A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Dogo Onsen
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dogo Onsen is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and its rich culture and traditions remain alive to this day. Located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, this hot spring area boasts a history spanning over 3,000 years, with its name recorded in numerous literary works and legends. For tourists, it is a beloved destination where they can enjoy not only soaking in the hot springs, but also the unique charm and attractions of the entire onsen town.
Below, we provide a detailed explanation of the overview, history, and must-visit spots when visiting Dogo Onsen.
Overview of Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Its history dates back over 3,000 years, and the famous “Dogo Onsen Honkan” (Main Building) is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, holding immense historical and cultural value. This hot spring area appears in Japanese mythology and ancient literature, with its existence recorded in the Man’yoshu and The Tale of Genji.
The iconic “Dogo Onsen Honkan” was built in 1894 (Meiji 27) and is a three-story wooden structure famous for its splendor. Inside the main building, there are two bathhouses called “Kami-no-Yu” and “Tama-no-Yu,” where visitors can enjoy various bathing styles. The second floor also features the imperial-exclusive “Yushinden,” a precious heritage from the Meiji era.
The hot spring water of Dogo Onsen is an alkaline simple spring, colorless and transparent with a smooth texture. It is known to be effective for rheumatism, neuralgia, and skin conditions, and the warm water is beloved by both local residents and tourists alike.
The surrounding area is filled with many tourist attractions, and the onsen town is lined with ryokan (Japanese inns), souvenir shops, and restaurants, providing visitors with a relaxing experience. Additionally, as the setting for Natsume Soseki’s novel “Botchan,” many people also visit locations associated with this famous literary work.
History of Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, boasting a history of over 3,000 years, and has been beloved by people from ancient times to the present day. Below, we provide a detailed account of the history of Dogo Onsen.
1. About 3,000 Years Ago – The Origins of Dogo Onsen
*This photo is an illustration
The origins of Dogo Onsen date back approximately 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. During this period, natural hot springs were already emerging in the area, and it is believed that local residents used them for health and healing purposes.
The waters of Dogo Onsen have long been called “Tama-no-Yu” (sacred waters), believed to possess divine healing powers for physical ailments.
2. 639 CE – Visit by Emperor Jomei
*This photo is an illustration
The fame of Dogo Onsen spread significantly in 639 CE when Emperor Jomei visited. This visit is recorded in the “Nihon Shoki” (Chronicles of Japan), demonstrating that the hot spring was of sufficient quality for royal use.
From that point on, Dogo Onsen established itself as a hot spring of special status among royalty and nobility. As a result, Dogo Onsen was recognized as a very important retreat in ancient Japan, with its reputation reaching the imperial court.
3. 8th Century – Appearance in the Man’yoshu
*This photo is an illustration
Dogo Onsen also appears in the “Man’yoshu,” Japan’s oldest poetry anthology compiled in the 8th century. This demonstrates that Dogo Onsen was widely known in ancient Japanese literature and was highly regarded culturally.
The anthology contains poems associated with Dogo Onsen, showing that Dogo Onsen was not merely a place for treatment but also a venue for cultural exchange. By this period, Dogo Onsen was already beloved by many people, attracting visitors from far and wide.
4. 1894 – Construction of Dogo Onsen Honkan
*This photo is an illustration
The Dogo Onsen Honkan, built during the Meiji era in 1894, is the building that symbolizes today’s Dogo Onsen. During this period, when Western and traditional cultures were merging across Japan, the Dogo Onsen Honkan was constructed as a facility that gathered the essence of traditional wooden architecture to further enhance the value of the hot spring.
The main building has a three-story structure, characterized by elaborate decorations and intricate design. Additionally, the imperial-exclusive bathhouse “Yushinden,” completed in 1899, is also part of the building. This was a space created for the imperial family to visit and relax at the hot spring area, and having an imperial-exclusive space within a public hot spring facility was an extremely rare occurrence.
5. 2019–2024 – Preservation Repair Work
In January 2019, preservation repair work began with the goal of preserving and utilizing the Dogo Onsen Honkan. This is part of an effort to pass down the main building, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, to future generations.
The work involved repairing deteriorated sections of the building and strengthening its earthquake resistance to enhance the building’s durability while maintaining its value as a cultural property. The bathhouse stayed open during the work, resumed full operation on July 11, 2024, and the work was completed in December 2024.
Highlights of Dogo Onsen
Here we introduce the major attractions of Dogo Onsen. We have selected famous spots that are must-visits during your trip and share the charm of each location.
Dogo Onsen Honkan
The symbol of Dogo Onsen, “Dogo Onsen Honkan,” is a wooden hot spring facility built in 1894, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This three-story building is famous for its beautiful exterior and historical value. The main building features “Kami-no-Yu (Bath of the Gods)” and “Tama-no-Yu (Bath of the Spirit),” which are both popular historic bathhouses open to the general public.
In particular, “Yushinden,” the only imperial-exclusive bathhouse in Japan, exudes a special atmosphere. The main building also offers guided tours, providing opportunities not only to enjoy the hot springs but also to learn about its architecture and history.
Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
“Asuka-no-Yu” is an annex that opened in 2017 to complement the Dogo Onsen Honkan. This facility features a modern design incorporating Asuka-period architectural styles, providing a space where history and modernity harmonize.
In addition to the general public bath, private bathing rooms are available for a more relaxing experience. The facility also exhibits artworks, allowing visitors to enjoy cultural experiences beyond just bathing.
Dogo Park
“Dogo Park,” located near the Dogo Onsen Honkan, is a must-visit spot when strolling through the onsen town. This park was established on the site of “Yuzuki Castle,” built in the medieval period by the Kono clan, a powerful family of Iyo Province. Within the park, a museum and moat remain, conveying the history of Yuzuki Castle.
In spring, the park is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, serving as a place where tourists and locals enjoy hanami (flower viewing). We recommend taking a stroll through the park after bathing to enjoy both history and nature together.
Ishite-ji Temple
Located about a 15-minute walk from Dogo Onsen, “Ishite-ji Temple” is the 51st temple of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. This temple, along with Dogo Onsen, has been an object of worship since ancient times and is visited by many tourists.
The main hall, an Important Cultural Property, along with ancient Buddhist statues within the grounds and the “Nio-mon” gate, designated as a National Treasure, offer plenty of sights to see. In particular, the three-story pagoda, also an Important Cultural Property, is well worth seeing for its beautiful structure.
Shopping Street “Dogo Haikara-Dori”
“Dogo Haikara-Dori,” extending from the Dogo Onsen Honkan, is the main street of the onsen town, lined with numerous souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here you can purchase local specialties and fine goods, making it a popular spot among tourists.
In particular, you can enjoy treats such as onsen manju (steamed buns) and gelato, and many shops on the street utilize old buildings, allowing you to enjoy shopping while feeling the history of the onsen town.
Dogo Onsen Station
A must-visit when touring Dogo Onsen is “Dogo Onsen Station.” This station is a tourist attraction that retains a retro atmosphere while incorporating modern design, and is particularly famous for the restored “Botchan Train.”
The “Botchan Train” is a sightseeing train that recreates the steam locomotive that actually operated during the Meiji era, and as of October 2026 it runs only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between Dogo Onsen and stations such as Matsuyama-shi. Dogo Onsen Station is a place where you can experience both the past and present of Dogo.
In Closing
Dogo Onsen is not merely a hot spring destination but a place where rich history and culture come alive, offering visitors a truly special experience. Its 3,000-year history, the legacy of being beloved by royalty, and the beautiful architecture and charming onsen town atmosphere that continues to captivate many tourists today represent a unique allure that sets it apart from other hot spring destinations.
When you visit Dogo Onsen, you will discover a journey that allows you to experience not only the comfort of the hot springs but also the depth of its history and culture.
