# Dogo Onsen

> One of Japan's oldest and most famous bathhouses, said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

- Prefecture: Ehime
- Type: Onsen
- Address: Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
- Official site: https://dogo.jp/en/

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. The Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse, built in 1894, is a striking three-story wooden structure that is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. The bathhouse offers multiple bathing levels, from a simple bath to premium experiences that include a rest room, yukata, and tea. Dogo is located in eastern Matsuyama and is the terminus of the Botchan tram, a replica of the Meiji-era locomotive, named after the famous novel by Natsume Soseki who was a frequent visitor. The surrounding Dogo shopping arcade has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Matsuyama Castle, another major attraction, is a short walk away. A really relaxing spot which leaves you wanting to come again.

## FAQ

### Is the Honkan open after renovation, and which of the three bathhouses should I pick?

**Yes.** The 1894 Honkan completed its long restoration in 2024. The signature **Kami-no-Yu (Bath of the Gods)** reopened **11 July 2024** after a multi-phase project that began January 2019, and as of 2025 the full Honkan experience (bath + 2F/3F rest rooms + Botchan Room museum corner) is operating normally. **Three public bathhouses to choose from** (all on the same hot spring source, all walkable within 3 minutes of Dogo Onsen Station): **(1) Dogo Onsen Honkan**: the Important Cultural Property, the photo target, the historic atmosphere, **but always crowded and the bath is small**; **(2) Asuka-no-Yu (飛鳥乃湯泉)**: opened 2017, modern and spacious, themed on Japan's Asuka period with hand-painted art panels, **the easiest choice if you want a great soak without lines**; **(3) Tsubaki-no-Yu (椿の湯)**: the locals' bath, plainest and cheapest, fastest in-and-out. **Recommended plan**: see the Honkan exterior at dusk when it's lit up, take photos, then bathe at **Asuka-no-Yu** for the same water, no queue, more space. If you want the full historic Honkan experience, go at **6:00 opening** when the queue is thinnest.

### How much does each bathhouse cost and what are the hours?

All three open early and stay late, easy to fit a morning soak or a post-dinner unwind. **Dogo Onsen Honkan** (6:00 to 23:00, last bath entry 22:30): **¥700** Kami-no-Yu 1F bath only / **¥1,300** 2F yukata + tea + shared rest room / **¥1,700** 3F private rest room. The 2F course is the sweet spot for first-timers, you'll spend about 60 to 80 min total. **Asuka-no-Yu** (6:00 to 23:00, last 2F course entry 22:00): **¥610** 1F bath only / **¥1,280 to ¥1,690** 2F courses (open rest area or private room, yukata + sweets + tea). **Tsubaki-no-Yu** (6:30 to 23:00, last entry 22:30): **¥450**, purely a bath, no rest course, in-and-out 30 minutes. **All cash or major credit cards** at the ticket window; small lockers in the changing rooms free or ¥100 returnable. **Bring your own towel**, or rent at ~¥200, or buy a souvenir tenugui ¥350. **Tattoos** are permitted; Dogo is one of the most foreigner-friendly major onsens in Japan in this regard. **Closures**: first Tuesday of each month for Honkan 3F maintenance; otherwise open daily.

### How do I get to Dogo Onsen and what else is worth seeing while I'm there?

Dogo sits in eastern Matsuyama on Shikoku island. **From Matsuyama** itself, take the **Iyotetsu Tram #5** from JR Matsuyama Station or Matsuyamashi Station (downtown) to Dogo Onsen terminus, 20 to 25 min, ¥200 flat fare, runs every 10 min until 22:00. **From Matsuyama Airport**: limousine bus direct to Dogo ¥760, ~40 min, book or just board, runs hourly. **From Hiroshima**: the most enjoyable route is the **Setouchi ferry** from Hiroshima Port to Matsuyama Kanko Port, ~70 min Superjet hydrofoil (¥8,700) or ~2h45min cruise ferry (¥3,900), then 30-min bus to Dogo. **From Okayama** (Shinkansen connection from Tokyo/Osaka): JR Limited Express 'Shiokaze' to Matsuyama (~2h45min, ¥6,470), then tram. **The Botchan steam tram replica** (named for Natsume Soseki's 1906 novel set partly at the Honkan) runs the Dogo line 2 to 4 times daily, separate ¥1,300 fare, popular reservation. **Worth seeing nearby**: **Matsuyama Castle** (one of 12 original castles, on a hilltop reached by ropeway from city center, 30 min by tram from Dogo); **Dogo Haikara-dori** shopping arcade in front of the station (taimeshi sea bream rice and jakoten fishcakes); **stroll Dogo in yukata at night**, since many ryokans lend them free for an evening walk around the Honkan's lantern-lit exterior, which is the famous Spirited Away-flavored photo.

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Source: Dogo Onsen — Japan Voyage