roamcox
  • Home
  • Hot spot
  • Information news
  • Destination guide
  • Travel guide
  • Travel story
  • Cultural custom
  • Gourmet dining
  • Travel tips
  • Natural scenery
roamcox
  • Home
  • Hot spot
  • Information news
  • Destination guide
  • Travel guide
  • Travel story
  • Cultural custom
  • Gourmet dining
  • Travel tips
  • Natural scenery
No Result
View All Result
Plugin Install : Cart Icon need WooCommerce plugin to be installed.
roamcox
Home Travel guide

Eternal Springs of Ehime: The Rejuvenated Legacy of Dogo Onsen

09/12/2024
in Travel guide, Travel story
Eternal Springs of Ehime: The Rejuvenated Legacy of Dogo Onsen

Nestled within the city of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, the Dogo Onsen bathes in more than three millennia of history, claiming the title of one of Japan’s most ancient hot springs. Esteemed to the extent of serving the Imperial family with an exclusive bathhouse, it stands as a national treasure, a cultural asset of profound significance. Following a period of restoration that began in 2019 to address the aging edifice, the hot springs have recently reopened, unveiling their time-honored splendor anew.

An Unrivaled Cultural Beacon

The Japanese archipelago is dotted with onsens, each with its own allure, yet few can surpass the historical and cultural depth of Dogo Onsen. The Matsuyama city government’s archives suggest that bathing customs existed during the middle Jomon period, as evidenced by artifacts found near the Dogo Onsen. This leads to the presumption of its 3000-year history. Constructed in 1894, the main building, or Honkan, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the hot springs. The origin of Dogo Onsen is steeped in legend — it’s said that an injured egret discovered the healing waters within the crevices of rocks, and after immersing its wounded limb, it was healed and took to the skies once more, leaving behind the springs that would become Dogo Onsen.

Beyond myths, Dogo Onsen has graced the pages of classical literature such as the “Nihon Shoki” and “The Tale of Genji,” and it is celebrated in the “Manyoshu,” Japan’s oldest anthology of poems. This anthology heralds Dogo Onsen as one of the three great ancient springs of Japan, alongside Arima and Shirahama. For centuries, it has been the retreat of choice for scholars and luminaries, including Prince Shotoku, Masaoka Shiki, and Natsume Soseki, all of whom have soaked in its curative waters.

A Labyrinthine Restoration

The recent renovations have meticulously rejuvenated the lacquer surfaces, earthen walls, paper sliding doors, and dividers within the Honkan. Two private bathing rooms have been added, enhancing the onsen experience. Given the building’s century-long history of modifications and expansions, a new version of the bathing ticket has been introduced, complete with a map of the Honkan’s labyrinthine interior — a practical and much-appreciated addition. The tickets for the private rooms are even more elaborate, designed as 3D paper models that guests can assemble themselves. Since its reopening, securing reservations for the special rooms and private baths has become a feat, and even the grand resting room often reaches full capacity. Anticipating high visitor traffic, automatic ticket machines have been installed, replacing manual ticketing processes.

The Royal Touch

The Imperial family’s exclusive bathhouse, the Yushinden, constructed in 1899, adds a regal luster to Dogo Onsen. Its name, derived from the “Book of Rites,” embodies the philosophy of continuous self-improvement, echoed in the proverb: “Renew thyself completely each day; do it again, and again, and forever again.” The Yushinden, a three-story wooden structure, is built with knot-free, premium Japanese hemlock and is adorned with lavish gold and silver leaf decorations. The Imperial bathhouse, carved from a single block of precious Aji stone from Kagawa Prefecture, is a rarity. Today, it is open to the public for viewing at a fee.

Dogo Onsen boasts four structures designated as Important Cultural Properties — the Genkan, the South Building, the Yushinden, and the Honkan, which has been splendidly restored. At first glance, the Honkan appears to be a purely Japanese architectural feat, yet it integrates various Western construction techniques. This three-story wooden edifice houses the changing rooms on the first floor, a spacious lounge on the second, and guest rooms on the third, including the “Young Master’s Room,” refurbished in honor of Natsume Soseki, who resided here during his tenure as an English teacher in Matsuyama. The room’s furnishings have been restored to their original state, with photographs of the young author adorning the walls.

Atop the Honkan, the “Shinroku Tower,” with its imported red glass, shines brilliantly when illuminated, creating a unique ambiance that lights up the night sky of the onsen town. The tower’s drum, known as the “Timekeeping Drum,” resonates at dawn, noon, and dusk, marking time in a tradition cherished as one of the “100 Sounds of Japan” to be preserved.

The Charm of Continuity

The allure of Dogo Onsen lies in its distinction as Japan’s first public bathhouse to be designated as an Important Cultural Property, not merely preserved as a museum but actively functioning as a thermal spa. In addition to the Honkan, the Kami no Yu and Tama no Yu baths continue to welcome visitors. Atop the hill, the Dogo Onsen Sky Walk offers a complimentary footbath with panoramic views of the entire Honkan. Soaking one’s feet while gazing at the town’s nocturnal beauty is an experience in itself.

Tags: CultureDogo OnsenHistoryJapan
ShareTweetShare
Previous Post

Viennese Summers: A Symphony of Culture Under the Stars

Next Post

The Playful Symphony of Dondurma: Turkey’s Stretchy Ice Cream Delight

Related Posts

What Are the Best Road Trips for Nature Lovers in the U.S. in 2024?
Scenic spots

What Are the Best Road Trips for Nature Lovers in the U.S. in 2024?

07/10/2025
What is it Like to Find Serenity in the Norwegian Fjords as a Solo Traveler?
Natural scenery

What is it Like to Find Serenity in the Norwegian Fjords as a Solo Traveler?

07/10/2025
A Journey Through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains: How Does Berber Culture Shape the Landscape?
Cultural custom

A Journey Through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains: How Does Berber Culture Shape the Landscape?

07/09/2025
Is Seoul the Ultimate Rising Travel Destination for First-Timers in 2024-2025?
Hot spot

Is Seoul the Ultimate Rising Travel Destination for First-Timers in 2024-2025?

07/09/2025
Why is Medellín Becoming a Rising Star in Colombia’s Travel Scene? My Journey Through This Vibrant City
Hot spot

Why is Medellín Becoming a Rising Star in Colombia’s Travel Scene? My Journey Through This Vibrant City

07/09/2025
What’s It Like to Chase Sunsets on the Most Beautiful Beaches in the Maldives? A Traveler’s Tale
Scenic spots

What’s It Like to Chase Sunsets on the Most Beautiful Beaches in the Maldives? A Traveler’s Tale

07/07/2025
Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Maldives play guide

Maldives play guide

08/07/2024
Grania M Viader Dining Room in Barcelona: a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine and service

Grania M Viader Dining Room in Barcelona: a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine and service

04/16/2024
Hong Kong Travel Guide: Discover the infinite charm of the Pearl of the Orient

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Discover the infinite charm of the Pearl of the Orient

08/07/2024
Why Are Bali and Santorini the World’s Most Picturesque Getaways?

Why Are Bali and Santorini the World’s Most Picturesque Getaways?

04/24/2025
Eiffel Tower: The immortal legend of the heart of Paris

Eiffel Tower: The immortal legend of the heart of Paris

Exploring the Louvre: A mind-blowing journey through art and history

Exploring the Louvre: A mind-blowing journey through art and history

Tour of Versailles: Walk through the corridors of history and enjoy the splendor and glory of the royal family

Tour of Versailles: Walk through the corridors of history and enjoy the splendor and glory of the royal family

Experience the glory of Ancient Rome: An in-depth tour of the Colosseum

Experience the glory of Ancient Rome: An in-depth tour of the Colosseum

Behind Frequent Flight Delays: Is Travel Insurance Keeping Up with the Changes?

Behind Frequent Flight Delays: Is Travel Insurance Keeping Up with the Changes?

07/29/2025
Why Emerging Destinations Outside Rio de Janeiro Are Becoming the New Favorites for Adventurers in Brazil

Why Emerging Destinations Outside Rio de Janeiro Are Becoming the New Favorites for Adventurers in Brazil

07/28/2025
Can New Emerging Communities Around Reykjavik Attract More Young Travelers to Iceland?

Can New Emerging Communities Around Reykjavik Attract More Young Travelers to Iceland?

07/28/2025
Hidden Gems of Abu Dhabi: Lesser-Known Spots to Check Out in the UAE’s Capital

Hidden Gems of Abu Dhabi: Lesser-Known Spots to Check Out in the UAE’s Capital

07/28/2025
roamcox

Welcome to roamcox Travel Content, your window and source of inspiration to discover the world! We are committed to providing you with rich, comprehensive and in-depth global travel content, so that you can easily travel the world and feel the charm of different cultures.

© 2025 roamcox.com contacts:[email protected]

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Hot spot
  • Information news
  • Destination guide
  • Travel guide
  • Travel story
  • Cultural custom
  • Gourmet dining
  • Travel tips
  • Natural scenery

© 2025 roamcox.com contacts:[email protected]

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In