What kind of onsen ryokan is Umenoya Ryokan?
This is an authentic luxury ryokan in Dogo Onsen. If you are keen on Japanese architecture, traditional gardens, and Kaiseki food, etc., I would recommend it. This is like a hideaway for adults. There are 8 rooms only. Once we arrived at the property, we were escorted to a beautiful tatami room. The ambiance is serene, cozy-looking, and tranquil. The onsen ryokan would be great for solo travelers, couples, or family. I noticed that there were some return solo travelers staying for the long term.
Is the location easy to access?
Yes, it’s located just a 5min walk from Dogo Onsen Station. A free shuttle service is not available. You can hang out around Dogo onsen town in Yukata.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room called “Uguisu” on 1F. The décor is “Japanese minimalistic”, but truly relaxing. You can view a well-kept garden while chilling out in the room. That’s precious time. Most of the rooms tend to be cramped but charming, quaint, and very clean. Then if you feel awful when you sleep on Japanese-style mattresses in tatami rooms, you might want to find others. All rooms are Japanese-style. There is no room with western beds.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, bottled water, and a green tea set. Wifi reception was sometimes patchy and slow when I stayed in 2017. Complimentary coffee is available in the lobby. There is a convenience store nearby.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are indoor and half-outdoor communal hot springs. They are open from 6:30-11:00, 17:00-23:00. The spring quality was very soft, like skin lotion. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the public bathing area. There is no room with private hot springs. If you feel uncomfortable using the communal ones, you may want to book rooms with private baths. There are 2 rooms with bathtubs. They are not hot springs, though. One is called Uguisu on 1F, and the other is called Sukiya on 2F. Then the ryokan is not a universal design but there are few steps in-house. If you bring people with weak feet, you might want to inform the staff in advance and request a room on 1F.
How about meals?
The kaiseki food experience for dinner and breakfast was simply wonderful. It may be a little challenging for the western palate, but it’s truly worth it. The food is equivalent to Micheline 1 or 2 stars. If you are a gourmet, you should try it. All meals are served in a dining area or your room. The portion tends to be average. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day. Then you need to check in by 19:00 if you have dinner on the property. Alternatively, you can go out for dinner as there are some local restaurants around here.
My impressions
All staff tends to be helpful, elegant, and proactive. A landlady welcomed us with warmth and we didn’t feel like we were checking in a ryokan, it was like we were being welcomed back home. If you want to experience signature Japanese hospitality with a personal touch, you should stay here. Absolutory this is one of the best in Shikoku. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Umenoya Ryokan
| Style | Traditional Japanese Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 42,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Call at +81 from overseas Call at domestic Japan |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Umenoya Ryokan’s MAP |
| Access | 5min walk from Dogo Onsen station |
| Address and TEL | 2-8-9 Kamiichi, Matsuyama-city, Ehime 790-0853 Tel +81 89-941-2570 |
| Official Homepage | Umenoya Ryokan’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.