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When you hear “Dogo Onsen,” you may picture the historic Honkan or the dazzling Asuka-no-Yu.
But there’s another option worth knowing—Tsubaki-no-Yu, a warm and unpretentious bathhouse frequented by locals in their daily lives.
This guide will introduce Tsubaki-no-Yu in a beginner-friendly way, including its atmosphere, facilities, usage tips, and access.
Rebuilt in 1953, Tsubaki-no-Yu is a public bathhouse of Dogo Onsen, beloved by local residents. It shares the same natural hot spring source as the Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu, but offers simpler and more practical facilities.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (12 and over) | ¥450 |
| Child (2–11) | ¥150 |
No reservations are needed to enjoy Tsubaki-no-Yu.
Rebuilt in 1953, the structure features pristine white walls and a traditional tiled roof. Although a public bathhouse deeply rooted in the local community, it presents a dignified appearance befitting historic Dogo Onsen.
Benches are placed beside the building, offering a place to rest after bathing, wait for companions, or chat with locals.
Inside, the space is minimalist yet comfortable. The warm tones of natural wood create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding between sightseeing stops.
The baths are spacious and feature high ceilings in both the men’s and women’s areas. Light-colored walls and ceilings give a clean and tranquil impression throughout.
The stone-finished tubs are similar to those found in the Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu, allowing guests to stretch out and relax in comfort.
Women’s bath
The water is sourced from the same Dogo Onsen spring as the Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu, flowing directly into the baths. It is colorless, gentle on the skin, and leaves you feeling smooth after bathing. The spring is classified as a mildly alkaline simple hot spring, said to relieve nerve pain and fatigue.
A symbolic stone structure surrounds the water spout, representing the spiritual reverence for hot springs in Japan—similar to what you find at the Honkan. This reflects traditional beliefs that regard the spring as sacred and worthy of respect.
Poems by Matsuyama-born haiku poet Masaoka Shiki are engraved near the spouts—different for men and women.
Poem at the women’s bath spout
| Bath | Original Haiku | Translation | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | 順礼の杓に汲みたる椿かな | The pilgrim scooped not water, but a camellia flower with their ladle | Composed by Masaoka Shiki during a visit to Dogo. The haiku paints a vivid image of local camellia flowers intertwined with the pilgrimage culture. |
| Men | 十年の汗を道後の温泉に洗へ | Wash away a decade of sweat in Dogo’s hot springs | Dedicated to his junior, Ogawa Naoyoshi, upon graduating from the University of Tokyo. It reflects a wish for recovery and rest at Dogo Onsen. |
Tsubaki-no-Yu is deeply connected to local life despite being in a tourist area. Many amenities require cash, and only essential items are provided. Here are key tips to ensure smooth use:
Buy a ticket at the vending machine or reception: Purchase an “admission ticket” from the machine in the back. You can also buy amenity tickets here.
Store shoes in the shoe locker: Insert a ¥100 coin to lock the shoe box near the entrance (refundable).
Hand your ticket to reception: Submit your ticket and collect rented towels if needed.
Change in the dressing room: Lockers cost ¥10 (non-refundable). You can use the change machine to get ¥10 coins.
Take a bath: Bring or purchase soap as none is provided in the bathing area.
Use the hair dryer: Available for ¥10 per 3 minutes (coin-operated).
Changing lockers: ¥10 required (non-refundable)
Hair dryer: ¥10 for 3 minutes (coin-operated)
Let’s recap the essentials:
Though change is available at the reception, it may take time during busy hours. Just storing shoes may cause delays, so preparing your coins in advance is highly recommended.
Tsubaki-no-Yu may not boast flashy attractions, but it has long been loved as a part of local daily life. The relaxed and sincere atmosphere here offers a different charm.
By immersing yourself in that local rhythm, you can discover the “real Dogo” often missed by tourists.
Compared to the Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu, Tsubaki-no-Yu is more affordable and conveniently located next to Asuka-no-Yu.
Come and experience the daily life of Dogo through the warm hospitality of Tsubaki-no-Yu, a bathhouse truly loved by locals.
