Dogo Onsen: A 3,000-Year-Old Hot Spring
Dogo Onsen, nestled in Ehime Prefecture, is celebrated as one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, boasting a rich history of over 3,000 years. The iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, a majestic wooden bathhouse designated as an Important Cultural Property, stands as a testament to its heritage, having been immortalized in Natsume Soseki’s renowned novel “Botchan.”
The hot spring’s alkaline waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties, believed to alleviate ailments such as neuralgia, muscle pain, and fatigue. Many establishments offer baths fed directly from the source, ensuring an authentic onsen experience.
Visitors to Dogo Onsen Honkan can indulge in a variety of bathing experiences, from the expansive “Kami-no-Yu” communal bath to the unique “Tama-no-Ishi” bath, each offering a distinct ambiance. Beyond the baths, the town beckons with its charming retro atmosphere, inviting leisurely strolls in yukata (light cotton kimono) and relaxing moments at footbath cafes.
The best time to visit Dogo Onsen depends on your preferences:
- Spring (March-May):Enjoy mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in bloom. This is a popular time for tourists, especially during the Dogo Onsen Festival in April.
- Autumn (September-November):The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds have thinned out. The fall foliage in the surrounding mountains is beautiful.
- Winter (December-February):This is the best time to enjoy the hot springs, as the weather is cooler. The Dogo Onsen Honkan is especially magical when it’s lit up at night.
Overall, the best time to visit Dogo Onsen is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, if you’re looking for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience, winter is the perfect time to soak in the hot springs.
Getting to Dogo Onsen
By Plane
The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Tokyo and about 50 minutes from Osaka. From the airport, you can reach Dogo Onsen by limousine bus (about 30 minutes) or taxi (about 25 minutes).
By Train:
From JR Matsuyama Station, take the tram (Iyotetsu Inner Line) for about 25 minutes. Get off at “Dogo Onsen Station.”
By Car:
From Matsuyama Expressway, take the “Matsuyama IC” exit and it’s about a 20-minute drive. There are many paid parking lots available in the area.
From Matsuyama Tourist Port:
From Matsuyama Tourist Port, take the tram (Iyotetsu Inner Line) for about 35 minutes.
3 Tourist Spot
1. Dogo Onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen Honkan is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring facilities and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. This historic bathhouse is steeped in mythology and history and has been featured in films and anime. The building itself is a tourist attraction, with royal family-exclusive baths and traditional communal baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs while experiencing a sense of history.
2. Botchan Karakuri Clock
Located in front of Dogo Onsen Station, the Botchan Karakuri Clock is a mechanical clock that features characters from the novel “Botchan” that come to life at set times each day. It is especially popular with tourists and is enjoyed by both children and adults. The clock activates several times a day, with music and moving characters, making it a great spot for taking photos.
3. Orange Juice Tap
In some areas of the Dogo Onsen town, you can experience the unique novelty of an orange juice tap. The “orange juice tap” is often installed in tourist facilities or during events in Matsuyama City for a limited time, gaining popularity due to its uniqueness. By turning the tap, you can actually get orange juice, providing a fun and novel experience.
7 Recommended Ryokan
1. Funaya Ryokan
Services and Features: Funaya is a historic ryokan established in 1628, renowned for its serene ambiance and traditional Japanese hospitality. The ryokan offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms, many of which come with private open-air baths. The beautiful Japanese garden and its seasonal flora provide a tranquil setting for relaxation. Funaya’s hot springs are sourced directly from the Dogo Onsen, known for their therapeutic properties. The ryokan also features a large communal bath and a sauna for guests to unwind.
Dining: The in-house restaurant at Funaya offers kaiseki (multi-course) dining, utilizing fresh, local ingredients. The seasonal menus are meticulously crafted to provide an authentic Japanese culinary experience. Guests can enjoy their meals in the privacy of their rooms or in the restaurant’s elegant dining area.
Pricing: Room rates at Funaya start at approximately $200 per night for a standard room and can go up to $450 per night for a suite with a private bath (TripAdvisor) (SELECTED ONSEN RYOKAN).
2. Dogokan
Services and Features: Designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, Dogokan combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. The ryokan boasts rooms with private open-air baths, offering a personal oasis for relaxation. The communal hot spring baths are spacious and feature both indoor and outdoor facilities. Additionally, the ryokan has a tea room and a Japanese garden where guests can experience traditional tea ceremonies.
Dining: Dogokan’s restaurant serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine, focusing on local Ehime ingredients. The dining experience is enhanced by the scenic views of the garden and the meticulous presentation of each dish.
Pricing: Room rates at Dogokan range from $250 to $500 per night, depending on the room type and season (SELECTED ONSEN RYOKAN).
3. Dogo Prince Hotel
Services and Features: Dogo Prince Hotel offers a blend of traditional and modern accommodations, with rooms featuring tatami mats and futons as well as Western-style beds. The hotel’s rooftop open-air bath provides stunning views of Matsuyama city. The large communal baths and private family baths cater to various guest preferences. The hotel also has a relaxation lounge and a karaoke room for entertainment.
Dining: The hotel’s restaurant serves a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, and local seafood. The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection of both Japanese and Western dishes.
Pricing: Room rates at Dogo Prince Hotel start at around $180 per night for a standard room and can go up to $400 per night for more luxurious options (Tripadvisor).
4. Dogo Miyu
Services and Features: Dogo Miyu is a modern ryokan that opened in 2018. It features rooms with private open-air hot spring baths, providing an exclusive experience. The ryokan is situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of Matsuyama. The public baths on the top floor also boast stunning views and are perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
Dining: The ryokan’s restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. The kaiseki meals are artfully presented and highlight the culinary traditions of Ehime.
Pricing: Room rates at Dogo Miyu range from $220 to $480 per night, depending on the season and room type (SELECTED ONSEN RYOKAN).
5. Yamatoya Honten
Services and Features: Yamatoya Honten is a traditional ryokan that offers a range of accommodations from standard rooms to luxurious suites. The ryokan features a large communal bath with natural hot spring water, as well as a private bath available for reservation. The ryokan also offers traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons, providing a deep dive into Japanese culture.
Dining: The on-site restaurant serves authentic kaiseki cuisine, with menus that change seasonally to reflect the freshest local ingredients. Dining is available in-room or in the communal dining area.
Pricing: Room rates start at approximately $190 per night and can reach $420 per night for premium suites (SELECTED ONSEN RYOKAN).
6. Dogo Grand Hotel
Services and Features: Dogo Grand Hotel offers simple yet comfortable accommodations. The hotel features large indoor and outdoor communal baths, providing a relaxing hot spring experience. Additional amenities include a massage service, a sauna, and a karaoke room.
Dining: The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood. The breakfast buffet includes a mix of Japanese and Western options.
Pricing: Room rates at Dogo Grand Hotel range from $150 to $350 per night (Tripadvisor).
7. Dogo Onsen Honkan
Services and Features: Dogo Onsen Honkan is not a ryokan but a historic public bathhouse that offers a unique cultural experience. Built in 1894, it is an iconic building with beautiful wooden architecture. Guests can enjoy the hot spring baths and explore the various rooms and exhibits that detail the history of the onsen. Special rooms like the “Tama-no-Yu” have been used by the Imperial Family.
Dining: While there is no dining facility within the Honkan itself, the surrounding area is filled with restaurants and eateries offering local delicacies.
Pricing: Entrance fees for the baths range from $7 to $20, depending on the level of access and services (TripAdvisor).