Dogo Onsen is a hot spring resort in Japan's Shikoku Region, in the Dogo district of Matsuyama. It is often described as the country's oldest hot spring resort, and it is known in Japanese as 道後温泉. Many visitors come for its bathhouse, a historic three-story wooden building that has long welcomed bathers and that is said to have inspired the bathhouse in the animated film Spirited Away.
What to expect
The main draw is the bathhouse itself. Its old wooden interior and tiled bathing halls give a sense of the resort's long history, and the building's imperial connections add to its appeal for those interested in the past. Walking through the building is a pleasant way to spend an unhurried hour, whether or not you bathe.
- A historic three-story wooden bathhouse, unlike most modern facilities.
- Connections to the imperial family, reflected in the building's history.
- A link to Spirited Away for fans of the film who want to see its real-world inspiration.
The area around it
Dogo Onsen sits within Matsuyama, a city on the coast of Shikoku, so it works well as part of a wider day or stay. The surrounding streets are lined with traditional-style buildings and small shops, and the resort suits a slow pace. Visitors who enjoy the feel of an old spa town will find much to like in the atmosphere here.
Dogo Onsen suits travellers who want to combine a taste of Japan's long bathing tradition with a visit to a historic building. If you are curious about its history or its film connection, it is worth making the trip.
