The oldest onsen in Japan. Possibly the inspiration for Spirited Away's bathhouse.
Dogo Onsen has been in continuous operation for approximately 3,000 years — documented references date to the 8th century. The current Meiji-era wood-and-tile main building (1894) is a National Important Cultural Asset. Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away is widely believed to have drawn on Dogo's architecture. The spring water flows at 43°C from beneath the building — no heating required. The upper floor holds a chamber once reserved exclusively for the Imperial family.
- $
- Footbath
- Handbath
- Resting rooms
Pools & saunas
Waters & pools
- Public
- Private
- 4 pools
- 38–42°C
- Open-air
Saunas & steam
- Steam
- Dry
Gallery
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Worth knowing
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Continuously operating for ~3,000 years — oldest hot spring in Japan
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Imperial bathing chamber preserved from 1899
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Believed to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away
An insider's tip
Book the premium ticket for access to the Yushinden — the Emperor's private bathroom, preserved exactly as it was in 1899. It's extraordinary.
Don't leave without
Arrive before opening for the queue — the morning light on the wooden exterior is the photograph you came for. Rent a yukata and explore the Honmachi arcade after.
Good to know
- Hours
- 6:00-23:00
- Address
- Matsuyama, Shikoku, Japan
- Phone
- Not specified
- Dress code
- No swimwear — bathing without clothing
- Architect
- Tatsuo Yoshida
- Style
- Japanese traditional architecture
- Heritage
- National Important Cultural Property
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
Climate — Warmest around Aug (~30.8°C high), coolest around Jan (~10.2°C).
On the map
33.8519°N · 132.7663°E
