Reader’s Question:

Travel Plans from Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport

Overview

We are planning a 2-night, 3-day trip to Dogo Onsen. Our group consists of a couple in their 50s and three daughters in their 20s.

Transportation

We intend to
rent a car for our travels, but we are also open to using trains.

Recommendations

In addition to enjoying the hot springs, mandarin orange juice, and Matsuyama Castle, we would like to know about other must-visit places.

Itinerary Suggestions

We are flexible with our return airport and would appreciate any recommended model itineraries, especially if they include places in Ehime, Kochi, or Kagawa, or even other prefectures if possible. Thank you for your assistance!

Your Perfect 3-Day Getaway to Matsuyama and Beyond!

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Japan, let me tell you, you’ve hit the jackpot with your destination choice—Matsuyama! I recently returned from a spectacular trip to Dogo Onsen with family, just like you! We soaked in the hot springs, explored charming local spots, and even stumbled upon a few hidden gems along the way. I’m excited to share our itinerary and tips so that your adventure will be equally fantastic.

Getting There

First things first, let’s talk transportation. I know, I know—deciding whether to rent a car or take the train can be a real conundrum. We opted for a rental car because, as a family, the freedom to explore at our own pace sounded irresistible, especially with three energetic daughters who quickly get bored in public transport. But here’s the kicker: after we got back, we realized that the train system in Japan is super efficient and scenic, so you might want to give that a thought too. To get to Matsuyama, our journey began at Haneda Airport. We took a flight directly to Matsuyama Airport, which was a breeze. If you’re coming from Haneda, there are actually a couple of daily flights that make this quick and painless. The views from the plane were stunning, especially as we flew over the Seto Inland Sea. It felt like the adventure was already starting!

Day 1: Arrival in Matsuyama

After landing, we settled into our cozy accommodation. I highly recommend staying at a ryokan—traditional Japanese inns—where you can fully immerse yourself in the culture. We stayed at a lovely ryokan close to Dogo Onsen that offered tatami mat rooms and an on-site onsen. Talk about authentic! Once we dropped off our bags, we hit the ground running. Our first stop was, of course, Dogo Onsen. This iconic hot spring is said to be one of Japan’s oldest, and let me tell you, the atmosphere is just magical. The building has this gorgeous, historic charm and the smell of sulfur wafts through the air. We indulged in a luxurious soak in the communal bath while chatting about our day’s plans. Honestly, nothing beats unwinding in those soothing waters after a long journey. After our soak, we couldn’t resist trying some local delicacies. We stopped by a nearby café and had some piping hot mandarin orange juice—oh, my goodness! It was like drinking sunshine! The sweetness of those oranges is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Later in the evening, we explored Dogo Onsen’s surrounding area. The streets are full of quaint shops and eateries. We stumbled upon a small shop selling handmade crafts and picked up a few souvenirs. It felt great to support local artisans!

Day 2: Matsuyama Castle and More

We kicked off our second day with a hearty breakfast at the ryokan. If you’ve never tried a traditional Japanese breakfast, you are in for a treat! Grilled fish, miso soup, and pickled vegetables made for a wholesome start to our day. After breakfast, we headed to Matsuyama Castle. The castle is perched atop a hill and requires a bit of a hike, but trust me, the views from the top are worth every step. We took the ropeway up, which allowed us to soak up the lush greenery along the way. Once at the top, we marveled at the stunning panorama of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. This is a perfect spot for some family photos! After exploring the castle, we took a leisurely stroll through the surrounding park. The cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom, and we couldn’t resist taking a few pictures. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the historic stone walls and the charming little tea houses scattered around the park. For lunch, we decided to try Matsuyama’s famous dish—jakoten (a type of fish cake). We found a small eatery that specialized in it, and wow, it was delicious! The flavors were so fresh, and the crispy texture was a perfect contrast. In the afternoon, we headed to the Shimanami Kaido, a stunning bike route that connects Matsuyama and Imabari. We rented bikes and rode across the bridges, taking in the breathtaking views of the sea and the islands. It felt liberating to cycle together and soak up the beauty of the landscape. If biking isn’t your thing, you could also enjoy the views from a car, but I highly recommend the bike for that added thrill! As the day wound down, we returned to Dogo Onsen for round two in the hot springs. This time, we tried the outdoor bath, which was simply divine as the sun began to set. Nothing like soaking under the open sky, surrounded by nature!

Day 3: Exploring Beyond Matsuyama

On our final day, we decided to take a little adventure beyond Matsuyama. We hopped in our rental car and drove to the beautiful village of Uchiko, about an hour away. This place is like stepping back in time with its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and charming streets. In Uchiko, we visited the Uchiko-za, a traditional kabuki theater that’s still in use today. It was fascinating to learn about the rich culture of kabuki and how it has evolved over the years. A local guide gave us a tour, and we were captivated by the intricate details of the theater’s architecture. Next, we headed to the nearby town of Saijo, known for its high-quality sake. We visited a local sake brewery, where we learned about the sake-making process and, of course, sampled some! Each sip was better than the last. If you’re a fan of sake (or even if you’re not), this is definitely worth a stop. On our way back to Matsuyama, we made a quick detour to Matsuyama’s local shopping districts. It was a great way to pick up some last-minute souvenirs—everything from delicious snacks to unique crafts. The vibrant atmosphere of the streets buzzing with life was the perfect ending to our journey.

Final Thoughts

As we prepared to head back to Matsuyama Airport, we reflected on our trip. Two nights felt like just the right amount of time to soak in the beauty of Dogo Onsen and surrounding areas, but honestly, I would have loved to stay longer! The blend of history, culture, and stunning sights was a perfect mix for our family. So, whether you choose to rent a car or hop on the train, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience. And hey, don’t forget to indulge in the hot springs and local delicacies! Matsuyama—and the beautiful regions of Ehime and beyond—are waiting for you to explore! Safe travels, and happy soaking!