Dogo Onsen Main Building

I came all the way from California for this, and it was worth it. I recommend coming in the morning to avoid the crowds. I chose the 3rd floor plan with a private rest area for 90 minutes. It includes one small towel and one large towel, and at the end they serve green tea and Botchan dango. Lotions and basic amenities are all provided, so you don’t really need to bring anything. With this plan you can use both the first and second floor baths. I stayed on the second floor since the first floor is shared with the standard entry. The second floor bath is compact but not too small, just one tub, very quiet and peaceful. It had everything I needed and ended up being a really healing, calm moment. The visit also included a tour of Natsume Soseki’s room, the private onsen used by high officials, and a small museum area on the second floor, which added some nice historical context. I came back again at night to hear the drum performance at 18:00. When the sun goes down and the lights turn on, the building looks almost like something out of a Ghibli movie (it really gave me Spirited Away vibes). The atmosphere at night is incredible. If you can, visit once in the morning for the bath and again in the evening just to see it lit up.

We came at night and the lights were really beautiful. The architecture was amazing but the onsen itself was a bit small and quite crowded with only one main bath and not enough showers for everyone inside. If you’re interested in onsen history or Studio Ghibli, I think this onsen is definitely worth the visit.

One of the more historical and older ibsens in Japan, this place has a very traditional feel. Shoes come off before you enter and go into a locker. You can go in for a quick soak or combo it up with some snacks and relaxation on the second floor. Towels are provided for a small rental fee if you didn't bring in your own. I enjoyed my time at this onsen and found the staff very helpful. It does get busier during the day so an early visit is a good idea if you want to enjoy it with fewer people. Very peaceful and serene atmosphere.

I love bathing. I love public bathing. I love public bathing in historical spas. I love literature. I love Japanese literature. I love Japanese literature about public bathing in historical spas. How could I go wrong at Dogo Onsen? To be completely honest, I was slightly disappointed with the overall experience but I may have built it up too much in my mind. The baths were a bit more expensive than usual and plenty crowded. Nonetheless, I suggest you "do go" to Dogo (sorry, had to do it) The baths, the snacks, the buildings, the yukata walking, all in all, it was a unique and outstanding experience, crowds not withstanding. Sento Seeking Sinay says: Don't miss the free foot bath in town. Also, be sure to visit the main buildings and not the cheesy, gaudy annexes. Take your time to relax in the restful tatami area of the hot springs building as well.

I came for the Spirited Away connection, but left feeling confused. I just don't understand the point of going here? After wait in line, I was told that the package I chose was "busy" and I'll need wait in a virtual queue. So I hang around in the nearby shopping mall for 30-40 minutes, despite the only being 3 groups ahead of me when I joined the queue. Once inside, there is a 60 minute time limit, which includes changing, showering, baths, and the tea + snacks, but it's not easy to see the time from within the baths when one cannot wear glasses there. How is one supposed to relax against an unknown time limit? More to the point, how is one supposed to relax anyway against a time limit? The point of an onsen is to relax, but you can't do that here. Ultimately though, I shouldn't have worried because there are only two baths anyway (only one if you choose the basic package)! The one on the ground floor is quite nice (but fairly crowded), but the one I paid extra for was nothing more than a basic sento. Following the baths and tea, I was given a brief tour of other areas and the old bath in the foundation, which was nice, but not enough to make this a worthwhile visit. My recommendation is to just view Dogo onsen from outside, take a few photos if that's your thing, then move on. Every other onsen and sento I've visited in Japan has been a better experience than this one.

This has been on my bucket list for some time now. Happy to say it’s now been accomplished. Went a little after 7:00pm on a Friday to avoid the worst of the crowds. Paid ¥700 as I brought my own onsen towel. You can rent a towel and yukata if you so wish. The bath is historic and has recently undertaken a major renovation so it looks and feels grand.

Dōgo Onsen is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a recorded history of around 3,000 years. I visited on a Saturday around 3:00 PM. Maybe because it was an in-between time, it was relatively quiet, but by around 4:30 PM there was a long line. It might be a good idea to check the crowd situation at the entrance when buying your ticket and choose your plan accordingly. Be sure to walk all the way around the main building. Every angle shows a new charm. 🕊 The White Heron Legend of Dōgo Onsen Long ago, a white heron with an injured leg bathed in the waters of Dōgo Onsen every day. Eventually, its wound healed, and the bird flew away healthy. People who saw this believed that the waters had mysterious healing powers, and that’s how Dōgo Onsen became widely known. The water is quite hot, so it’s difficult to stay in for a long time. There is only one bath, so if you’re expecting a large modern spa, you might be disappointed. However, it’s highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the history, architecture, and the overall atmosphere of the town. The parking lot had plenty of space for RVs as well.

I was Kaminoyu(it means the bath of God) which was not so big(capacity of 20 - 30), but clean public bathing space. Especially weak alkaline water(somewhat slippery) seams good for skin.

The onsen(hot spring) which inspired Hayao Mizayaki's "Sprited Away" definitely brings your hopes waaay up once you see the architecture from outside. Architecture is very mythical if you see the movie. However, experience didn't match with my expectation. We purchase 1500 yen which includes yukata(little drape clothing you can wear to cool off), tea and a cookie. Also an access to tatami floor area where you can chill. They are not equipped with shampoo or soap. You need to purchase them or bring your own. Soap was 50 yen if I remember correctly. I didn't buy shampoo but it's expected to be in that price range. If you don't bring your towel, you can get rental for 220 yen. Bathing area was OK. It's old school. The tub is a bit deep. If you have long torso(like if your height is like 6'4) you can sit and dip. But if you are short like me, you need to sit on the edge and dip waist and below. Then the tatami floor area. Hair dryer is 10 yen per 3min. Make sure to have plenty of change with you, if you have long hair. The tatami floor space is quite narrow and quite frankly it wouldn't be relaxing if it's too crowded. Thankfully there weren't anybody left side of ours, I was able to stretch out my legs 'n all. But if there was someone there, I wouldn't be able to. So, as a conclusion, don't spend 1500 yen like I did. the cheapest plan(approximately 600 yen) does serve your needs and experience. But be prepared if you do.(i.e soap/shampoo/towel/hair dryer 'n such).

~~~The Oldest Onsen in Japan~~~ ~Built in 1894, During The Meiji Period~ It was also noted that this onsen was the inspiration for Miyazaki's animation film, Spirited Away. I was extremely excited to be able to visit, as one of my goals were to visit different onsens in Japan. This pisces very much enjoys hot baths and saunas! Unfortunately, we came during one of the tourist peak seasons, during Spring break. My brother recommended we try another onsen nearby for a better experience. He had been to this one, and stated it was small and crowded. I was so set to going inside anyway, but after reading several reviews on trip advisor, we decided to take my brother's advice. I hope to visit this onsen again during non-peak season in the future. It was worth the trip to at least take pictures and physically see this historic building. We enjoyed the shopping streets (shotengai), for omiyage and some great eats. It's also about a mile away from another historic tenshukaku, Matsuyama Castle.

Ever wonder where Hayao Miyazaki took his inspiration for the Onsen place in Spirited Away? That is Dogo Onsen. When I heard this piece of information, I MUST go and check it out. I love historical places and Onsen and this place is both. Unfortunately, it's one of the main tourist destination in this part of Matsuyama so expect it to be really crowded. The Onsen or bath is small and well normal, nothing really special. We tried to go and relax in the 2nd floor but found it really crowded. Beside all that, it's still a great place to visit though.

There are so many things to do there. Ashiyu(foot bath), onsen(natural hot bath), nomiaruki(waking around with alcohol), tabearuki (walking around with snacks and sweets), checking around historical spots, ... I really enjoyed Dogo local beer. They have 4 or 5 kinds. 1 bottle is more than US$5, Bocchan dang o( 3 sticky rice cake balls with 3 different kinds of sweet bean paste on a skewer), free Ashiyu with some tourists close to Dogo station. Dogo Onsen Honkan is the best part. You can see many historical stuff and experience cultural and traditional Onsen there. Only onsen for about $4 but I recommend about $12 one. It includes Yukata(kimono for summer or sleep), Ryokucha(green tea), Senbei(rice cracker), pass to 2 different Onsens, a rest spot, and a tour of the building. Onsen F1 is bigger and packed but one F2 is smaller and empty.

I have been to a lot of onsen and sento in the past. This place, though missing a lot of bells and whistles of newer onsen, is so neat inside that it's definitely worth visiting. The building itself is a huge, beautiful, Meiji era (I think?) styled old building with a ton of history. You often have to line up and wait to get in, but they told us 45 minutes and it ended up being less than 10. The place is packed with people coming in and out constantly. You pay to go in (but if you're staying in the area, ask at the desk of your hotel, because they may be able to sell you a discount ticket there) and you go inside, lock up your shoes and then go on into the locker room, where you get undressed. The actual dressing and bath rooms are also super old school, and when I went the bath tub was absolutely PACKED with people, the whole outside wall of the bath surrounded with people enjoying the water. When you get out and get dressed again, it's fun to enjoy a cold milk in a glass bottle near the shoes area, or if it's later in the day, you can enjoy a frosty cold beer from the nearby Dogo Brewery right outside the door. Anyway, if you're in the area there are a lot of good baths, and some good open-air baths too, but this place is worth a trip for the historical architecture alone.

Dogo Onsen! This historical hot springs is one of the oldest and largest public bath houses in Japan. Located in Matsuyama on the Island of Shikoku. I was here on March, 2011, just a few weeks after the great Sendai Earthquake. If this building looks familiar, it might be because this was the building that was featured in Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli Film 'Spirited Away' (千と千尋の神隠し). It was really cool to bathe in such a historical place. But practically speaking, it was way too crowded and of course I got into a little bit of trouble because of my tattoos. If you are ever visiting Shikoku, definitely check out this general area!

It is one of #Japan's oldest (dating from 1894) and most famous #hotsprings. Dogo Onsen has been a frequent destination for Japan's most prestigious guests, the #Imperial Family. The interior is beautiful; with a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. It is said to have served as inspiration for #Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away". The negative: very crowded.

Very nice place! I gave four, for the loooong line and the face that I really hate inside baths. Otherwise it's a great experience!

Charming historical Onsen with little frills. Be aware that you will need to bring your own towel, toiletries, shampoo/soap, etc... unless you want to purchase everything or rent. I only had access to the first floor men's side. There were two pools on either side of the changing rooms behind closed doors-- There are no windows, so unless you read Japanese, you're playing a guessing games of "What's Behind Door #1-2-3?". Each pool is basically the same on both sides, except for the center fountain which is carved differently. I scored a free ticket from the hotel directly behind the Dogo Onsen my relative was staying at because they didn't have a public bath at the hotel. I was here in the middle of the day last week, early February and it wasn't crowded at all. This Onsen is great for it's historical value, but don't expect much if you are staying at other hotels which offer their own public baths which may be nicer and more comfortable.