To the famous Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan with 3,000 years of history
The symbol of Dogo Onsen, visited by members of the Imperial family, and writers and artists
Dogo onsen is said to be Japan’s oldest hot springs, symbolized by the Dogo Onsen Honkan – the first public bathhouse in Japan to have been designated as an important cultural property. The stately and beautiful three-story wooden building has two types of public baths – the smaller but more distinguished Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits) and the main Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods)- and four bathing plans for visitors to choose from. It’s fun even to just stroll inside the main building with its intricate maze of rooms, corridors and stairs.
To enjoy the full experience of the public baths, you should try the third-floor private room plan and second-floor seat plan for Tama no Yu; with either of these plans, you can enjoy for free an exclusive view of the Yushinden – Japan’s only bathing facility reserved for the Emperor – and bathe in both Kami no Yu and Tama no Yu. After fully enjoying the healing waters of Dogo Onsen, you can wear a traditional yukata robe and relax with some Japanese tea and sweets. The Honkan also has many other appealing attractions besides its baths, including an exhibition room displaying valuable and historic documents related to Dogo Onsen, and the Botchan no Ma room that was supposedly used by Japan’s literary master, Soseki Natsume.
From January 2019, maintenance and repair work will be done on the Honkan while it remains open to the public. (This information is as of March 2018)
Dogo Onsen Honkan
- Address
- 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime [Map]
- TEL
- +81-89-921-5141
- Open
- Kami no Yu lower floor 6:00-23:00 (Last entry at 22:30)
†*Please check the Dogo Onsen website for the opening hours of the other baths. - Closed
- Open all year †Temporarily closed on December 1
- Price
- Admission fee for Kami no Yu lower floor: 410 yen for ages 12 and older, 160 yen for ages 2 to 11
†Please check the Dogo Onsen website for the admission fees of the other baths. - URL
- Website
- Access
- From JR Matsuyama Station, take the Iyotetsu tram to Dogo Onsen for about 25 minutes, and walk for 5 minutes
- Credit card
- Not accepted
MAP
External links
Nearby
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The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors.
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TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival.
