Dogo Onsen
Japan's oldest hot spring, continuously in use for 3,000 years. Rumored to be the model for the bathhouse in Spirited Away, it retains its magnificent Meiji-era wooden bathhouse building.
1.5–3 hours
¥450 (Tsubaki-no-Yu) – ¥700–2,000 (main building: Kami-no-Yu from ¥700, Rei-no-Yu from ¥2,000). See dogo.jp for details
Honkan: 6:00–23:00 (last entry 22:30). Asuka-no-yu (annex): 6:00–23:00 (last entry 22:30).
Year-round
Iyotetsu tram to Dogo Onsen: about 25 min from JR Matsuyama Station, about 20 min from Matsuyama-shi Station
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The original 1894 building is a national cultural property — even under renovation it operates
- 2
Yukata-clad guests walking the shopping arcade with towels in hand is a uniquely Japanese sight
- 3
Late evening is the calmest time — the main bath often has fewer than 10 people
Local Tips
The Honkan is one of Japan's oldest public bathhouses and said to be the inspiration for Spirited Away. It reopened fully after restoration (completed Dec 2024). Soak in the first-floor communal bath for the authentic experience; arriving at 6am lets you bathe with locals before tour groups. Confirm current facilities on the official site.
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