Moopon

Located 200 meters east of Dogo Onsen Station, in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is Isaniwa Shrine.  This Shinto Shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman, patron to the warriors.  Visitors will see artwork displaying warriors and wars here.

The architecture of this shrine is traditional Hachiman architectural style with a tall flight of stairs leading up to the shrine.  The shrine consists of two halls which are connected by their roofs, making the two halls into one building.  This is typical of the Hachiman style.  The vermillion pillars and walls are yet another distinct characteristics of this style.

Hours: 5:00 to 19:00 (6:00 to 18:00 during winter)
Admission: Free of Charge

Ishiteji Temple (石手寺) located in Matsuyama City, Shikoku, is a popular destination for pilgrims who visit the many Buddhist temples located on this island.  Ishiteji Temple is number 51 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Map and the most famous temple in Matsuyama.

According to legend, an aristocrat held onto a stone very tightly on deathbed seeking the priest Kobo Daishi.  Though he was unable to receive a visit from priest Kobo Daishi, when the aristocrat was reincarnated, the stone was in his infantile hand. Thus the name Ishiteji (ishi=stone; te=hand; ji=temple) was also born.

Ishiteji temple is a very unique and special temple. From the statue of Kobo Daishi, an important figure in Japanese Buddhism, standing above the temple, to the Niomon Gate, a designated National Treasure, there are many cultural sites within the temple.  The temple’s main hall and three-storied pagoda are also designated Important Cultural Properties.  In addition, there is an inner temple which is connected to the main grounds by a cave.

Visitors will see the typical Kamakura Period architectural style within the structures in Ishiteji Temple.  Though this temple has various statues and historical objects, statues and religious objects are periodically added to its collection.  Visitors are able to see some of the temple’s most important artifacts in the treasure house.

Treasure House
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 200 yen

Behind the main hall, visitors can walk through a dimly lit 200 meter long cave.  Within the cave, visitors will find many Buddhist statures, carvings and drawing. After passing through the cave, visitors need to cross the street to the inner temple grounds. Here there is a large, golden-dome hall. Visitors will find the inner grounds to have a different atmosphere than the main grounds.  There are various statues, carving and drawing here as well.  There are scenes of the historical Buddha Shaka just before he has gained enlightened.
 
Ishiteji Temple Grounds
Hours: Always open
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

Access Information
1.  From JR Matsuyama Station, take tram line 5 to Dogo Onsen Tram Stop (journey is about 20 minutes with a fare of 160 yen).
OR
   From Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 to Dogo Onsen Tram Stop (journey is about 15 minutes with a fare of 160 yen).
2.  From Dogo Onsen Tram Stop, a 5 minutes bus ride. There are many departures to Ishiteji Temple from Dogo Onsen and the fare is 160 yen.
OR
A 15 to 20 minute walk from Dogo Onsen to Ishiteji Temple.

Located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, the world famous Dogo Onsen (Hot Springs) symbol is the Dogo Onsen Honkan (道後温泉本館). This charming bath house is filled with activity as staff members lead guests up and down the wooden staircases, along the old-fashioned wooden hallways to their rooms and various.  It is said Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” is modeled after the Dogo Onsen Honkan.

The Honkan has two different baths for visitors to enjoy.  Kami no Yu (the Bath of the Gods) is located on the first floor and Tama no Yu (the Bath of the Spirits) is on the second floor.  Both baths are a separate male and female bathing section separated by a wall.  The baths are made of stone. Kami no Yu is larger but Tama no Yu is more elegant.
Visitors will find communal tatami mat rooms on the second floor.  Often these large tatami rooms are used to relax after a long bath.  There are smaller, individual rooms on the third floor to rest and perhaps have a light snack. There are four different admission packages of visitors as to the extent of facilities available to them during their visit.

Visitors may wish to view Yushinden, a special section in the Honkan which was constructed for the Imperial Family’s visit in 1899.  Visitors will be taken on a short guided tour to see the facilities reserved for visiting emperors.  The facilities shown include a lavishly decorated room as well as the emperor’s exclusive bath and toilet.  Please note, since 1952, no emperor has used the Yushinden.

Access Information:
By Tram…From JR Matsuyama Station, board tram line 5. The journey will take 20 minutes with a cost of 160 yen. Likewise, visitors can board tram line 3 from Matsuyama-shi station. The journey will take 15 minutes with a cost of 160 yen.  From the Dogo Onsen Tram Station, a 4 minute walk will lead you to the Dogo Onsen Honkan.

Visitors coming to the World Famous Dogo Onsen Hot Springs in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture will probably be using the Dogo Onsen Station, a tourist attraction in itself!!
Functioning as the terminal station to three tram lines, the station gives its visitors the feeling as though they have arrived to the Meiji Period. With the stations architecture reflecting the Meiji Period, it seem natural a steam locomotive, “Botchan” train, is still in use at this station.
At the station front visitors can find the clock-tower as well as a free hot springs foot bath.  The Dogo Shopping Arcade is nearby as well for visitors to shop and enjoy the local cuisine.

Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station is a nice representation of Meiji Period architecture. It serves as the terminal station to three tram lines. A "Botchan" steam locomotive is often exhibited in front of it.