basic information

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, located to the east of central Matsuyama. The area is popular with tourists for its beautiful bath house and many ryokan. Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan's most prestigious guests, the imperial family.

The main attraction in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a Meiji Period wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. The interior of the building is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away".

Clock

Botchan Dango sweets

Four different bathing options provide visitors with varying levels of access to the Honkan's facilities (see details below under "Hours and Fees"). At the lowest level, bathers can use the large, public bath called Kami no yu ("bath of the gods").

At the other end of the spectrum, bathers have access to both the Kami no yu and the smaller Tama no yu ("bath of the spirits"), as well as to private rooms for enjoying a complementary post bath snack of botchan dango (Japanese sweets) and tea. Furthermore, they can take a look at the exclusive bathing facilities reserved for visiting Emperors.

In front of Dogo Onsen Honkan, a covered arcade is filled with gift shops and snack stores. It stays open late to serve ryokan guests who come out for evening walks in their yukata. Nearby, the Shiki Museum displays information on one of Matsuyama's most celebrated figure, Masaoka Shiki, who introduced modern haiku poetry.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Dogo Onsen is a four minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, the terminus of three tram lines. From JR Matsuyama Station, take tram line 5 (20 minutes, 150 yen). From Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 (15 minutes, 150 yen).

How to get to and around Matsuyama

hours and fees

Non-Japanese speaking visitors to Dogo Onsen Honkan often have trouble decoding the various pricing levels. Dogo Onsen has four price levels and two baths: Kami no yu is the larger public bath and Tama no yu is a smaller, more noble and less crowded bath.

Level 1:
400 yen, 6:00 to 23:00 (entrance until 22:30)
Includes access to the Kami no yu bath. Stay for up to 60 minutes.

Level 2:
800 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entrance until 21:00)
Additionally includes a rental yukata and access to a public tatami room on the second floor for relaxation, tea and crackers. Stay for up to 60 minutes.

Level 3:
1200 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entrance until 21:00)
Additionally includes access to the Tama no yu bath, a rental towel and a tour of the Emperor's bathing facilities. Stay for up to 60 minutes.

Level 4:
1500 yen, 6:00 to 22:00 (entrance until 20:40)
Additionally includes access to a private tatami room on the third floor for relaxation. "Botchan Dango" sweets are served instead of crackers. Stay for up to 80 minutes.

travel community

Users who have been to Matsuyama: 128
Users who have been to Dogo Onsen: 76

1st of 4 most visited sights in Matsuyama.
195th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (80/100, 42 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

User Feedback We constantly strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and to find ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

japanese links