2
JR Matsuyama Station
To get to the Shiki Memorial Museum from JR Matsuyama Station, take the Iyotetsu City Tram bound for Dogo Onsen from JR Matsuyama Station for about 25 minutes, get off at Dogo Onsen Station, and walk for about 5 minutes. There is no need to transfer, and the fare is 230 yen one way (as of February 2026).
3
Shiki Memorial Museum
Opening hours: May 1st - October 31st: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (entry until 5:30 PM)
November 1st - April 30th: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closing days: Varies depending on the year and season.
Fee: Individual 500 yen / Group (20 or more) 400 yen
November 1st - April 30th: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closing days: Varies depending on the year and season.
Fee: Individual 500 yen / Group (20 or more) 400 yen
An easy-to-understand introduction to Shiki's life and achievements
The Shiki Memorial Museum is a literary museum showcasing the life and achievements of Masaoka Shiki, a haiku poet and tanka poet from Matsuyama. His diverse works, including haiku, tanka, and essays, are carefully explained through manuscripts, letters, and video materials. The exhibits are easy to understand even for those unfamiliar with literature.
An exhibition that explores the historical background and human relationships of the Meiji period
The exhibition goes beyond a simple chronology to introduce Shiki's innovative spirit in three dimensions, touching on the social background of the Meiji era in which he lived and his relationships with Natsume Soseki and others. You can gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and challenges that pioneered modern haiku.
Experience culture through a haiku experience
The museum also has a corner where you can try your hand at writing haiku. By actually composing a haiku, you can feel closer to Japan's unique literary culture. In a calm space, you can spend some time experiencing the intellectual history that Matsuyama has nurtured.
Shiki Memorial Museum Homepage (Japanese)
Shiki Memorial Museum Homepage (foreign languages)
4
Shirasagi Coffee
Shirasagi Coffee, a popular cafe in Dogo where you can relax in a retro-modern space
Shirasagi Coffee is a popular cafe located right in front of the Dogo Onsen Main Building. It features a retro-modern exterior that blends in with the atmosphere of the hot spring town, and a calm interior that exudes the warmth of wood. It's a cozy space where you can take a break between sightseeing.
A menu that lets you experience the essence of Ehime
The signature menu item is 100% pure juice made with Ehime mandarin oranges. You can also try different varieties, which is popular with tourists from outside the prefecture and overseas. They also offer a wide range of other items, including specialty hand-dripped coffee, sweets made with local ingredients, and a light meal menu. You can enjoy a wide range of drinks, from morning breakfast to afternoon coffee time.
A memorable location for your trip
The store is in an excellent location, directly opposite the Dogo Onsen Main Building. It's the perfect place to cool down after a hot spring bath or as a rest spot during a stroll. You can enjoy a view of the hot spring town from the store's windows, allowing you to relax and enjoy a time that is truly Matsuyama.
It's about a 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station to the Dogo Onsen Main Building, and you can stroll through the shopping district to get there. This is an easy and convenient way to get around Matsuyama, even if it's your first time touring the area.
5
Dogo Onsen Main Building
A charming bathhouse building and a tasteful bathroom
The hotel has two baths, "Kami no Yu" (Hot Spring of the Gods) and "Tama no Yu" (Hot Spring of the Spirits), each with its own unique atmosphere. The warmth of the wood in the baths and the many historical designs create an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Meiji era. After bathing, you can also relax in the resting room.
Enjoy it together with a stroll around the hot spring town
The area around the main building is home to a shopping street, cafes, foot baths, and other attractions, making it a great place to stroll around. It is a bustling tourist spot during the day, and at night you can enjoy a fantastic view when it is lit up. As the center of Matsuyama tourism, it is a spot where you can enjoy hot springs, history, and walking around the city all at once.
Dogo Onsen Homepage (Japanese)
The joy of travel is here: Matsuyama gourmet
Matsuyama sea bream rice with the delicious flavor of sea bream
Matsuyama Taimeshi is a local dish from Ehime where fresh red sea bream caught in the Seto Inland Sea is cooked together with rice, either whole or in fillets. The flavor of the sea bream is thoroughly absorbed into the rice, giving it a plump texture and elegant taste.
Characterized by a gentle flavor that makes the most of the natural taste of the ingredients, it is a Matsuyama specialty loved by both tourists and locals.
Dogo Beer after a hot spring
Dogo Beer is a craft beer popular in the Dogo Onsen area of Ehime. Made using traditional German methods, it comes in a variety of unique flavors, including Kolsch, Alt, and Stout.
The lineup ranges from light and refreshing to rich dark beer, making it the perfect drink after a hot spring bath. It pairs well with Matsuyama cuisine and is a popular local beer that also makes a great souvenir.
A luxurious stay in a hot spring town
The area around the Dogo Onsen Main Building offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from long-established inns to modern hotels. The location allows you to walk to the main building, so you can enjoy the quiet hot spring town in the early morning or at night. Enjoying the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea and relaxing in the hot springs is an exceptional experience. It's also a convenient base for sightseeing, with easy access to Matsuyama Castle and the city center.
Day 2
The most convenient way to get from Dogo Onsen to Matsuyama Castle is by tram and ropeway.
Take the Iyotetsu city tram from Dogo Onsen Station and get off at the Okaido stop (approximately 20 minutes, 200 yen for adults).
From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the ropeway station, where you can take the ropeway (520 yen round trip for adults) to the top of the mountain, and then a few minutes' walk to the main keep of Matsuyama Castle*.
Take the Iyotetsu city tram from Dogo Onsen Station and get off at the Okaido stop (approximately 20 minutes, 200 yen for adults).
From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the ropeway station, where you can take the ropeway (520 yen round trip for adults) to the top of the mountain, and then a few minutes' walk to the main keep of Matsuyama Castle*.
6
Matsuyama Castle
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 17:30 in August, until 16:30 from December to January; last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Third Wednesday of December (for general cleaning)
Admission fee: Adults (middle school students and above) 520 yen / Children (elementary school students) 160 yen (up to two preschool children are free per adult)
Closed: Third Wednesday of December (for general cleaning)
Admission fee: Adults (middle school students and above) 520 yen / Children (elementary school students) 160 yen (up to two preschool children are free per adult)
A spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the castle tower
The summit can be accessed by ropeway or lift. From the top floor of the castle tower, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea. It is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, and you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons.
A tourist spot where you can enjoy history and nature
Inside the castle, there are exhibits of the architectural style and weapons of the time, allowing you to feel history up close. The surrounding Shiroyama Park is also perfect for a stroll, making it a must-see spot for any Matsuyama visit.
Matsuyama Castle Homepage (Japanese)
Matsuyama Castle Homepage (English)
It is convenient to walk from Matsuyama Castle to the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum.
Take the ropeway or lift from Matsuyama Castle's main tower down to the foot of the mountain (Shinonomeguchi), then walk for about 5 minutes.
The entire walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The paths are easy to follow, and you can stroll around while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a castle town.
The distance is such that it can be easily connected as a sightseeing route.
Take the ropeway or lift from Matsuyama Castle's main tower down to the foot of the mountain (Shinonomeguchi), then walk for about 5 minutes.
The entire walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The paths are easy to follow, and you can stroll around while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a castle town.
The distance is such that it can be easily connected as a sightseeing route.
7
Saka no Ue Kumo Museum
Business hours: 9:00-18:30 (last entry 18:00)
Closed: Mondays (may be open on public holidays)
Admission fee: Adults 500 yen / High school students and those 65 and over 250 yen / Junior high school students and younger free
Closed: Mondays (may be open on public holidays)
Admission fee: Adults 500 yen / High school students and those 65 and over 250 yen / Junior high school students and younger free
A wide variety of materials and videos for a deeper understanding
Inside the museum, valuable documents, timeline exhibits, models, a video theater, and more are used to carefully explain the social background and international situation of the time. Even those who are not familiar with history will naturally deepen their understanding thanks to the story-telling exhibits. There are many ways to enjoy the museum, from children to adults.
A spatial experience where you can also enjoy architectural beauty
The building was designed by architect Tadao Ando. It features an impressive triangular form and a tranquil space with exposed concrete. The design cleverly incorporates natural light, making the time spent viewing the exhibits a special experience.
Clouds Above the Hill Museum Homepage (Japanese)
Clouds Above the Hill Museum Instagram
It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum to Matsuyama Gintengai*.
After leaving the museum, head towards Okaido and walk straight through the arcade shopping street to reach Gintengai.
The roads are easy to find, and the shopping street is covered, so you can move around comfortably even on rainy days.
This is a convenient route that allows you to enjoy sightseeing and shopping smoothly.
After leaving the museum, head towards Okaido and walk straight through the arcade shopping street to reach Gintengai.
The roads are easy to find, and the shopping street is covered, so you can move around comfortably even on rainy days.
This is a convenient route that allows you to enjoy sightseeing and shopping smoothly.
Matsuyama Gintengai, an arcade shopping street that colors the center of Matsuyama
Matsuyama Gintengai Shopping Street is one of the main shopping streets in the center of Matsuyama, alongside Okaido. The all-weather arcade allows you to enjoy shopping and eating comfortably even on rainy days. Bustling with both locals and tourists, this area is where Matsuyama's "everyday life" and "tourism" intersect.
A wide variety of stores, from gourmet to fashion
The shopping street is lined with long-established Japanese confectionery shops, local gourmet restaurants, cafes, drugstores, fashion stores, and more. It's also a great place to look for souvenirs and products made with Ehime's famous mandarin oranges. There are also many reasonably priced shops, and the casual atmosphere makes it a great place to drop in.
Convenient location for sightseeing
It has good access to Matsuyama Castle, the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, and Dogo Onsen. It is also close to a city tram stop, making it the perfect spot for lunch or shopping in between sightseeing. You can enjoy a stroll around Matsuyama while feeling the local energy.
Matsuyama Gintengai Shopping Street Homepage (Japanese)
It takes about 3 to 5 minutes on foot from Matsuyama Gintengai to Okaido Shopping Street.
If you walk east through the Gintengai arcade, it will lead directly to Okaido Shopping Street.
There are a series of covered shopping streets, so you can move around comfortably even on rainy days.
The shopping area in central Matsuyama is integrated,
It's a convenient route that allows you to move back and forth naturally while strolling.
If you walk east through the Gintengai arcade, it will lead directly to Okaido Shopping Street.
There are a series of covered shopping streets, so you can move around comfortably even on rainy days.
The shopping area in central Matsuyama is integrated,
It's a convenient route that allows you to move back and forth naturally while strolling.
Okaido, Matsuyama's largest shopping arcade
Okaido Shopping Street is a 480m-long arcade shopping street located in the center of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. It is a pleasant place to stroll even on rainy days, and is beloved by locals and tourists alike as Matsuyama's premier shopping area.
A wide selection of gourmet food, fashion, and souvenirs
There is a wide range of shops, including long-established Japanese confectionery shops, local cuisine restaurants, cafes, and fashion stores, and you can enjoy sampling Matsuyama's specialties. It is an easy place to stop by in between sightseeing, and is also a great place to look for souvenirs that are unique to Matsuyama.
Convenient access to tourist spots
Okaido is close to the access points to Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen, and is an area at the center of tourist routes. It is a spot you should definitely visit to conclude your Matsuyama sightseeing.
Okaido Shopping Street Homepage (Japanese)
Departs Matsuyama Station at 17:00 → Arrives at OCAT Bus Terminal at 22:34 The express bus departing Matsuyama Station goes directly to the OCAT Bus Terminal in Namba, Osaka without any transfers.
You will arrive via a route that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea.
The journey takes about five and a half hours, and you can sit comfortably inside the car, making it a comfortable journey even after sightseeing.
You will arrive in the Namba area in the evening, so you can easily go straight to your home or hotel.
You will arrive via a route that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea.
The journey takes about five and a half hours, and you can sit comfortably inside the car, making it a comfortable journey even after sightseeing.
You will arrive in the Namba area in the evening, so you can easily go straight to your home or hotel.
☆ Night buses are also recommended ☆
Departing from OCAT Bus Terminal at 22:55 → Arriving at Matsuyama Station at 5:40 Departing from Matsuyama Station at 22:55 → Arriving at OCAT Bus Terminal at 6:00 If you take the night bus, you will arrive at your destination early in the morning, save on accommodation costs, and make the most of your sightseeing time, making it great value for money!
Departing from OCAT Bus Terminal at 22:55 → Arriving at Matsuyama Station at 5:40 Departing from Matsuyama Station at 22:55 → Arriving at OCAT Bus Terminal at 6:00 If you take the night bus, you will arrive at your destination early in the morning, save on accommodation costs, and make the most of your sightseeing time, making it great value for money!
Spots introduced in this itinerary
One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is the stop for express buses departing and arriving at all over Japan, as well as buses to Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport for departures around the world. As OCAT has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy food from all over the world. There are also many stores where you can do your everyday shopping, making it a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind, not just while waiting for the bus. On the first basement floor of OCAT, Ponte Square is a large sphere that sparkles in the sunlight. This open-air space with a view of the blue sky is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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