A Hot Spring Experience Where Asuka-Era Beauty Meets Modern Comfort
Dogo Onsen, known as Japan’s oldest hot spring, is home to a hidden gem near its iconic main building: Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu.
Opened in 2017, Asuka-no-Yu was designed with the Asuka period as its core theme, offering a harmonious blend of traditional culture and contemporary amenities. The interior is adorned with Ehime’s traditional crafts, letting visitors experience local culture through bathing, architecture, and relaxation.
This article introduces the unique charms of Asuka-no-Yu, covering everything from how to bathe, how to choose a plan, and architectural highlights.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find clear information on pricing, relaxation rooms, reservation requirements, and more—ensuring a stress-free and enriching visit.
Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
Asuka-no-Yu is an annex of Dogo Onsen that brings the world of the Asuka period to life through a modern hot spring facility. Since its opening in 2017, it has been loved by both tourists and locals for its high-quality design infused with the natural features and traditional culture of Ehime Prefecture.
- Business hours
- 6:00 am - 11:00 pm（Last admission at 10:30 pm）
- Regular holiday
- Open year - round (may close temporarily for maintenance)
- Telephone number
- +081-89-932-1126
- Official site
- https://dogo.jp/onsen/asuka
- Parking
- Use nearby paid parking lots (no dedicated parking)
- How to visit
- About a 5 - minute walk from Iyo Railway "Dogo Onsen Station"
- Address
- 19 - 22 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime 790 - 0842
Majestic Exterior Inspired by Asuka-Period Palace Architecture
The exterior of Asuka-no-Yu features traditional Japanese design modeled after palatial architecture from the Asuka period. Its tiled roof, lattice windows, and wooden beams create a sense of grandeur and elegance that welcomes visitors.
At the center of the building stands a tower structure characteristic of Asuka-era architecture. Atop it sits a decorative white heron, a symbol of good fortune since ancient times, meant to bring happiness and healing to all who visit.
In front of the facility, photo spots like a courtyard and a commemorative plaque add to its appeal, offering visitors a taste of historical charm.
At night, the entire building is softly illuminated, transforming the space into a magical and romantic atmosphere.
It offers a different kind of calm and elegance from daytime, making the illuminated Asuka-no-Yu a popular photo spot for many.
Spring Quality and Benefits | Relax Your Body and Soul in This Gentle “Beauty Bath”
The water at Asuka-no-Yu is sourced from the Dogo Onsen hot spring, long renowned as a “beauty bath” for its skin-soothing properties. It is an alkaline simple hot spring, known for its mildness and soft texture.
After bathing, your skin feels moist and smooth, making it ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin. Because it is gentle on the body, it is suitable for everyone from children to the elderly.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Spring Quality | Alkaline Simple Hot Spring (hypotonic, alkaline, high - temperature) |
| Applicable Conditions | Muscle pain, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, health promotion |
| Skin Benefits | Gently removes dirt and helps keep skin smooth |
Enjoy a luxurious soak that heals both body and mind in an atmosphere inspired by the Asuka period.
Artistic Baths with Tobe Ware Murals, Open-Air Baths, and Light Shows
On the first floor, the gender-separated baths are highlighted by large ceramic murals made of Tobe ware, a traditional craft from Ehime. Each bath features a different mural theme:
- Women’s Bath: A dreamy scene of the Seto Inland Sea with a poem by Princess Nukata
- Men’s Bath: A grand landscape of Mt. Ishizuchi, Shikoku’s tallest peak
There’s also an open-air bath. Elements like the wall fountain and greenery use Hime Hinoki cypress and Kikuma tiles, letting you enjoy both nature and tradition in a relaxing soak.
A Fantastical Experience of Light | Projection Mapping in the Bath
On the 26th of each month, Asuka-no-Yu offers a special projection mapping performance inside the bath area.
Held in the first-floor baths with Tobe ware murals, the show projects magical lights onto the ceramic walls, filling the steamy room with a surreal atmosphere.
Each month’s theme changes, showcasing scenes from Ehime’s landscapes, seasonal motifs, or Japanese mythology, making every visit unique.
This fusion of hot spring and art is a signature feature of Asuka-no-Yu.
Plan your visit around this special event for an unforgettable experience.
Choose Your Relaxation Style on the 2nd Floor | Surrounded by Dogo Legends and Traditional Crafts
On the second floor of Asuka-no-Yu, multiple relaxation rooms are available for use after your bath. In addition to a spacious common hall, there are five private rooms, each themed around the legends and culture of Dogo Onsen, offering unique atmospheres to unwind in.
Common Hall (approx. 60 tatami mats)
- A serene shared space adorned with gilded Japanese paper and Iyo bamboo crafts
- Ideal for those seeking a casual, open relaxation area
Private Rooms (5 total)
Each private room is decorated based on a different Dogo Onsen legend or cultural motif, allowing you to experience the stories of Ehime with all five senses.
| Room Name | Theme | Decorative Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shirasagi Room | White Heron Legend | Iyo Mizuhiki decorations |
| Tsubaki Room | Camellia Forest | Imabari towel with five - colored weaving |
| Tamanoseki Room | Tama - no - Ishi Legend | Tsutsugaki - dyed wall art |
| Gyogu Room | Imperial Visits | Sakurai lacquerware maki - e |
| Yuketa Room | Iyo Yuketa Culture | Saijo Danjiri carvings |
Each room provides rental yukata, sweets, and tea, letting guests enjoy a leisurely time in themed spaces.
Shirasagi Room
A room themed on the White Heron legend, featuring delicate Iyo Mizuhiki decorations.
Tsubaki Room
Inspired by the Camellia Forest, this room highlights the soft textures of five-colored Imabari towels.
Tamanoseki Room
Featuring Tsutsugaki-dyed wall art themed around the Tama-no-Ishi legend.
Gyogu Room
A prestigious space modeled after a temporary imperial palace, showcasing Sakurai lacquerware and elegant maki-e.
Yuketa Room
Evoking the Yuketa culture featured in The Tale of Genji, this room features expressive Saijo Danjiri carvings.
Private Bath Rooms | Exclusive Spaces for Unforgettable Moments (Reservation Required)
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Asuka-no-Yu, the special private bath rooms offer a completely reserved healing space, separate from other guests.
These two private rooms are both wooden structures that incorporate the design of traditional house-style roofs, recreating the culture of Asuka-period bathhouses in a modern way.
Each room features a private indoor bath and a tatami-floored relaxation space, providing a luxurious and tranquil experience.
The rooms are also adorned with local craftsmanship, allowing guests to enjoy architectural beauty and warmth.
Perfect not only for families, but also for couples, girls’ trips, and married pairs.
It’s the ideal retreat to share peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
How to Use & Pricing System | Compare Plans, Prices, and Reservation Info at a Glance
Asuka-no-Yu offers four plans tailored to different styles of use.
From a simple plan for bathing on the 1st floor to options that include 2nd-floor lounges or fully private baths, you can choose according to your purpose and budget.
| Course | Contents | Price (incl. tax) | Time Limit | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathing Only Plan | Access to gender - separated public baths only | Adults: ¥610 Children: ¥300 | 90 minutes | Not available |
| Plan with Large Hall Rest | Bathing + rest in large tatami hall (includes rental yukata, tea, and sweets) | Adults: ¥1,280 Children: ¥630 | 90 minutes | Not available |
| Plan with Private Room Rest | Bathing + rest in a private room (includes rental yukata, tea, sweets, and towel) | Adults: ¥1,690 Children: ¥830 | 90 minutes | Not available |
| Special Bath Plan | Bathing on the 1st floor + fully private special bath and rest area on the 2nd floor (includes rental yukata, tea, sweets, towel, bath towel, and bath ledger) | Per group: ¥2,040 ＋ Adults: ¥1,690 Children: ¥830 | 90 minutes | Available & Required |
- Tickets for all courses except the Private Bath Plan can be purchased at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.
- Advance reservations by phone are required for the Private Bath Plan. For availability and details, visit How to Reserve the Private Bath (Dogo Onsen Official Site).
Barrier-Free & Family-Friendly | A Hot Spring Everyone Can Enjoy with Peace of Mind
Asuka-no-Yu is designed with accessibility in mind, allowing elderly visitors, wheelchair users, and families with babies to enjoy the facilities comfortably. The following features ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all guests.
For Visitors with Babies or Young Children
The following information has been confirmed directly with Asuka-no-Yu:
- Strollers must be left at the entrance
- Regarding bathing:
- The water quality is safe even for infants
- However, the spring water is directly sourced and around 42°C, which is relatively hot, so use judgment when bathing infants
- Babies wearing diapers are allowed, but caregivers should be mindful of others in case of any accidents
- Private bath rooms are fully reserved, making them ideal for families seeking privacy
- Baby beds are available in changing rooms
- Baby chairs are provided
- A nursing room is available
For Elderly Guests and Wheelchair Users
- The entire facility is designed to be barrier-free with no steps
- Wheelchairs are available for use inside the building
- Bathtubs are equipped with handrails for safe bathing
- Multi-purpose toilets (with ostomate support) are available
References:
Experience the Beauty and Tradition of the Asuka Era with the Comforts of Today
Opened in 2017, Asuka-no-Yu is a relatively new facility within Dogo Onsen.
It incorporates modern comforts that set it apart from more historic bathhouses, while still faithfully recreating the beauty and traditions of the Asuka period through its architecture and interior design.
Asuka-no-Yu truly embodies the phrase “a hot spring experience where Asuka-era beauty meets modern comfort”, offering a calm and harmonious fusion of past and present.
The striking tiled roof, tower, and the white heron perched atop create a historic ambiance, while inside, Tobe ware murals, Imabari towels, and Iyo Mizuhiki decorations showcase the beauty of Ehime’s craftsmanship—seamlessly blending culture and relaxation.
The alkaline simple hot spring water is gentle on the skin, making it safe for everyone from children to the elderly. And in the open-air bath, enjoy a truly immersive experience enhanced by light and sound.
After your bath, choose how you want to relax—whether in the spacious common hall, one of the themed private rooms, or the fully reserved special bath—there’s a peaceful retreat for everyone.
If you’re looking to enjoy Dogo Onsen from a new perspective, Asuka-no-Yu offers fresh charm and delightful discoveries.
We warmly invite you to visit.
