Architecture of the Important Cultural Property, Dogo Onsen Honkan: Four Buildings and Preservation and Repair Work While Remaining Open

Although it appears as a single structure at first glance, Dogo Onsen Honkan actually consists of four buildings constructed from the Meiji to Taisho periods. Based on primary sources, we trace the configuration of the Kami-no-Yu Main Building, Yushinden, South Building, and Entrance Building, as well as the preservation and repair work conducted while the facility remained open.

Complex Structure of Four Interlocking Buildings

Dogo Onsen Honkan appears to be a single building at first glance, but it actually has a complex structure in which four buildings with different purposes and construction years are interconnected. From the central part built in 1894 to additions made during the Taisho period, buildings from different eras have been added on. In 1994, these four buildings—the Kami-no-Yu Honkan Building, Yushinden and Tama-no-Yu Building, South Building, and Entrance Building—were designated as national Important Cultural Properties.

Kami-no-Yu Honkan Building — A Three-Story Building of 1894

The central Kami-no-Yu Honkan Building was completed in 1894. It is a three-story wooden building with baths on the first floor, resting rooms on the second and third floors, and a watchtower on its hip-and-gable roof. This three-story building, born from the bold decision of Yukiya Isaniwa, the first mayor of Dogo Yunomachi, and the master craftsmanship of castle carpenter Matahachiro Sakamoto, was considered highly unusual at the time. At the northwestern end of the third floor, there is the "Bocchan Room," which Soseki Natsume is said to have used later.

Yushinden and Tama-no-Yu Building — Japan's Only Bathroom Dedicated to the Imperial Family

The Yushinden and Tama-no-Yu Building on the east side was completed in 1899. It is a three-story wooden building with copper and cypress bark roofing, and features "Yushinden," Japan's only bathroom exclusively for the Imperial Family. On the second floor is the "Gyokuza Room," featuring prestigious designs. The attachment of a special bathroom for the Imperial Family to a general public bathhouse is a unique feature of Dogo Onsen Honkan.

South Building, Entrance Building, and the Watchtower Drum

Both the South Building and the Entrance Building were completed in 1924, telling the history of Taisho-period extensions added to the Meiji-era main building. The watchtower rising from the roof of the Kami-no-Yu Honkan Building is called "Shinrokaku," and the Tokidaiko announces the time to the hot spring town three times a day at 6:00 AM, noon, and 6:00 PM. This sound was selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" in 1996.

Preservation and Repair Work "While Continuing Operations"

The main building, which is over 120 years old, underwent preservation and repair work starting on January 15, 2019. Of particular note is that the construction work was carried out while continuing operations. The building was covered with a temporary roof for construction, and this temporary roof was decorated with art from the "Dogo REBORN Project" (Matsuyama City, Tezuka Productions, Pony Canyon) themed around Osamu Tezuka's manga "Phoenix." The construction proceeded in stages, and the entire building resumed operations on July 11, 2024.

※ The areas open to the public, tour fees, and bathing fees for each building are subject to change. Please check the detail page of Dogo Onsen Honkan and official information for the latest details.