Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring with 3,000 years of history
Dogo Onsen, located in a hot spring town in Shikoku, is home to the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, which ranked first in a 2024 survey of foreign tourists’ favorite hot springs and spas by an inbound business media outlet. Dogo Onsen is believed to have a history of over 3,000 years, making it Japan’s oldest hot spring. Its name appears in the Manyoshu, an ancient poetry collection compiled around 780 AD. It is also famous for being featured in literary works such as Botchan by Natsume Soseki, one of Japan’s most celebrated authors.
In most other hot spring towns in Japan, it is common to bathe in the onsen inside “onsen ryokan” (hot spring inns). However, in Dogo Onsen, there are three public bathhouses that attract both locals and tourists to this hot spring town. Of course, Dogo Onsen also has lovely onsen ryokan with private baths, but here, we will introduce the popular Dogo Onsen Honkan and the Dogo Onsen Annex, Asuka-no-Yu.
As public bathhouses, the fees are very affordable, and the revenue is used for maintaining and restoring Dogo Onsen.
Dogo Onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen Honkan is a historic hot spring facility built in 1894 and is a symbol of Dogo Onsen. The building was designed by master carpenter Matahachiro Sakamoto, who blended traditional Japanese castle architecture with elements of Western-style construction introduced at that time. The structure, resembling a wooden castle, was built at a staggering cost, equivalent to 1,300 times the annual salary of a government official back then.
Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations, resulting in a maze-like interior with narrow corridors and steep stairs. Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to have inspired the “Bathhouse” in Hayao Miyazaki’s famous film Spirited Away. It is the only public bath designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide Japan in 2009.
Visitors can enjoy bathing in this historical site, not just touring it as a tourist attraction. Additionally, the traditional Japanese atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of drums, which are played daily at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM to mark the time.
Dogo Onsen Honkan
Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, 790-0842, Japan
Website: https://dogo.jp/onsen/honkan
Entrance Fees
- Bath only: Adults ¥700, Children ¥350
- Free shampoo and body soap are provided.
- Rental towels: Small towel ¥50, Bath towel ¥200
Opening Hours
6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Dōgo Onsen Annex: Asuka-no-Yu
This new hot spring facility opened in 2017 and features a building concept inspired by the Asuka Period (592–710 AD). Its design showcases Ehime’s traditional crafts, offering a modern yet culturally rich experience. The facility includes spacious, clean indoor baths, open-air baths, and private rooms with baths. Guests can also rent a traditional garment called “Yuchō,” an old-style bathrobe, which allows you to enjoy the baths without being completely undressed—ideal for those who feel shy about bathing naked.
Asuka-no-Yu, Dōgo Onsen Annex
Address: 19-22 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan 790-0842
https://dogo.jp/onsen/asuka
Entrance Fees
- Bath only: Adults ¥610, Children ¥300
- Free shampoo and body soap are provided.
- Rental towels: Small towel ¥50, Bath towel ¥200
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Dogo Onsen Hot Spring Water
The spring quality is an alkaline simple spring.
Most hot springs in Japan adjust the temperature by adding water or reheating, but Dogo Onsen uses a mix of natural spring sources to maintain a temperature of 42°C without any modifications. Known as “Beauty Bath,” the water is said to improve skin health.
Dogo Onsen is Tattoo-Friendly
While many hot springs in Japan prohibit tattoos, Dogo Onsen Main Building and Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu allow guests with tattoos to bathe without covering them. This makes it especially popular among international visitors.
Dogo Onsen Shopping Street
An arcade shopping street connecting Dogo Onsen Station and the Dogo Onsen Main Building. Along the 250-meter street, souvenir shops and restaurants line up, offering a lively atmosphere.
Foods to Try at Dogo Onsen
Mikan (Mandarin Oranges)
Ehime Prefecture, where Dogo Onsen is located, is one of Japan’s top producers of mandarin oranges. After enjoying the hot springs, don’t miss fresh-squeezed mikan juice, mikan-flavored gelato, or traditional sweets like mikan-filled mochi. Many shops in the shopping street offer these delights.
Craft Beer
Dogo is famous for craft beer, and the Dogo Standing Bar, where you can try 10 different types of craft beer, is very popular. You can enjoy standing drinks inside or take it to go. A cold beer is perfect after a relaxing bath in the hot springs!
DOGO STANDING BAR
Address: 14-16 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, 790-0842, Japan
Kamaboko (Fish Cake)
This kamaboko shop was established in 1916. Their popular item is “Jakoten,” a deep-fried fish cake made from ground white fish. Perfect for eating on the go!
Tanimoto Kamaboko Shop
Address: Inside Botchan Square, 20-14 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, 790-0842, Japan
Tai Meshi (Sea Bream Rice)
Ehime is famous for Tai Meshi, a traditional dish of sea bream cooked with rice in a pot. If you love fish, you should try it! A set meal with Tai Meshi, tempura, and sashimi costs around 2,000 yen. Located in Dogo Shopping Street, it gets very crowded during lunch hours.
Akiyoshi Dogo Branch
Address: 12-34 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, 790-0842, Japan
Access to Dogo Onsen
By Air:
From Matsuyama Airport, take a limousine bus to Dogo Onsen Station (43 minutes).
By Train:
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (about 3 hours 10 minutes). From JR Okayama Station, take a train to JR Matsuyama Station (2 hours 45 minutes). From JR Matsuyama Station, take a tram to Dogo Onsen Station (about 25 minutes).Note:
Prices and services mentioned here are based on information available at the time of writing. Please check the latest information before use.
