Botchan Karakuri Clock | Review by 黃國棟

When visiting Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime, I recommend spending a night at Chaharu! The hotel is right across from Dogo Onsen Honkan, about a one-minute walk from the hotel. The location is really convenient, and there are also quite a few nearby attractions to explore at a leisurely pace.

This time, I stayed in a Japanese-style tatami room. It was very spacious, clean, and comfortable. There are indoor and open-air hot spring baths on the top floor of the hotel, and you can enjoy the night view while soaking, which is very relaxing. Yukata are also provided in the room. If the size doesn't fit, you can ask the front desk to exchange it, which is very thoughtful.

However, when you come to Dogo Onsen, you definitely shouldn't only use the hotel's hot spring! You should also experience Dogo Onsen Honkan across the street. It's one of Japan's historic hot springs, and its old-fashioned architecture and interior make you feel as though you've stepped into a scene from the animated film Spirited Away. Unfortunately, it was undergoing renovations during this visit, but the hot spring was still available and was still worth experiencing.

Breakfast was a Western-style buffet. Although the selection wasn't particularly large, it had all the basics, including bread, salad, hot dishes, soup, and drinks. There were also made-to-order omelets and Eggs Benedict. It was my first time seeing Eggs Benedict offered at a breakfast buffet, which was a nice surprise!

Overall, Chaharu is a clean and comfortable hot spring hotel in a great location. Nearby attractions include Dogo Onsen Station, the Botchan Karakuri Clock, and Dogo Shopping Street. It's a great place to spend a night during a trip to Shikoku and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of a hot spring town.

If you're visiting Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture, you should definitely stop by Dogo Onsen Station! It's considered the gateway to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. The station building has a charming retro style, and the warm yellow lights at night create a lot of atmosphere. It's especially beautiful for photos after dark.

There are quite a few attractions near the station, including the well-known Botchan Karakuri Clock, where character dolls come out to perform on the hour. However, after seeing it in person, I thought the performance was just okay and not as exciting as I had imagined. There's a performance every 30 minutes. The lights look beautiful at night, but it's harder to see the details of the dolls, especially the ones inside the top level.

Also, if you want to ride the retro Botchan Train, be sure to check its operating schedule first. I didn't see it running on the weekday when I visited, so anyone interested should check the schedule in advance to avoid making a wasted trip.

At Dogo Onsen Station, you can also see both old and new streetcars. I personally especially like the older cars, particularly their wooden interiors, which are full of nostalgia. The mechanical sounds are more noticeable while they're running, but riding them has a charm of its own. If you're more concerned about comfort, the newer cars are probably a better choice.

Besides soaking in the hot springs, I also recommend stopping by the station when visiting Dogo Onsen. It has a different kind of beauty during the day and at night, and lets you experience Matsuyama's unique retro atmosphere!

When visiting Matsuyama in Ehime, of course you have to check out the famous Dōgo Onsen Honkan! It is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs and one of Matsuyama’s most iconic attractions. The most eye-catching feature is this three-story wooden building, which has a very distinctive exterior. It becomes even more atmospheric in the evening when the lights come on, and it’s truly beautiful!

It is also said to be one of the inspirations for Yubaba’s bathhouse in Spirited Away, so it’s no wonder it feels like stepping into an animated world! It also has deep ties to Natsume Sōseki’s novel Botchan.

Inside Dōgo Onsen Honkan are baths such as Kami-no-Yu and Tama-no-Yu. You can buy a ticket to enjoy the hot springs, but quite a few people were already in line when I visited in the evening. If you want to bathe, I recommend checking the available bathing plans and wait times in advance.

Across from the main building is Dōgo Shopping Arcade, where you can browse plenty of food and souvenirs, including Ehime citrus products, orange desserts, and Imabari towels. It’s really hard to resist shopping as you walk along. Nearby, you’ll also find Dōgo Onsen Station, the Botchan Clock, the Botchan Train, footbaths, and Dogo Park, so you can visit them all together.

Even if you’re not planning to bathe, I still highly recommend coming here for a walk and some photos while taking in the atmosphere of an old Japanese hot spring town. It’s a worthwhile stop to include on a trip to Shikoku!