Onsen baths are a highlight here
Guests can choose between traditional and Western-style rooms
Rooms have flat-screen TVs, fridges, air-conditioning, and tea facilities
Some outdoor baths are available for private bookings
Variety of baths, including a footbath, and stone, earthenware, and cypress tubs
Many attractions and eateries within a short walking distance
Excellent breakfast spread in the mornings
Well-regarded restaurants, with multicourse meal offerings
Free shuttle bus runs between key areas in surrounding area
The hotel welcomes kids (may not appeal to all)
10-minute walk from Dogo Onsen light rain station
Some of the interior decor needs refreshing
The mid-range Dogo Prince Hotel offers guests a traditional onsen stay, with highly regarded bath house facilities, 123 traditional tatami-mat and Western-style rooms, and fresh, seasonal Japanese dining. The onsen takes center stage, with a variety of baths (some private) that are both indoors and outdoors. Hospitality is important at this hotel: guests are welcomed with a drink, snacks are freely available, and the proprietor’s programming includes events that highlight aspects of traditional Japanese culture. The design is traditional and minimalist, but some furnishings are slightly dated. Guests looking for something a little more luxurious but around the same price should check out the Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten in town.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
What Are the Design and Scene Like at Dogo Prince Hotel?
Onsen bath hotel with traditional Japanese and Western-style rooms
The Dogo Prince Hotel’s exterior is blocky and bland, while interiors are peaceful, with traditional minimalist architecture and design (some furnishings and other touches, however, are looking a bit dated). The draw here are the private and public onsen baths available, which are both indoors and outdoors. The overwhelming majority of the guests are Japanese, although there are international guests here as well. Some guests do bring their kids, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Where is Dogo Prince Hotel Located?
10-minute walk from the Dogo Onsen tram station
Located on the edges of the town of Matsuyama, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the nearest tram station. The hotel’s onsen is a 10-minute walk from the property itself, as are the Dogo-koen Park (a five-minute walk away) and the Yuzuki Castle Museum. For those going farther afield, there’s a series of free shuttle buses about every 10 minutes that take guests between the hotel, the Dogo Onsen tram station in town (otherwise an eight-minute walk from the hotel), and the Karakuri Clock, a popular attraction in Matsuyama. Next to the tram stop is a lounge just for hotel guests that has free hot tea, lockers for bags, restrooms, and massage chairs. You can take another hotel shuttle bus into the mountains to the Okudogo Hot Springs for another onsen experience too.
What Are Rooms Like at Dogo Prince Hotel?
Spacious, well-outfitted rooms with either Western-style beds or tatami mats
The hotel’s 123 spacious, clean guest rooms come in two classes: Basic and Special, though all have a seating area. Basic rooms are divided between Western rooms with twin beds and traditional tatami-mat rooms with futon-style beds. Special rooms include six luxury suites, a guest room with an open-air bath, and a two-room suite featuring a Western-Japanese mix of tatami mats and a slightly raised bed. Some rooms sleep groups, so be sure to check how many each can sleep before you book. Rooms each come with light kimonos (one size), zori slippers, air-conditioning, blackout curtains, flat-screen TVs, humidifiers, and air purifiers. Tea facilities are also provided. Guests can ask for irons, trouser presses, and an ashtray for the room at the front desk.
What Restaurants and Bars Are at Dogo Prince Hotel?
Japanese restaurant open for breakfast and dinner
Japnese food, fresh and seasonal, is the focus of each of the hotel’s dining options—but note that they’re only open for breakfast and dinner (guests must head out of the hotel for lunch). The breakfast buffet is well-regarded, offering lots of options for guests to choose from. Bizen-an Uchiko is the property’s upscale, traditional restaurant, which offers multi-course meals and private dining and uses vegetables that are grown with limited pesticides. A more casual restaurant, Sakura, is also available. Kids meals are available at the restaurants. Guests can also opt to eat in their room.
There are a tea lounge and a snack room on the second floor, where snacks like popcorn, juices, soft drinks, and local treats are available all day.
What Features Are Available at Dogo Prince Hotel?
Excellent onsens, or natural hot springs, plus free W-Fi and cultural events
The onsens, or natural hot springs, are the main draw for this hotel, and it’s located a short walk from the property itself. The shared baths are open from very early in the morning to almost midnight. The water is said to help with joint and muscle pain and stiffness, blood circulation, and digestive disorders, among other conditions. The front desk lends out yu-kago to guests, a bamboo basket with towel and soap, for guests to take with them to the baths. There are several options for bathers: indoor baths with sauna and whirlpool facilities; eight outdoor baths; and four baths that can be booked privately. Travelers will find many types of baths throughout the areas as well, including those made of cypress, earthenware, and stone. Other than the baths themselves, the bath house features a relaxation area with massage chairs, changing rooms with everything you need after bathing (including free combs and razors), and, for women, special skincare products and a face mist bar.
Dogo Prince Hotel emphasizes sharing Japanese culture with seasonal artistic displays and events, like taiko performances with traditional drumming that show off traditional music and dance (some are tied to holidays and seasons). These events don’t run on a regular schedule, so it’s best to ask ahead if you’re intent on seeing something particular. Guests can also rent yukata, light kimono, to wear for a day out and purchase zori sandals to finish the outfit. There are karaoke for guests to sing, and a snack room on the second floor plays 3D movies throughout the day.
Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the hotel. Parking is available on-site for an inexpensive fee.
