Welcome to Dogo Onsen.
This is one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan (along with
Arima Onsen in Kobe) and frequented by famous Japanese artists
and the nobility since the 6th Century. The main hot spring
bath is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and it has been in service for
over 100 years. It is the only bath in Japan that has a special
section for the Imperial Family. The top of the main building
is decorated with the legendary white heron and a large bell
is rung at 6:30 every morning to announce the opening of the
bath. Two of the main baths, Tamanoyu (Water of Spirit), and
Kaminoyu (Water of God), are situated in this building. Tsubakinoyu
(Water of Camellia) is in a newer building about one block away.
Nearby Matsuyama Castle is a fine example of Edo architecture
with pleasant gardens and parks surrounding it.