What is Dogo Onsen?

Dogo Onsen is widely known as the oldest hot spring in Japan, with records dating back over a millennium. It sits at the center of a charming onsen district in Matsuyama City, on the island of Shikoku. The most iconic feature is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a majestic wooden bathhouse built in 1894. With its maze-like halls, lattice windows, and tiled roof, the building itself feels like stepping into another era.

The hot spring water is a gentle, alkaline-type thermal spring, said to be especially soothing for the skin. The public bathhouses use pure, natural spring water without any reheating or additives.
Visitors can choose from three main bathhouses:

• 🏯 Dogo Onsen Honkan – Historic and cultural centerpiece
• 🛁 Asuka-no-Yu – Modern building with artistic touches
• ♨️ Tsubaki-no-Yu – A more casual, affordable option popular with locals

Whether you’re seeking cultural heritage or a rejuvenating soak, Dogo Onsen delivers both.

I visited Dogo Onsen Honkan on a weekday afternoon. After taking off my shoes and stepping inside, I was guided up a narrow wooden staircase to a tatami rest area. I soaked in the Kami-no-Yu bath—it was quiet, just the sound of the hot water and wooden buckets. Afterward, I drank cold mikan juice while looking out over the tiled roofs. It was simple, but deeply refreshing. No fancy spa music, just the real thing.

Is Dogo Onsen Really the Oldest Onsen in Japan?

Yes—Dogo Onsen is widely considered Japan’s oldest hot spring, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. It appears in ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which mention legendary figures such as Prince Shotoku bathing here for healing. According to folklore, even gods and sacred birds used the spring to recover from injury.

Dogo Onsen is also recognized as one of the “Three Ancient Springs of Japan” (日本三古湯), alongside Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen. Its uninterrupted use over centuries makes it a living link to Japan’s thermal bathing culture.
Even today, the onsen water continues to flow naturally, and locals still take pride in its spiritual and healing legacy.

What Can You Do at Dogo Onsen?

Dogo Onsen is more than just a place to bathe—it’s a cultural and sensory experience. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

🏯 Soak in Historic Bathhouses

The iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan is a must. Walk through creaky wooden hallways, change into a yukata, and enjoy a timeless soak. If you’re looking for something modern, try the Asuka-no-Yu, which features stunning murals and private rooms inspired by classical Japanese art.

👣 Try Free Footbaths

Scattered throughout the district are beautifully designed ashiyu (footbaths)—perfect for resting your legs after sightseeing. Many are located near shrines or shopping streets.

🍡 Explore the Onsen Arcade

The Dogo Shotengai (shopping arcade) is full of local snack shops, traditional crafts, and quirky souvenirs. Try the famous Botchan dango or local mandarin-based sweets.

🏮 Enjoy Evening Light Displays

At night, the Honkan and surrounding streets come alive with projection mapping and lantern-style lighting, creating a magical, almost Ghibli-like atmosphere.

After dinner, I walked around the Honkan area and caught the projection mapping show by chance. The old wooden building was glowing in soft colors, and local kids were taking photos in yukata. I sat on a nearby bench and just watched for a while—it was quiet, nostalgic, and somehow felt timeless.

Does Dogo Onsen Have Private Baths?

The historic Dogo Onsen Honkan does not offer private or family baths. It is a traditional public bathhouse with shared bathing spaces for men and women (separate of course), in keeping with its historical roots.
However, if you’re looking for privacy, there are plenty of nearby ryokan and hotels that offer:

• 🛁 Private onsen baths in guest rooms
• 👪 Family-style baths (貸切風呂) that can be reserved by the hour
• 🌿 Open-air baths with a view (especially on upper floors)

These are perfect for couples, families, or visitors who want to relax in their own space. Some accommodations even offer special plans that include dinner, yukata rental, and a private bath experience—all infused with the warm hospitality that Dogo is known for.

Tip: Book your ryokan early during cherry blossom season or long weekends—rooms with private baths fill up fast!

Recommended Ryokan & Hotels in Dogo Onsen

Looking to stay overnight? Here are some of the most trusted and memorable accommodations near Dogo Onsen:

I stayed at Funaya for one night. The room had a view of the stream, and the open-air bath was surrounded by trees—so peaceful I almost missed dinner. The kaiseki meal included sea bream sashimi and local tofu with yuzu salt. The next morning, I walked through their garden before checking out. It’s a great place if you want to slow down and relax with real Japanese hospitality.

How to Get to Dogo Onsen

From Tokyo or Osaka

1. Fly to Matsuyama Airport 　- Flights from Tokyo Haneda take about 1.5 hours 　- From the airport, take a limousine bus to Dogo Onsen (~40 minutes)
2. Train + Ferry Option 　- Shinkansen to Okayama Station 　- Transfer to JR Yosan Line to Matsuyama Station (~3 hours) 　- Then take the Iyotetsu tram to Dogo Onsen Station

From Matsuyama City Center

• Ride the Iyotetsu streetcar bound for Dogo Onsen
• It’s the last stop, and the journey takes just 20 minutes from JR Matsuyama Station
• You’ll arrive right in front of the famous Dogo Onsen Honkan

Q&A – Dogo Onsen Travel Tips