Where Asuka-Era Beauty Meets Modern Comfort
Dogo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan. Just a short walk from its iconic Main Building stands another captivating bathhouse: Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu.
Opened in 2017, Asuka-no-Yu features architecture designed around an Asuka-period theme, creating a space where traditional culture and modern comfort harmoniously blend. Throughout the facility, Ehime Prefecture’s traditional crafts are showcased, allowing visitors to fully experience the regional culture through bathing, relaxation, and architectural beauty.
This article provides an easy-to-understand guide to Asuka-no-Yu’s attractions, from bathing options and course selection to architectural highlights.
For first-time visitors, we’ve included detailed information on prices, rest room options, and reservation requirements to ensure a worry-free experience.
Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
Asuka-no-Yu embodies the world of the Asuka period in a modern hot spring facility. Since opening in 2017, this annex of Dogo Onsen has been beloved by tourists and locals alike for its refined design that incorporates Ehime’s natural environment and traditions throughout.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6:00 am - 11:00 pm (Last admission 10:30 pm) |
| Closed | Open year - round (Temporary closures for maintenance) |
| Phone | 089 - 932 - 1126 |
| Official Website | https://dogo.jp/onsen/asuka |
| Parking | Use nearby paid parking (No dedicated parking) |
| Access | About 5 min walk from Iyotetsu Railway Dogo Onsen Station |
| Address | 19 - 22 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790 - 0842 |
Majestic Exterior Inspired by Asuka-Period Palace Architecture
The exterior of Asuka-no-Yu is designed in a Japanese style modeled after Asuka-period palace architecture, with tiled roofs, latticed windows, and wooden beams creating an atmosphere of dignity and elegance that welcomes visitors.
At the center of the building stands a tower symbolizing Asuka-period architectural style, topped with a white heron decoration that serves as Asuka-no-Yu’s symbol. The white heron has long been considered a symbol of good fortune and is presented as a bringer of luck and healing to visitors.
The facility grounds also feature photo spots like the courtyard and commemorative plaques, making it a popular location for experiencing historical atmosphere.
At night, the entire building is bathed in warm lighting, transforming into a fantastical atmosphere.
With a different kind of tranquility and brilliance than during the day, the illuminated Asuka-no-Yu is popular as a photogenic tourist spot.
Water Quality and Benefits | Relax Body and Mind with Gentle Beauty Water
Asuka-no-Yu uses hot spring water from the Dogo Onsen source, which has long been cherished as a “beauty water.” The water is an alkaline simple hot spring characterized by its mild and gentle texture.
After bathing, your skin feels moist and smooth, making it recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin. The gentle nature of the water allows everyone from children to elderly visitors to bathe safely.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Alkaline simple hot spring (Low osmotic pressure, alkaline, high temperature) |
| General Indications | Muscle pain, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, health promotion |
| Beauty Effects | Gently removes sebum and is expected to keep skin smooth |
Enjoy a luxurious bathing experience that relaxes both body and mind in a space filled with the atmosphere of the Asuka period.
Bathing at Asuka-no-Yu with Tobe-Yaki Murals, Outdoor Baths, and Light Effects
The separate men’s and women’s baths on the first floor of Asuka-no-Yu feature large Tobe-yaki ceramic tile murals as their main attraction. These large ceramic panels made with Tobe-yaki, a traditional craft of Ehime, each depict different themes.
- Women’s Bath: A fantastical world depicting the Seto Inland Sea with poetry by Princess Nukata
- Men’s Bath: The majestic landscape of Mt. Ishizuchi, Shikoku’s most famous peak
Outdoor baths are also available. The wall fountains and plantings feature Hime-hinoki cypress and Kikuma tiles, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely soak while feeling connected to nature and tradition.
A Fantastical Moment Colored by Light | Projection Mapping in the Bathrooms
Asuka-no-Yu offers projection mapping performances exclusively on the 26th of each month.
The stage is the first-floor public bath with its impressive Tobe-yaki murals. Fantastical light projected onto the ceramic tiles fills the bathroom with a mystical atmosphere amid the steam.
Themes change monthly, featuring Ehime landscapes, seasonal motifs, and images related to Japanese mythology, allowing visitors to experience different light stories with each visit.
This “hot spring × art” experience is unique to Asuka-no-Yu.
We recommend timing your visit to coincide with this special occasion.
Second Floor Rest Spaces You Can Choose by Style | Surrounded by Dogo Stories and Traditional Crafts
The second floor of Asuka-no-Yu offers multiple rest rooms where you can relax after bathing. In addition to a spacious large hall, there are five private rooms themed around Dogo Onsen legends and regional culture, each offering a uniquely atmospheric space.
Large Hall (Approximately 60 Tatami Mats)
- A calming shared rest room decorated with gilding washi paper and Iyo bamboo crafts.
- Recommended for those who want casual use.
Private Rooms (5 Total)
Each private room features decorations themed around legends and culture related to Dogo Onsen, allowing visitors to experience Ehime’s stories through all five senses.
| Room Name | Theme | Decorative Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shirasagi Room | White Heron Legend | Iyo Mizuhiki Decorations |
| Tsubaki Room | Camellia Forest | Imabari Towel Gosai - ori Weaving |
| Tama - no - Ishi Room | Stone of Jewels Legend | Tsutsugaki - zome Dyed Wall |
| Anguu Room | Imperial Visit | Sakurai Lacquerware Maki - e |
| Yugeta Room | Iyo Hot Spring Bathing Culture | Saijo Danjiri Carvings |
Each room offers rental yukata, tea, and sweets, allowing guests to relax in a themed space.
Shirasagi Room
A room themed on the White Heron Legend. Delicate Iyo Mizuhiki decorations adorn the space.
Tsubaki Room
Featuring Imabari Towel’s Gosai-ori weaving inspired by the Camellia Forest. The soft texture is impressive.
Tama-no-Ishi Room
A space featuring impressive Tsutsugaki-zome dyed walls inspired by the Stone of Jewels legend.
Anguu Room
A dignified room representing a temporary palace, with Sakurai lacquerware maki-e as its highlight.
Yugeta Room
Inspired by the hot spring bathing culture mentioned in The Tale of Genji. Expressed through Iyo Danjiri carvings.
Special Baths | Private Reserved Spaces for Special Moments
The special baths located in a secluded area of Asuka-no-Yu offer completely private healing spaces separate from other guests.
Both of the two special bath rooms feature wooden construction with a “house-shaped roof” design, recreating the bathhouse culture of the Asuka period.
Each room includes a private indoor bath and tatami relaxation space, offering a luxurious setting for quiet moments.
Local craft motifs are incorporated throughout, making it a delight to experience architectural beauty and warmth.
Perfect for family bathing, couples, girlfriends’ trips, or married couples.
An ideal space for sharing leisurely time away from daily life.
How to Use and Pricing System | Summary of Courses, Prices, and Reservation Points
Asuka-no-Yu offers four courses to match different usage styles.
From a simple plan using only the first-floor baths to the second-floor large hall, private rooms, and completely private special baths, you can flexibly choose based on your purpose and budget.
| Course | Contents | Price (Tax Included) | Time Limit | Advance Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath Only Course | Separate men's/women's baths only | Adults: 610 yen Children: 300 yen | 90 min | Not available |
| Large Hall Rest Course | Bath + Large hall rest (Rental yukata, tea, sweets) | Adults: 1,280 yen Children: 630 yen | 90 min | Not available |
| Private Room Rest Course | Bath + Private room rest (Rental yukata, tea, sweets, rental towel) | Adults: 1,690 yen Children: 830 yen | 90 min | Not available |
| Special Bath Course | 1F bath + Completely private 2F special bath/rest room (Rental yukata, tea, sweets, rental towel, rental bath towel, rental yucho) | Per group: 2,040 yen + Adults: 1,690 yen Children: 830 yen | 90 min | Available/Required |
- For the bath, large hall, and private room courses, purchase admission tickets at the entrance ticket counter on the day of your visit.
- The special bath course requires advance reservation. You can book via Online Reservation or by phone (089-932-1126) starting 90 days before your visit date.
Barrier-Free and Family-Friendly | A Hot Spring Space Everyone Can Enjoy with Peace of Mind
Asuka-no-Yu is designed with consideration for elderly visitors, wheelchair users, and families with babies, ensuring comfortable use for everyone. The following facilities are available so that everyone can enjoy the hot spring with peace of mind.
For Visitors with Babies and Infants
The following information has been confirmed with Asuka-no-Yu.
- Strollers can be left at the building entrance
- Regarding bathing:
- The water quality is suitable for infants
- However, as the natural hot spring water is around 42°C, please judge accordingly
- Babies still in diapers can bathe, but consideration for others is needed in case of accidents
- The special baths are private, so you can enjoy them without concern for others
- Baby beds available in changing rooms
- Baby chairs available
- Nursing room available
For Elderly Visitors and Wheelchair Users
- The entire facility features barrier-free design without steps
- Wheelchair rental available for use within the facility
- Bathtubs with handrails for safe bathing
- Multi-purpose restroom (ostomy-friendly) available
Reference:
Experience Asuka-Era Beauty and Tradition with Modern Comfort at Asuka-no-Yu
Opened in 2017, Asuka-no-Yu is a relatively new hot spring facility in Dogo Onsen.
As such, it incorporates modern comfort throughout, setting it apart from traditional establishments. Through its exterior and interior that recreate and project the beauty of the Asuka period and regional traditions, visitors can experience not only hot springs but also history and tradition.
Asuka-no-Yu truly embodies the phrase “a hot spring experience where Asuka-era beauty meets modern comfort,” creating a space where past and present harmoniously blend.
The dignified tiled roof and tower, topped with a dancing white heron decoration, create an exterior with historical charm. Inside, the beauty of Ehime’s symbolic crafts—Tobe-yaki ceramic murals, Imabari towels, Iyo Mizuhiki—permeates every detail, where culture and healing naturally intersect.
The gentle alkaline simple hot spring water can be safely enjoyed by everyone from children to elderly visitors, and the outdoor baths offer moments away from everyday life with light and sound performances.
After bathing, relaxation spaces are available to suit different preferences—from the large hall to themed private rooms and completely reservation-only special baths—leaving comfortable margins for every guest.
For those who want to enjoy Dogo Onsen from a different perspective than the Main Building, Asuka-no-Yu offers new attractions and discoveries.
We encourage you to visit at least once.
