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Honkan, or the main building of Dogo Hotspring, which was built in 1894. On top of the roof stands a white heron, which is the symbol of this spa. This spa has been awarded a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan since 2009.
Honkan, or the main building of Dogo Hotspring, which was built in 1894. On top of the roof stands a white heron, which is the symbol of this spa. This spa has been awarded a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan since 2009.
Dogo Station, which was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1986, keeping its original structure and atmosphere.
Dogo Station, which was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1986, keeping its original structure and atmosphere.
This is a mechanical clock called Botchan Dokei. This is located in a square just in front of Dogo Station. A very popular object. People can use the place around here as a meeting spot.
This is a mechanical clock called Botchan Dokei. This is located in a square just in front of Dogo Station. A very popular object. People can use the place around here as a meeting spot.
Shiki Memorial Museum. Some haiku monuments stand in front of the building. In the entrace lobby there is always a small exhibition and a small shop selling unique items related to haiku poetry.
Shiki Memorial Museum. Some haiku monuments stand in front of the building. In the entrace lobby there is always a small exhibition and a small shop selling unique items related to haiku poetry.
A house depicting a samurai residence in the 16th century. People are enjoying composing
A house depicting a samurai residence in the 16th century. People are enjoying composing "renga" ,or linked verse, from which haiku poetry came. What samura did in those days was not limited in martial arts. Many were good at literature. This is located near Shiki Memorial Museum.
Along the way from Dogo to Ishiteji Temple, you will find some haiku monuments. This is one of them. This monument is built for a famous poet Santoka Taneda, who is said to have been a wandering poet because of his life style. He was not born here but settled here in his final days and died here. Today there are many who love his haiku. The haiku inscribed here reads in Japanese,
Along the way from Dogo to Ishiteji Temple, you will find some haiku monuments. This is one of them. This monument is built for a famous poet Santoka Taneda, who is said to have been a wandering poet because of his life style. He was not born here but settled here in his final days and died here. Today there are many who love his haiku. The haiku inscribed here reads in Japanese, "wake ittemo, wake ittemo, aoi yama." Its meaning is, "deeper and deeper, moving into the area, yet I am still green mountain." This is typical of his style. A weeping willow suits well at a river bank.
Nio-Mon. The gate of Ishiteji Temple, which was built in 1318. It is a national treasure. The two deva kings, or guardian gods, stand on both sides. They are said to be the works of Unkei, a famous sculptor of the 12th century. One on the right side with the open mouth symbolizes birth or beginning, and the other on the left with the closed mouth signifies death or end.
Nio-Mon. The gate of Ishiteji Temple, which was built in 1318. It is a national treasure. The two deva kings, or guardian gods, stand on both sides. They are said to be the works of Unkei, a famous sculptor of the 12th century. One on the right side with the open mouth symbolizes birth or beginning, and the other on the left with the closed mouth signifies death or end.
A big sandal. it is believed that a big sandal brings you strength if you touch it and touch your own legs. Every four year, in a leap year, a sandal is burned and replaced with a new one. It takes 3 days when 30 people are engaged in making the sandal. The as produced when it is burned is held by people as an amulet for good health.
A big sandal. it is believed that a big sandal brings you strength if you touch it and touch your own legs. Every four year, in a leap year, a sandal is burned and replaced with a new one. It takes 3 days when 30 people are engaged in making the sandal. The as produced when it is burned is held by people as an amulet for good health.
Shiawase-no-kane, or the bell of happiness: The sound of the bell is beautiful. Some haiku come from the sense of hearing.
Shiawase-no-kane, or the bell of happiness: The sound of the bell is beautiful. Some haiku come from the sense of hearing.
The main hall, a national important cultural property. The main image is Yakushi Nyorai, or the Buddha of Healing.
The main hall, a national important cultural property. The main image is Yakushi Nyorai, or the Buddha of Healing.
The three-story pagoda with fine proportion. This was built in 1318 with no nails used.
The three-story pagoda with fine proportion. This was built in 1318 with no nails used.
A big statue of Kobo-Daishi, a founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, or the estoteric Buddhism in Japan and also the founder of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It was about 1200 years ago.
A big statue of Kobo-Daishi, a founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, or the estoteric Buddhism in Japan and also the founder of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It was about 1200 years ago.
Yaki-mochi, or baked rice cake stuffed with sweetened bean paste. Two cakes for 140 yen. It is a must here. There are many pilgrims who want to eat something sweet because they are tired after a long walk.
Yaki-mochi, or baked rice cake stuffed with sweetened bean paste. Two cakes for 140 yen. It is a must here. There are many pilgrims who want to eat something sweet because they are tired after a long walk.
Isaniwa Shrine. The oldest records tell us this shrine was established in the 10th century in honor of Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu.
Isaniwa Shrine. The oldest records tell us this shrine was established in the 10th century in honor of Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu.
This is a washbasin. The water is used for purification of your body before standing in fron of the deity. Rinse your mouth and wash your hands.
This is a washbasin. The water is used for purification of your body before standing in fron of the deity. Rinse your mouth and wash your hands.
This is omikuji, or a fortune slip. You can get to know your fortune in the near future for 100 yen.
This is omikuji, or a fortune slip. You can get to know your fortune in the near future for 100 yen.
My fortune is very good luck. And the deity tell me as follows. Your wish: although you think your wish seems to be difficult to attain, it may be realized more easily than you think. Your love: devote your love to the fullest to your partner.
My fortune is very good luck. And the deity tell me as follows. Your wish: although you think your wish seems to be difficult to attain, it may be realized more easily than you think. Your love: devote your love to the fullest to your partner.
The shrine is located on a hill. Usually people have to climb up many stone steps. Fortunately the guests of my tour can get down to the foot. The best spot for your taking photos.
The shrine is located on a hill. Usually people have to climb up many stone steps. Fortunately the guests of my tour can get down to the foot. The best spot for your taking photos.

Dogo Hot Spa and Its Vicinty With A Haiku Poetry Eye & Mind

Kaz

Licensed Guide
(3) Reviews
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Ehime
3 Hours
up to 8 people
English ( Business )
Private tour (only you and your guide)
Walking / Public Transportation Tour
( Contact guide for other options )

You can sense a peaceful but lively atmosphere of the Dogo Hot Spa. Your five senses needed for haiku appreciation will be sharpened. And people' dedication to Buddhism will be felt.

Itinerary

Feel free to personalize this offer with Kaz.

  • The sqaure in front of Dogo Station (A mechanical clock named Botchan Dokei & Botchan Tram)

  • Shiki Memorial Museum ( Built for a great haiku poetry master Shiki Masaoka, some haik monuments )

  • Ishite-ji Temple (One of the Shikoku 88 Sacred Places)

  • Isaniwa Shrine (Built in the 10th century in honor of Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu)

  • Honkan, or the main building of Dogo Hot Spa (The animation film Spirited Away directed Miyazawa Hayao was crteated based on this)

Want to personalize this tour?

  • Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
  • Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
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Departure & Return

Starting time 09:00 AM , 1:00 PM
Meeting Point The square in front of Dogo Station (your hotel if you want)
Ending Point The main building of Dogo Hot Spa or around there (your hotel if you want)

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

guide fee

What‘s not included

The taxi fare( Your hotel is not in the Dogo area, and when you want to be picked up at yur hotel.)

Important

I can guide you at other areas in Shikoku, if you would burden my travel expenses. The expenses are, for example, 8,000 yen at Kochi.

You should be sturdy enough to walk on the way to and from a nearby temple Ishiteji Temple, starting from Dogo.

If you want to be picked up at your hotel, it's possible. The hotel is not in the Dogo area, we should use a taxi. And you should pay the fare. And the time needed for us to reach the Dogo area is not included in the tour time of 3 hours.

Basically, the tour is desigend for the people up to 4. But the number will be actually extended to 9. The difference is that you have to pay another taxi fare if you wanted to be picked up at your hotel which is out of the Dogo area.

Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation - 30 days prior to meeting time
  • 50% Refund - 15 to 29 days prior to meeting time
  • No Refund - Within 14 day(s) prior to meeting time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make changes after I book?

Yes! If you need to make changes such as removing or adding someone to your booking or changing the date or time of your tour, contact us by phone or email

Starting and ending points of the tour.

After you secure your booking, the starting and ending points of your tour can be customized to your convenience (ex.: your hotel, nearby stations, etc.). Don't worry, we will take care of you! Some tours may have an extra fee for this service, make sure to check the tour page.

What happens after I book a tour?

After booking a tour, the guide will accept (or decline) your booking within 24 hours. Then you will be noticed by email from GoWithGuide.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is charged per group. Which means that you make a one-time payment for your entire group and the price will not change if it is less or more people.

Can I add more people to my booking?

Some guides accept extra people (more than the specified number) for an extra charge. Please check for the extras on the tour or booking page, or contact your guide directly to clarify.

Will there be other tourists in my tour?

No. Your tour is private, only for you and your family or friends, there will be no other group of tourists together in your tour.

Can the guide pickup me at the airport?

Yes, but there will be additional charge for that and it is not by car. The guide will go pick you up using public transportations. For further details, please contact your guide directly.

I'm travelling alone. Can I book this tour?

Yes, you can and you may be able to get a discount if you are traveling alone. Price depends on which guide you choose.

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Reviews ( 3 )
4.6 (3) Reviews
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Simon Simon Canada ( Family )
Very Good
2 years ago

“ Historical View of Matsuyama ”

We had a great guided tour given by Kaz in Matsuyama. He had a challenge of making the tour interesting for teenagers all the way up to a 79 year old!.. He met the challenge with great enthusiasm, and as a result we saw parts of Matsuyama that we would not have seen on our own, I believe not even some locals know what we experienced. Thanks Kaz!

Kaz:

Thank you for your message to me, Simon. I also had a good time with you and your family members. What you were interested in led to us to a local sake brewer, which began its operation 1bout 120 years ago, and to a cozy garden of the most prestigios inn hotel in Matsuyama with a history of about 400 years. These are the spots they don't visit in a usual tour. As you said, among local people there are few who are so aware of these as you are. I hope you will come to Japan again some day in the future. Finally, please send my regards to your family. Thank you very much again, Simon !

Bob Bob Australia ( Solo )
Excellent
2 years ago

“ Matsuyama & surrounds ”

Kaz was very helpful, reliable, well informed and responsive. A pleasure to have as a personal guide in unknown territory.

Kaz:

Thank you very much, Bob. I think you could stay in Ehime at a good time becuase it was just around the autumn festival day in Matsuyama. I hope you will visit Shikoku again in the future.

Chelsea Chelsea United States ( Family )
Excellent
3 years ago

“ Kochi Castle, Buddhist temple, beach ”

We had an awesome time with Kaz. We were able to see quite a lot and Kaz was very informative about the places we visited. Highly recommend!

Kaz:

Thank you very much for your message, Chelsea. The tour was not a long one,a half-day tour, but I think you could experience good places in Kochi. Now a big typhoon is attacking Japan. It is lucky for you that you could avoid it. The T-shirt your mother gave me at the pier suits very well. Please send my best regards to her. I would like to say again, thank you very much for having a good time with me.

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