Ryokans are traditional-style inns featuring tatami flooring and futon beds, thus providing the authentic Japanese living experience! There are special ryokans around Japan that feature hot springs, called onsen ryokan! These ryokans are great places to stay during the colder seasons and are perfect for unwinding after a long day. Being a small island in Japan, Shikoku is home to photogenic spots and delicious food. Here, you can visit the 17th-century Matsuyama-jō Castle, one of the most complex forts in the country! Nature lovers can visit Ritsurin Garden and The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden. After that, explore the Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley, which is renowned as one of the three unusual bridges in the country.
If you’ve never been here before, check out our 3-day Shikoku Island itinerary and keep reading to find out about some of the best onsen ryokans in Shikoku, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 22, 2024.
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Ehime Prefecture
Map Location
1. Yamatoya Honten; Matsuyama (from USD 133)
Luxurious buffet breakfast, special dinners, and free sake after bath, but some mixed reviews about dinner options
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and great amenities
Conveniently located next to Dogo Onsen, near shopping street and tram station
Traditional Japanese style rooms, massage chairs, public bathhouse with complimentary sake, foot spa, and Noh stage for photo ops
Why stay?
- 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) away from Matsuyama Airport.
- Close to many attractions.
Close to several temples like Joshin-ji Temple and Miyuki-ji Temple, as well as shrines like Matsuyama Shrine and Ehime Gokoku Shrine, you’ll find plenty of nearby places to visit when you stay at Yamatoya Honten. This four-star ryokan serves an Asian breakfast, and kid’s meals are available for an additional charge. Free WiFi is also available here. Guests can choose from a Japanese-style room with futons to regular rooms with single beds.
While you’re here, take advantage of the hot spring bath for the full experience.
Yamatoya Honten
Address: Dougo Yunomachi 20-8
101.24 km (63.0 mi) from Kotohiragu
2. Funaya; Matsuyama (from USD 284)
Why stay?
- Over 380 years old!
- Close to many attractions.
This 380 year old onsen ryokan features relaxing hot spring baths, a zen garden with a footbath and a sauna! You can also get massages to complete the unwinding experience!
The rooms are styled traditionally with futon beds and tatami floors. Every room is also equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge and tea maker.
The ryokan is conveniently located 200 meters (656 feet) from the Dogo-Onsen Train Station, a 30-minute train ride from JR Matsuyama Station, and a 40-minute bus ride from the Matsuyama Airport. Parking is also free on-site! The ryokan is also located near plenty of attractions; it is a 5-minute walk from the Isaniwa Shrine and Dogo Park, a 10-minute walk from the Dogo Giyaman Glass museum, and 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Matsuyama Castle!
Funaya
Address: Dogoyuno-machi 1-33
101.26 km (63.0 mi) from Kotohiragu
3. Bettei Oborozukiyo; Matsuyama (from USD 401)
Why stay?
- Dogo onsen.
- Private open-air onsen!
- Spacious rooms with free minibars and massage chairs.
Bettei Oborozukiyo is one of the more luxurious and traditional onsen resorts in the country. The hotel’s interior is modern and stylish, and also houses an excellent restaurant that serves quality gourmet food!
Rooms are abundantly spacious and kept very clean. All of the rooms feature a large, private onsen where you can soak in peace or with close friends and loved ones! Enjoy the spring water channeled directly from the legendary Dogo Onsen to this hotel, plus views of the surrounding landscape! There are also free minibars and massage chairs in the rooms!
The ryokan is only an 8-minute walk to the Dogo-Onsen Ekimae bus station, and a 40-minute bus ride to the Matsuyama Airport!
Bettei Oborozukiyo
Address: 4-4 Dogo Sagidani-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Matsuyama, Matsuyama, Japan, 790-0836
101.23 km (62.9 mi) from Kotohiragu
4. Dogo Prince Hotel; Matsuyama (from USD 154)
Why stay?
- Private onsen available!
- Near attractions such as Dogo Onsen.
- Free shuttle services to the train station!
The Dogo Prince Hotel is equipped with almost everything you will need for a relaxing experience. The hotel features a relaxation room, tea lounge, karaoke room and a gift shop! For the onsen, you can reserve one of the 4 private onsen, or take a dip in the public outdoor onsen and foot bath! Breakfast is provided every morning, but dinner is served for an extra charge!
Rooms are large, spacious, and feature a seating area with tatami floors. Futon beds may be placed on the tatami, and in some other rooms, conventional western beds are placed. Also, yukata robes and zori sandals, LCD TVs, and private baths can be found in all the rooms.
The hotel is only a short 5-minute walk from Dogo-koen Park, a 10-minute walk from Yuzuki Castle Museum, 650 meters (0.4 mile) from the Dogo Onsen and a 5-minute free shuttle ride from the Dogo-Onsen Train Station! Parking is also free here!
Dogo Prince Hotel
Address: Dogohimezuka 100
101.06 km (62.8 mi) from Kotohiragu
5. Dogo Onsen Dogokan; Matsuyama (from USD 342)
Why stay?
- One of the oldest and most famous onsen.
- Gorgeous scenery.
- Convenient to travel around, as it is close to the JR Matsuyama Station.
The Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in Japan. So if you intend to visit this ancient onsen,you should definitely stay at its affiliated ryokan, Dogo-kan. The ryokan has a large, outdoor public bath that you can enjoy with the gorgeous scenery! Moreover, the ryokan also serves traditional kaiseki meals in which you can sample a range of seasonal dishes.
Dogo-kan houses over 90 rooms, all of which are elegant and traditionally styled. They are all equipped with the necessary amenities, such as satellite TV and internet services.
The ryokan is only 10 minutes from the JR Matsuyama Station and within walking distance to the Dogo Onsen Honkan.
Dogo Onsen Dogokan
Address: 7-26, Dogotakocho, Matsuyama, Matsuyama, Japan, 790-0841
101.35 km (63.0 mi) from Kotohiragu
Kagawa Prefecture
Map Location
6. Kotohira Kadan; Kotohira (from USD 130)
Why stay?
- 15-minute walk to JR Kotohira Train Station.
- 20-minute walk to Kompira Shrine.
- Public and private open-air baths.
Offering various room types, including Japanese-style rooms and family rooms, the four-star Kotohira Kadan is a popular choice for many travelers. Not only are the rooms well-furnished and comfortable, but guests also have access to various amenities such as free WiFi, open-air baths, hot spring baths, a sauna, and a game room. Free parking is also available here. Kotohira-gu Shrine is 0.7 miles (1.12 kilometers) away from this ryokan, and the theme park New Reoma World is 3.7 miles (5.9 kilometers) away.
Kotohira Kadan
Address: 1241-5
1.18 km (0.8 mi) from Kotohiragu
7. Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku; Kotohira (from USD 67)
Why stay?
- Short walk to the JR Kotohira Train Station.
- Views of the Konpira Mountains.
- Private onsen offered in some rooms!
Voted the ryokan with the best value in Kotohira, Kotosankaku offers stunning views of the Konpira Mountains. This ryokan provides onsen baths, massage services, and traditional multi-course kaiseki meals at the restaurant, Ichiriki Jyaya, where breakfast is also served. Also, you can grab a drink at the pub Izakaya Daikichi, or sing your heart out at the karaoke bar! There is an outdoor pool that is only available in the summer.
The traditional, Japanese-styled rooms feature tatami floors and shoji paper screen; giving guests an authentic Japanese home feel! All rooms come with en suite bathrooms, futon beds, minibars and stunning mountain views. Do note that only some rooms feature private hot spring baths!
The ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from the JR Kotohira Station, a 10-minute walk to Japan’s oldest Kabuki theatre, Kanamaru-za, and a 10-minute drive to the Zentsu-ji Temple.
Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku
Address: 685-11
992 meters (0.7 ft) from Kotohiragu
8. Asan Kotonami; Manno (from USD 352)
Why stay?
- Secluded location but still accessible from/to Takamatsu Airport.
- Dog-friendly ryokan.
- Lots of perks such as foot bath and fireplace!
Be one with nature as you stay in this hot spring hotel surrounded by rivers and mountains. Yuzanso Asan Kotonami is located in Shikoku, a ryokan with guest rooms offering open-air baths which draws water from their own source. Aside from that, there is also a riverside bath surrounded by a forest called Seseragi which opens from 12:30 pm to 12:00 am and 6:00 am to 10:30 am. It is gender separated only during designated times. In addition to this, there is also an outdoor bath or onsen to which guests may choose from a bath made of rocks, a low-temperature bed bath, or a 100 cm (3.30 feet) deep bath. All of these serve one main purpose and that is to help the body and mind relax especially since the baths are strategically designed for guests to be fully immersed with nature.
But baths are not the only thing to be excited about when coming to Asan Kotononami. They also have an elaborate garden and up to two dogs can stay per room! It’s best to contact the property for dog size restrictions and additional fees and taxes to be incurred. Wifi, game room, and tobacco lounge are also available for use so guests can stay connected and well-entertained throughout their stay.
The hotel is accessible by train from the JR Dosan Line to Kotohira station, by plane 30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Airport, and by special contracted taxi available upon request. They also offer pick-up service from the train station although reservation is required. Kachigawa bridge serves as a landmark which is only a minute walk from the property.
Asan Kotonami
Address: Katsuura 1
16.73 km (10.4 mi) from Kotohiragu
9. Kotohira Grand Hotel Sakuranosho; Kotohira (from USD 286)
Great breakfast and dinner, but dinner service and quality can be inconsistent.
Reasonably priced with free parking and free use of washing machine.
Perfectly located near shrine stairs, shops, and within walking distance to the train.
Exceptional facilities including onsen, spacious rooms, and comfortable beds.
Why stay?
- Free shuttle buses from the JR Kotohira Train Station.
- Near attractions!
Offering both indoor and outdoor public onsen and massage packages, Kotohira Grand Hotel Sakuranosho is guaranteed to pamper and luxuriate! Moreover, guests will be offered a Yuzu citrus juice after dipping in the onsen! If you want to up your onsen experience a notch, you can also enjoy an open-air onsen filled with flowers! Upon request, dry cleaning and luggage storage services are provided at the reception. The Ikiri Restaurant in the hotel offers exquisite Japanese cuisine and is beautifully decorated with Kabuki-style decor. You can also enjoy views of the city from here!
Rooms are equipped with safety boxes, fridges, kettles with green tea sachets, toiletries, flat-screen TVs and yukatas!
The hotel is a 1-minute walk from the Konpira Grand Theatre, 5 minutes from the JR Kotohira Train Station (free shuttle services are provided!), 15 minutes from the Kotohira Shrine and 40 minutes from the Takamatsu Airport.
Kotohira Grand Hotel Sakuranosho
Address: 977-1
760 meters (0.5 ft) from Kotohiragu
10. Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai; Takamatsu (from USD 184)
Why stay?
- Amazing sea views!
- Private baths in some rooms.
Located by the Seto Inland Sea, Kiyomisanso Hanajukai is a beautiful and sophisticated ryokan where you can enjoy the onsen with majestic panoramas of neighboring islands and the sea! Soak in the large public bath, which will be made open-air during the warmer seasons, and admire the gorgeous sunset on the horizon and gorgeous city views at night. Gourmet meals are served using the freshest ingredients, which vary with the seasons.
The rooms are traditionally styled, spacious, and well-equipped with basic amenities. Some of the rooms feature private onsen baths, and you can have your meals served to you in your room!
Located at a serene hillside, the ryokan is just a 10-minute drive from the JR Takamatsu Station.
Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai
Address: 3-5-10 Saihocho
26.48 km (16.5 mi) from Kotohiragu
Tokushima Prefecture
Map Location
11. Iya Onsen; Miyoshi (from USD 277)
Why stay?
- Breathtaking views of the famous Iya Valley.
- Free bicycles!
- Free shuttle services to JR Oboke Station.
With amazing views of the Iya Valley all around the hotel, Hotel Iya Onsen features several natural public baths, foot baths, a souvenir shop, free cable car rides to the Iya Valley’s hot springs, and bicycles that can be used for free to tour around the valley! The hotel’s restaurant has ceiling-to-floor windows, so you can enjoy gorgeous views of the valley and the sunset in the evening!
The rooms feature tatami floors, futon beds, LCD TVs, mini-fridges, a CD player, and more views of the valley. Bathrooms are shared amongst guests.
The hotel offers free shuttle services to and from the JR Oboke Stations which is a 30-minute drive away. The hotel is also a 5-minute walk to the Manneken Pis Statue and a 15-minute drive to the Kazura-bashi Bridge.
Iya Onsen
Address: Ikedamachi Matsuo Matsumoto 367-28
29.21 km (18.2 mi) from Kotohiragu
12. Sunriver Oboke; Miyoshi (from USD 191)
Why stay?
- Peaceful location in Tsurugisan Quasi-National Park!
- Public bath with views of Koboke Gorge and Yoshinogawa River.
- Table tennis hall and games corner!
This property features different room types, including Japanese-style rooms with and without an open-air baths and Western-style rooms with twin or single beds. During your stay, relax your muscles with the alkaline waters of the public bath. After that, head to the on-site Restaurant Satoyama to relish delicious meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Sunriver Oboke
Address: Yamashirochonishiu 1259-1
30.67 km (19.1 mi) from Kotohiragu
13. Hotel Kazurabashi; Miyoshi (from USD 255)
Why stay?
- Rooftop onsen with panoramic views!
- Meals are prepared traditionally at a hearth.
For beautiful nature views and traditional Japanese living, head straight to Hotel Kazurabashi! The hotel features indoor and outdoor baths, but the highlight has to be the rooftop outdoor bath, where you can enjoy stunning views of the natural landscapes! The hotel also has a sauna, games room, souvenir shop, massage services, and laundry facilities. Enjoy a traditional meal at the dining area, where fresh ingredients are cooked in the hearth by the table!
The rooms are furnished with tatami mats, futon beds, LCD TVs, and mini-fridges. Free green tea is also offered in the rooms. Do note that bathrooms are shared!
The hotel is just 10 minutes from the Iya Kazura Bridge, 20 minutes from the Oboke and Koboke Gorges, and 15 minutes from the JR Oboke Station.
Hotel Kazurabashi
Address: Nishi-iyayama-mura Zentoku 33-1
33.9 km (21.1 mi) from Kotohiragu
Soak all your troubles away
A tranquil island, Shikoku boasts many delicious dishes worth tasting and unique souvenirs worth bringing home. If you are visiting Shikoku during the spring, autumn or winter months, do consider staying at an onsen ryokan where you can experience a part of Japanese culture. Moreover, you will save time on visiting onsen attractions since you can simply visit the one in your Shikoku hotel/ryokan. These onsens definitely guarantee a relaxing time, so book now and start planning your trip!
If you wish to know more about Shikoku, watch the video below!
Frequently asked questions about the best onsen ryokans in Shikoku, Japan
History
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