Dogo Onsen Funaya

Dogo Onsen Funaya is the most venerable ryokan in the Dogo Onsen district, located in Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Founded during the Kanei era (around 1627) as Funaya Ryokan, the inn boasts approximately 400 years of unbroken hospitality. It has hosted literary giants such as Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki, as well as members of the Imperial family, earning a reputation as one of the most prestigious traditional ryokan in Japan. Situated within walking distance of the historic Dogo Onsen Honkan, the inn features Eifutei, a 1,500-tsubo (approximately 5,000 square meter) Japanese garden with flowing streams, moss-covered stone arrangements, and seasonal flora that captivates every visitor.

The water is drawn directly from the Dogo Onsen source and classified as an alkaline simple hot spring with a source temperature of 46.8 degrees Celsius and a pH of 9.1. The inn uses 100 percent source water and is renowned for one of the most abundant water flows among the Dogo Onsen ryokan. The colorless, transparent water with its silky touch on the skin is celebrated as a beautifying bath and is indicated for neuralgia, skin conditions, rheumatism, gout, chronic digestive disorders, and anemia. It has been cherished as a therapeutic spring for centuries.

The main bathhouses include Hinoki-yu, crafted from Japanese cypress, and Mikage-yu, built with Iyo blue stone (granite). Both feature outdoor baths and saunas. Morning and evening rotations between men and women allow guests to experience both. Within the garden, a complimentary footbath is available for guests from 12:00 to 20:30. Day-trip bathing plans combining bath access with lunch or dinner are also offered.