Numbered Ticket Reception and Waiting/Walking Routes During Congestion at Dogo Onsen Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu

1. Overview of the Numbered Ticket (Waiting Time) System for Dogo Onsen External Baths During Congestion

At Dogo Onsen Honkan and Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, which are the main public baths of Dogo Onsen, a numbered ticket issuing system (calling system) is operated to reduce congestion and adjust admission when visitors concentrate on holidays, consecutive holidays, and evening hours.

This system is not always issuing tickets. During hours when no waiting time occurs, the regular operation is carried out where visitors directly purchase bathing tickets at the outside Fudaba (ticket office) and enter the facility as is. Registration using an automatic ticket machine is required only when waiting times occur.

The reception for issuing numbered tickets is carried out at ticket machines installed near the entrance of each facility (the west entrance in the case of Honkan). By understanding the mechanism of congestion in advance, you can make a stroll plan that makes effective use of the waiting time.

2. Procedure for Receiving Numbered Tickets and Flow Up to the Designated Bathing Time

When waiting times occur due to congestion, the basic procedure up to bathing follows the flow below.

1. Follow the screen of the ticket machine, enter your preferred bathing course, number of users, and contact information (phone number, etc.), and receive a numbered ticket.
2. After receiving the numbered ticket, you do not need to continue waiting in line on the spot, and you can move freely around the surrounding area to wait.
3. When a calling notification such as a phone call is received from the system, you must arrive at the facility within 15 minutes after the call. If you do not arrive after exceeding 15 minutes from the call, the reservation and numbered ticket will be automatically treated as canceled on the system.
4. After arriving at the facility, present your numbered ticket to the outside Fudaba staff and purchase a bathing ticket.
5. Deposit your shoes in a shoe locker (free of charge, with a key), present the bathing ticket at the reception, and enter the facility.

Depending on the congestion status, the issuance of numbered tickets itself may reach the planned number and end early. In addition, users who have reserved private rooms, chartered rooms, or the Yushinden viewing in advance do not line up in the queue for numbered tickets, but directly state to the Fudaba staff that they have a reservation.

3. How to Check Real-Time Congestion Status and Web Display

On the official website of the Dogo Onsen Area Guide (https://dogo.or.jp/crowd-level/), real-time congestion status separated by gender is automatically provided for the three facilities: Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu.

The congestion level data is updated every 10 minutes and displayed in the following statuses. ・Vacant ・Slightly congested ・Congested ・Outside business hours ・System maintenance / System preparing

By accessing the relevant page from a smartphone during travel or while waiting at accommodation facilities, you can use it as a guideline to grasp the local congestion level in advance. However, because temporary admission restrictions may be implemented due to sudden facility maintenance or other reasons, it is recommended to also check local information displays or verify directly with the facility for accurate status.

4. An Example of a Surrounding Stroll Route That Can Be Toured Within a Few Minutes' Walk During the Waiting Time

If a waiting time (about 30 minutes to 1 hour) occurs before being called, there are sightseeing spots and resting places located within a few minutes' walk around Dogo Onsen Honkan. An example of a movement route is introduced here.

First, there is a route to the hill "Sora no Sanpodo" located on the south side of Honkan. Footbath facilities are installed here, and the operating hours are from 6:00 to 21:00 (the promenade itself is open 24 hours). From the hill, you can view the entire Dogo Onsen Honkan from a perspective looking down from above.

Next, there is a route toward the footbath and plaza of "Hojoen" located in front of Dogo Onsen Station. The footbath of Hojoen is available from 8:00 to 22:00. The "Botchan Karakuri Clock" is installed in the plaza, and you can wait while watching the mechanism that moves at scheduled times.

In addition, the arcade shopping street "Dogo Haikara Dori (Dogo Shopping Street)" connecting Dogo Onsen Station to Honkan is an all-weather pedestrian space, which can be used as a route for strolling while looking at souvenir shops and various stores.

5. Handling and Points to Note When Late for the Designated Time

The point that requires the most attention when using the numbered ticket system is the arrival deadline rule after being called. As mentioned above, if you do not arrive at the reception within 15 minutes after receiving the notification, the numbered ticket will be automatically invalidated (canceled).

In particular, if you move too far away while strolling around, or if confirmation of the call notification is delayed due to the influence of the communication environment, there is a risk of not being able to return within the deadline. Therefore, it is recommended to stay within a 5-minute walk from Honkan or Asuka-no-Yu (around Hojoen, Sora no Sanpodo, and Dogo Haikara Dori) while waiting.

By scanning the QR code, etc. printed on the numbered ticket, you can check the current calling number and the number of waiting groups in real time on the web, so checking the status frequently during your actions will lead to smooth utilization.

※ Business hours, fees, and operation schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the detail pages of each spot and official information for the latest information.