Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region, is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The hot spring water that emerges from Dogo Onsen is said to be the oldest in Japan, having a history of three thousand years. It appears in ancient documents such as the "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan) and "The Tale of Genji," and is famous for its many legends, including one about Prince Shotoku bathing there during the Asuka period (552-645).
This area, steeped in history and culture, has been beloved by many literary figures and artists since ancient times. Natsume Soseki is famous for having bathed here, and it served as the setting for his popular novel "Botchan", which is also used in the Japanese school textbook. As a result, the hot spring became widely known. Additionally, Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to have inspired the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away."
Dogo Onsen Honkan is not a ryokan (or Japanese Style Hotel), but a wooden public bathhouse built in 1894. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country, and its beautiful wooden architecture and traditional Japanese hot spring culture have made it beloved by many tourists. There is a sign at the entrance of the main building indicating the congestion level, and it is recommended to visit during less crowded times as it may not be possible to bathe during busy periods.
The building is a three-story wooden structure, and when I visited, only the first floor was open. The changing room is equipped with wooden lockers that tell of its history, and the wooden bathtub has a slippery surface due to the hot spring's effects, allowing you to feel the unique characteristics of the spring water. After bathing, you can experience the beautifying effects of the natural hot spring ingredients, leaving your skin smooth and silky.
Inside, there are several baths where you can enjoy the hot spring water flowing directly from the source.
The area is lined with hot spring ryokans, shops, and cafes, offering the full charm of a hot spring town. Additionally, there are many retro buildings, making it fun to explore around Dogo Onsen Station.
Furthermore, Dogo Onsen is conveniently located near other tourist attractions in Matsuyama City, such as Matsuyama Castle and Ishite-ji Temple. Visiting Dogo Onsen allows you to experience Japan's traditional hot spring culture and see historic architecture up close.
