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Dogo Onsen Main Building: Japan's Ancient Waters

Experience Japan's oldest hot spring, a historic cultural property offering therapeutic waters and a glimpse into the past in Matsuyama.

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The Dogo Onsen Main Building, a symbol of Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, is considered one of Japan's oldest hot springs, boasting a history of approximately 3,000 years. This iconic three-story wooden structure, dating back to 1894, is not only a functioning public bathhouse but also a designated Important Cultural Property, drawing visitors with its maze-like interior and historical significance.

A brief summary to Dogo Onsen Main Building

  • Monday 6 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-11 pm
  • Friday 6 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the maze-like interior; wander through the corridors and stairways to fully appreciate the building's unique architecture.
  • Try both Kami no Yu and Tama no Yu baths to experience the different atmospheres and waters.
  • Visit the Yushinden, the Imperial Family's bathing area, for a glimpse into its luxurious design (separate fee or with certain ticket options).
  • Listen for the taiko drum that is sounded three times a day from the Shinrokaku tower, a tradition dating back to when people didn't carry watches.
  • Take a stroll around the Dogo Onsen area in yukata after your bath for the full onsen town experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dogo Onsen Station, exit and walk straight ahead. You'll pass the Botchan Karakuri Clock on your right. Continue along the covered shopping arcade (Dogo Haikara-dori) for about 250 meters. The Dogo Onsen Main Building will be directly in front of you at the end of the arcade. There is no cost associated with walking this route.

  • Public Transport

    Take the tram to Dogo Onsen Station. From JR Matsuyama Station, the tram ride takes approximately 25 minutes. From Matsuyama Airport, take the limousine bus to Dogo Onsen Station, which takes about 40 minutes. From Dogo Onsen Station, it is a short walk to the Dogo Onsen Main Building. Tram fare is around ¥200. Bus fare from the airport is around ¥500-¥700.

  • Driving

    From Matsuyama IC, Dogo Onsen is approximately 20 minutes by car. Paid parking is available at Dogo Onsen Parking Lot and Dogo Onsen Iwaidani-higashimachi Parking Lot. Dogo Onsen Parking Lot costs ¥100 per 30 minutes, but offers 1 hour of free parking if you bathe at Dogo Onsen Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, or Tsubaki-no-Yu. Dogo Onsen Iwaidani-higashimachi Parking Lot offers the first hour free. Overnight parking is also available.

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Discover more about Dogo Onsen Main Building

Dogo Onsen Main Building, known locally as Dogo Onsen Honkan, stands as a proud symbol of Matsuyama and a testament to Japan's rich onsen culture. Reputed to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history stretching back 3,000 years, it has been cherished through the ages. The current building, an impressive three-story wooden structure, was erected in 1894 by Sakamoto Matahachiro, a castle carpenter, and quickly became a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The building's architecture is a captivating blend of styles, featuring a turret and intricate craftsmanship. Its maze-like interior, a result of repeated extensions and reconstructions from the Meiji to early Showa periods, adds to its unique charm. The Dogo Onsen Honkan comprises the Kami no Yu Main Building, the Yuushinden building, Reinoyu building, and Shinrokaku. In 1994, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property, the first public bathhouse in Japan to receive this honor. Inside, visitors can experience the therapeutic alkaline waters of Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods) and Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits). The Yushinden, a bathing area reserved for the Imperial Family, showcases lavishly decorated private rooms. The building is also closely linked to Natsume Sōseki's novel 'Botchan,' further cementing its place in Japanese culture. The taiko drum, sounded three times daily from the Shinrokaku tower, is a tradition harking back to a time before watches. After undergoing extensive renovations, the Dogo Onsen Main Building fully reopened in July 2024, allowing visitors to once again enjoy its historic charm and rejuvenating waters.

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