Dogo Onsen Hot Spring Area, Matsuyama

Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan's oldest and most well-known hot springs, is mentioned in the ancient Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) - Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Boasting some 3,000 years of history, Dogo Onsen is known as one of Japan's oldest hot spring areas. It is believed that Prince Shotoku came to bathe in the waters during the Asuka Period, and the site also appears in author Natsume Soseki's work "Botchan."

Isaniwa Yukiya, first mayor of Dogoyu-no-machi during the Meiji Period, convinced the skeptical townspeople to allow repairs to be performed on the Dogo Onsen Honkan, remarking that there was "great significance in creating a hot spring that would stand out amongst the competition even 100 years from now." The Dogo Onsen Honkan building, built in 1894 (Meiji Period), is a magnificent three-story structure. A government-designated Important Cultural Property, it is a nostalgic symbol of the town. In the center of the roof is the impressive shinrokaku, featuring giyaman Dutch-style glass, atop which sits the white heron, symbol of Dogo Onsen. The drum hanging from the ceiling, called the tokitaiko or time-keeper drum, is sounded six times at 6 am, 12 times at noon, and again six times at 6 pm.
The building has been the subject of architectural restoration as of January 2019. Guests can currently enjoy the Kaminoyu bath only.

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