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Dogo Onsen is known as one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with origins dating back around 3,000 years. It’s mentioned in both the Manyoshu and the Nihon Shoki, making it a hot spring of great historical significance.
Its iconic wooden three-story main building, Dogo Onsen Honkan, was built in 1894 (Meiji 27) and has been a place of healing for countless visitors ever since.
Following approximately seven years of restoration work, the entire building officially reopened in July 2024.
Now you can once again fully experience the charm of this registered Important Cultural Property.
During the day, the building exudes dignity and grandeur, while at night, its retro architecture is softly illuminated.
It feels like stepping back in time to the romantic Taisho era or the nostalgic Showa period—a truly special escape from the everyday.
When it comes to Dogo Onsen Honkan, one question naturally arises: Kami-no-Yu or Tama-no-Yu?
The truth is, you can’t go wrong—each offers a distinct and delightful experience.
In this article, we’ll clearly explain the differences between the two baths, along with other must-see highlights and tips for making the most of your visit.
Dogo Onsen Honkan, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring facilities. The wooden three-story building, constructed during the Meiji era, is a landmark designated as a National Important Cultural Property. With its full reopening in 2024, it has become an even more attractive destination for both sightseeing and bathing.
Dogo Onsen Honkan offers two types of baths: Kami-no-Yu and Tama-no-Yu. While they share a similar atmosphere, there are differences in size and the types of attached relaxation spaces, which influence the overall experience depending on your chosen plan.
The main attraction of Dogo Onsen Honkan, Kami-no-Yu is a traditional bath located on the first floor.
With its stone floors and walls, and a large central bath kettle, the bathhouse features a serene, solid atmosphere. You can enjoy a quiet soak while taking in the nostalgic ambiance of the Meiji era.
The structure is nearly symmetrical, offering similar layouts for both men and women.
The central kettle radiates a sacred presence, creating a tranquil environment where you can reflect while immersed in the warmth of the spring water.
The curves of the walls and tubs add an aesthetic elegance, and the gentle ripple of the water gives the entire room a soft, embracing feel.
A quirky wooden plaque that reads “No Swimming, Botchan” is displayed on the bath’s wall—a playful nod to Natsume Soseki’s famous novel Botchan, drawing smiles from visitors.
After your bath, it’s highly recommended to unwind in the tatami room on the second floor known as “Kami-no-Yu 2nd Floor Seating.”
Surrounded by traditional shoji screens and tatami mats, it’s the perfect space to relax and soak in the after-bath tranquility.
| Course | Contents | Price (tax incl.) | Hours | Last Entry | Time Limit | Included Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kami - no - Yu | Bath only | Adults: ¥700 Children: ¥350 | 6:00 am–11:00 pm | 10:30 pm | 60 min | – |
| Kami - no - Yu + 2F Seating | Bath + 2nd Floor Tatami Lounge | Adults: ¥1,300 Children: ¥650 | 6:00 am–10:00 pm | 9:00 pm | 60 min | Rental Yukata, Tea, Sweets |
Slightly smaller than Kami-no-Yu, Tama-no-Yu offers a quieter, more refined experience. At the center is an oval bath, surrounded by blue-painted tiles and a stone kettle, creating an elegant, classic ambiance.
Tama-no-Yu plans typically include access to a dedicated relaxation space. The second floor features a spacious shared tatami area, while the third floor offers private rooms for small groups. Both are ideal for relaxing after a bath.
Each private room has its own aesthetic, with soft light filtering through shoji screens, alcove decorations, and round windows. The 90-minute stay makes it ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
| Course | Contents | Price (tax incl.) | Hours | Last Entry | Time Limit | Included Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama - no - Yu 2F Lounge | Bath + 2F lounge + free tour of Yushinden | Adults: ¥2,000 Children: ¥1,000 | 6:00 am–10:00 pm | 9:00 pm | 60 min | Rental Yukata, Towel, Bath Towel, Tea, Sweets |
| Tama - no - Yu 3F Private Room | Bath + 3F private room + free tour of Yushinden | Adults: ¥2,500 Children: ¥1,250 | 6:00 am–10:00 pm | 8:30 pm | 90 min | Rental Yukata, Towel, Bath Towel, Tea, Sweets |
On the third floor, two exclusive private rooms—“Hisho-no-Ma” and “Shirasagi-no-Ma”—are available by reservation only, limited to five groups per day. Both rooms offer views of the iconic Shinrokaku tower, making them the perfect setting to unwind after your bath.
This 12.5 tatami-mat room accommodates up to 10 people. You can relax while gazing at Shinrokaku through the shoji screens. Ideal for families or groups looking for a peaceful time together.
A spacious 19 tatami-mat room that fits up to 18 people. Perfect for larger groups or gatherings.
Through the round window, you can enjoy a direct view of Shinrokaku. During the day, the room is bathed in soft natural light, while at night, the red-lit tower creates a magical scene.
Both rooms come with rental yukata, towels, tea, and sweets. You’ll also have free access to Yushinden. The 90-minute stay allows for a full immersion in Dogo’s charm.
| Plan | Contents | Capacity | Price (tax incl.) | Duration | Start Times | Included Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama - no - Yu 3F Private Room (Hisho - no - Ma) | Bath + private room (Hisho - no - Ma) + Yushinden free tour | Up to 10 people | Group: ¥3,000 + Adults: ¥1,300 / Children: ¥650 | 90 min | 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm | Rental Yukata, Towel, Bath Towel, Tea, Sweets |
| Tama - no - Yu 3F Private Room (Shirasagi - no - Ma) | Bath + private room (Shirasagi - no - Ma) + Yushinden free tour | Up to 18 people | Group: ¥6,000 + Adults: ¥1,300 / Children: ¥650 | 90 min | 6:30 am, 9:30 am, 12:30 am, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm | Rental Yukata, Towel, Bath Towel, Tea, Sweets |
Dogo Onsen Honkan isn’t just for bathing—it also offers cultural and historical highlights. The “Yushinden” was built exclusively for the imperial family, and the “Exhibition Room” showcases rare artifacts. These spots reflect the rich history of the hot spring and are well worth a visit.
Originally built in the Meiji era as a bath for the imperial family, Yushinden is now open to the public as a viewing-only facility. Visitors using the Tama-no-Yu course can freely tour this stately structure.
Inside, you’ll find preserved rooms such as the anteroom where royals would prepare, the living quarters, and the ornate throne room—each meticulously maintained in its original form.
The highlight is the Throne Room, adorned with gold leaf and vibrant murals of phoenixes. Gold nail covers and handcrafted metal fittings add a regal touch, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial elegance.
Throne Room
Visitors can also view the Imperial Bath Room, where the actual bathing took place. Don’t miss the combination of wood and stonework, as well as the unique kettle design.
This rare historical spot offers insight not only into bathing customs but also into Japanese imperial architecture and design—a serene and moving experience.
On the second floor of the Honkan, you’ll find an Exhibition Room with artifacts and tools related to Dogo Onsen’s rich history.
Inside this peaceful tatami-lined space, display cases blend with the traditional Japanese interior, providing a quiet, contemplative environment.
Exhibits include antique bath tokens, tea utensils, visitor registries, and classic paintings depicting the history of Dogo Onsen. It’s a great way to take a break after bathing and reflect on the long legacy of this historic hot spring.
Dogo Onsen Honkan offers multiple bathing plans to suit your time and preferences. Below is a comparison table of the main options.
| Plan | Features | Bath | Lounge | Yushinden Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kami - no - Yu | Simple bath only. No lounge use. | ◯ | × | × |
| Kami - no - Yu + 2F Lounge | Bath + 2nd floor lounge with rental yukata, tea & sweets | ◯ | 2F Tatami Room | × |
| Tama - no - Yu 2F / 3F | Peaceful bath + lounge or private room + Yushinden access | ◯ | 2F or 3F Private Room | ◯ |
| Hisho - no - Ma / Shirasagi - no - Ma | Top - floor private rooms limited to 5 groups/day. Includes Kami - no - Yu or Tama - no - Yu bath. | ◯ (Kami - no - Yu or Tama - no - Yu) | 3F Private Room | ◯ |
| Yushinden Tour (With Guide) | No bathing. Guided tour of Yushinden. | × | × | ◯ (With Guide) |
All baths include shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers.
For detailed usage instructions, refer to the Official How - to Guide.
See the next table for exact prices and time slots.
| Plan | Contents | Time Limit | Price (tax incl.) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kami - no - Yu | Bath only | ~60 min | Adults: ¥700 Children: ¥350 | No limit |
| Kami - no - Yu + 2F Lounge | Bath + 2F lounge + rental yukata, tea & sweets | ~60 min | Adults: ¥1,300 Children: ¥650 | No limit |
| Tama - no - Yu 2F | Bath + 2F lounge + rental yukata, towel, bath towel, tea, sweets + Yushinden tour | ~60 min | Adults: ¥2,000 Children: ¥1,000 | No limit |
| Tama - no - Yu 3F Private Room | Bath + 3F private room + all amenities + Yushinden tour | ~90 min | Adults: ¥2,500 Children: ¥1,250 | Max 6 people |
| Hisho - no - Ma | Bath (Kami/Tama) + 3F private room + all amenities + Yushinden tour | ~90 min | Group: ¥3,000 + Adults: ¥1,300 / Children: ¥650 | Max 10 people |
| Shirasagi - no - Ma | Bath (Kami/Tama) + 3F private room + all amenities + Yushinden tour | ~90 min | Group: ¥6,000 + Adults: ¥1,300 / Children: ¥650 | Max 18 people |
| Yushinden Tour (Guide) | Guided Yushinden tour (no bath) | ~20–30 min | ¥400 (Free for preschoolers) | No limit |
The biggest dilemma when visiting Dogo Onsen Honkan is choosing between Kami-no-Yu and Tama-no-Yu.
Kami-no-Yu offers a large, open bath and is affordable at ¥700—great for first-timers or casual visits.
Tama-no-Yu provides a quieter atmosphere with access to Yushinden. It’s ideal for those seeking a refined and immersive experience.
If you’re short on time, choose Kami-no-Yu. If you’re looking for something more memorable, choose Tama-no-Yu. During busy hours, Tama-no-Yu tends to be more relaxing.
Some courses and rooms at Dogo Onsen Honkan require advance reservations online.
| Plan | Reservation | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kami - no - Yu | No | 1F Bath | Same - day tickets only. Vouchers distributed during peak hours |
| Kami - no - Yu + 2F Lounge | No | 2F Tatami Lounge | Same - day tickets only. Vouchers distributed during peak hours |
| Tama - no - Yu 2F | No | 2F Shared Lounge | Same - day tickets only. Vouchers distributed during peak hours |
| Tama - no - Yu 3F | No | 3F Private Room | Same - day tickets only |
| Hisho - no - Ma (Private) | Yes | 3F Private Room (up to 10) | Online reservation available until the day before. Same - day via phone only |
| Shirasagi - no - Ma (Private) | Yes | 3F Private Room (up to 18) | Online reservation available until the day before. Same - day via phone only |
| Yushinden Tour (With Guide) | Yes | Yushinden Viewing Area | Reservation required (guided tours only). No bathing. |
Rooms that require reservations can be booked online or by phone up to 90 days in advance (until 22:00 the day before). Same-day phone reservations may be available if there are cancellations, but due to the 5-group daily limit, early booking is recommended.
Details about vouchers during peak times are available on the Official How - to Guide.
Wondering if overnight stays are possible?
Dogo Onsen Honkan is a day-use public bathhouse—no overnight accommodations are available.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check the Dogo Onsen Official Lodging Guide.
As a top tourist attraction, Dogo Onsen Honkan can get crowded at times. Here are tips for a more relaxed visit:
During busy periods, numbered vouchers may be issued. These list your entry time so you don’t have to wait in line. Feel free to explore the area or dine nearby until your turn.
Real-time wait time updates are available on the official website.
Check current conditions before your visit:
To ensure everyone has a pleasant experience, please follow these rules:
As a public facility operated by Matsuyama City, tattoos are permitted at Dogo Onsen Honkan.
Dogo Onsen Honkan offers more than just a bath—it’s a destination rich in architecture, culture, and serene beauty.
Whether soaking in Kami-no-Yu or Tama-no-Yu, touring the imperial Yushinden, exploring the exhibition room, or admiring the entire structure’s design, there’s something for every interest.
With its full reopening in 2024, now is the perfect time to experience everything it has to offer.
Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest and most culturally significant hot springs, and immerse yourself in its timeless charm.
