Dogo Onsen
A fusion of history and evolution
in Japan's oldest hot spring resort
It is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan,
and its appearance in the Manyoshu (The Anthology of Poems) confirms this.
It has been providing healing to people for about 3,000 years,
including kings on their way to war and emperors at one time or another.
The main building, a majestic wooden structure, the Tsubaki no Yu, located in the shopping arcade,
and the new Asukano-no-Yusen, a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge art, are all located here.
Three different types of hot springs await you in a town that continues
to evolve while incorporating new culture into its long history.
大阪からのアクセス
Bijin-no-yu, the place where
Japan's hot spring culture began.
Dogo Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Japan. There is a legend that Prince Shotoku built a stone monument there, and there are also records of visits by imperial family members such as Emperor Saimei. Legend has it that an egret cured a wound in the hot spring, and a heron stone has been placed in the garden in front of Dogo Onsen Station. The hot spring water is free-flowing, with no added heat or water, which is a rarity in Japan. The alkaline simple spring water is gentle to the skin, making it ideal for those who are careful about their skin.
A calming spa experience with a
sense of the history of each era
The main building, a wooden structure designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the Tsubaki no Yu, beloved by Matsuyama residents, and Asukano-no-Yusen, which opened in 2017, offer a fusion of art and hot spring baths. At each of these unique hot springs, visitors can experience the depth of flavor of Dogo Onsen, which boasts a history of approximately 3,000 years. In the city center, you can also experience the atmosphere by taking a bath in the hand or foot baths, or eating and drinking in the retro shopping street.