Dogo Milk Cheesecake | Review by 黃國棟

When I arrived at Dogo Onsen, I found this Starbucks really distinctive! It’s right next to Dogo Onsen Station, with the entire station building turned into a Starbucks. The retro Western-style exterior fits in well with the atmosphere of Dogo Onsen’s old shopping streets, making it hard not to notice as you pass by.

There is seating on both the first and second floors, and the decor incorporates plenty of railroad elements. Even the tables have a distinctive design, making it different from a typical Starbucks. While sitting inside with a cup of coffee, you may also get to watch trains pass by through the windows, which really adds to the feeling of being on a trip.

Although the shop isn’t very large, the overall setting has a lot of character, and outdoor seating is also available. It’s a great place to take a break and have a cup of coffee before or after exploring the Dogo Onsen shopping arcade or visiting Dogo Onsen Honkan.

When traveling, you don’t always have to rush to check off every attraction. Occasionally finding a distinctive cafe, sitting down, and enjoying some leisurely time can also be a nice travel experience.

When you visit Dogo Onsen, of course you can’t miss the nearby Dogo Shopping Arcade! The entire arcade is fun to explore, with lots of dessert shops, souvenir stores, and local food. Every place makes you want to step inside and take a look!

Besides Dogo Onsen-related products, you can also find specialties from all over Shikoku, such as Imabari towels, Ehime mandarin orange juice, and sea bream rice. Whether you want to enjoy some food or buy souvenirs, this is a great place to browse.

At the end of the arcade, you’ll see Dogo Onsen Honkan. You can also stop by Dogo Onsen Station to take photos, so it’s perfect to visit them together!

There’s also a vending machine in the center of the arcade that sells origami ornaments. They’re inexpensive and have distinctive designs, so if you want a unique little souvenir, consider taking one home!

Besides soaking in the hot springs and admiring the historic architecture at Dogo Onsen, don’t forget to leave some time to explore the shopping arcade, enjoy the food, and shop for souvenirs. Taking your time is part of the fun of traveling.

When visiting Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime, I recommend spending a night at Chaharu! The hotel is right across from Dogo Onsen Honkan, about a one-minute walk from the hotel. The location is really convenient, and there are also quite a few nearby attractions to explore at a leisurely pace.

This time, I stayed in a Japanese-style tatami room. It was very spacious, clean, and comfortable. There are indoor and open-air hot spring baths on the top floor of the hotel, and you can enjoy the night view while soaking, which is very relaxing. Yukata are also provided in the room. If the size doesn't fit, you can ask the front desk to exchange it, which is very thoughtful.

However, when you come to Dogo Onsen, you definitely shouldn't only use the hotel's hot spring! You should also experience Dogo Onsen Honkan across the street. It's one of Japan's historic hot springs, and its old-fashioned architecture and interior make you feel as though you've stepped into a scene from the animated film Spirited Away. Unfortunately, it was undergoing renovations during this visit, but the hot spring was still available and was still worth experiencing.

Breakfast was a Western-style buffet. Although the selection wasn't particularly large, it had all the basics, including bread, salad, hot dishes, soup, and drinks. There were also made-to-order omelets and Eggs Benedict. It was my first time seeing Eggs Benedict offered at a breakfast buffet, which was a nice surprise!

Overall, Chaharu is a clean and comfortable hot spring hotel in a great location. Nearby attractions include Dogo Onsen Station, the Botchan Karakuri Clock, and Dogo Shopping Street. It's a great place to spend a night during a trip to Shikoku and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of a hot spring town.