After checking out from hotel I returned car in Beppu opposite to the ferry terminal. Took a ferry to Yawatahama, Shikoku for the first time from Kyushu. Not many passengers were travelling on that ferry on April Fools’ Day. Inside the cabin it has two spacious floors for passengers to relax.  While the ferry ride took nearly 3 hours, we had a nice long chat with a guy from Hawaii, who has been travelling from the Philippines to Taiwan prior to arriving at Kyushu/Beppu. Given one of his major interests is lighthouse, his plan was to pick up a car upon landing. We parted at the Yawatahama ferry pier waving goodbyes – little did we know we’d bump into each other later. 

Had brief lunch in the pier restaurant then took JR express train to Matsuyama in less than 1 hour direct.  Took city tram to Dogo onsen in less than 30 min.  

 

Checked into historical onsen hotel Funaya for 2 nights. Strolled around Dogo onsen spots briefly before soaking in onsen. 

 

 

 

Funaya – delicious Kaiseki dinner paired with local sake on our first night. 

 

 

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