Enjoying Dogo Onsen & Ropeway Walk Under the Clear Blue Sky
Matsuyama Travel Guide – Ropeway, Dogo Onsen & Jurassic Spa Resort
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Hello, it’s Hidori 😊
Today I’m sharing one of the most refreshing days from my recent trip to Matsuyama, Japan—where the sky was unbelievably clear and the weather made everything feel so peaceful.
The moment I looked at the first photo, I thought,
“Yep, this is exactly why I love traveling.”
A perfect blue sky makes every walk feel like therapy. ☀️
Riding the Ropeway to Matsuyama Castle
One of the easiest (and most exciting!) ways to reach Matsuyama Castle is by taking the chair-style ropeway.
It’s much more thrilling than it looks—just a single chair, a safety bar, and a metal grate beneath your feet.
But as you glide up the hill with cool wind brushing past your face, you get this serene view of quiet Japanese forests. The fluffy white clouds floating above the town make it feel like a scene straight out of a countryside anime.
I stopped for a moment at the plaza near the station—took a deep breath, looked up at the sky, and thought:
“This is exactly the kind of start I wanted for this trip.”
Strolling Through the Dogo Onsen Area
Once you get off the ropeway and head down to the streets, the atmosphere shifts completely—shops, people in yukata, tourists taking photos… everything feels lively.
This area is also famous as the inspiration behind Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Seeing the wooden building in person is even more impressive—the texture, the details, the old charm. It’s one of those places where you end up taking ten times more photos than planned.
JURASSIC SPA & RESORT – The Eye-Catching Hotel You Can’t Ignore
Next up—one of the places I was most excited to stay at:
JURASSIC SPA & RESORT.
With a name like that, how could I not?
And yes… the exterior actually features dinosaur illustrations! 🦖
But despite the playful theme, the building itself is clean and modern, with unique geometric patterns that give it a stylish resort vibe.
The huge, free parking lot was a blessing—especially if you’re renting a car in Japan (finding good parking is half the battle 😂).
And the views… wow. The mountain ridge behind the hotel looks like a natural backdrop.
Relaxing at the ‘SPA’ – Perfect After a Long Day
True to its name, the resort features an onsen-style spa.
The water was soft and soothing—exactly what I needed after a day of walking.
The warm lighting and quiet atmosphere help your body unwind almost instantly.
If you love hot springs without the noise of busy tourist towns, this is a perfect choice.
And of course… their little resort mascot made me smile. I’m guessing it’s their signature character? ㅎㅎ
Breakfast at Jurassic Spa Resort – Simple, Warm, and Very Japanese
The breakfast area has a calming wood-tone interior and serves clean, traditional Japanese-style dishes.
The highlight?
A rice-serving robot 😂
Everyone stopped to take photos—only in Japan, right?
The breakfast itself is simple but satisfying, and there are solo seats available too, which I personally loved.
My Honest Review of JURASSIC SPA & RESORT
Here’s my quick summary:
- Unique name + memorable design
- Stunning mountain scenery ideal for a quiet walk
- Clean, cozy rooms with warm lighting
- Relaxing spa perfect for ending a long travel day
- Simple but well-prepared breakfast
- Great for travelers who enjoy onsen, peaceful surroundings, and scenic drives
If you want somewhere relaxing and different from typical city hotels, definitely add this place to your list 😊
There’s also a large shopping center nearby, making it convenient for grabbing snacks and travel essentials.
And right when we stepped back outside…
A Lamborghini appeared out of nowhere 😂
Only in Japan—an unexpectedly fancy moment in a peaceful small town.
That wraps up today’s travel diary!
In the next post, I’ll take you through the main spots of my Matsuyama trip—so stay tuned.
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