A Packing Checklist and Summary of Facility Specifications for Visiting the Public Bathhouses of Dogo Onsen

Differences in Equipment Specifications and Basic Approach to the Dogo Public Baths

There are three public baths (sotoyu) in the Dogo Onsen area: "Dogo Onsen Honkan," "Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu," and "Tsubaki-no-Yu." These facilities not only differ in their architectural styles and bathing course fee systems, but also have clear differences in the availability of amenities provided in the bathrooms and rental towels.

By understanding in advance what items are included in the facility or course you plan to use, you can appropriately choose whether to visit empty-handed or to prepare your belongings beforehand.

Amenities, Rentals, and Sale Items at Dogo Onsen Honkan

At Dogo Onsen Honkan, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the bathrooms for all bathing courses (Kami-no-Yu lower floor, Kami-no-Yu second-floor seats, Tama-no-Yu second-floor seats, Tama-no-Yu third-floor private rooms, and private rooms for rent). Therefore, you can wash your body without bringing hair washing products or soaps.

On the other hand, towels are treated differently depending on the course. Rental towels are not included in the "Kami-no-Yu" lower floor and second-floor seat courses. On the other hand, when using the "Tama-no-Yu" second-floor seats, third-floor private rooms, or private rooms for rent, a rental towel and a rental bath towel are included in the course. When using a course that does not include towels, if you do not bring them, you will purchase and use rental towels (110 yen), rental bath towels (320 yen), or original towels at the shop.

Amenities and Fittings at Asuka-no-Yu and Tsubaki-no-Yu

At Asuka-no-Yu, shampoo and other products are provided in the bathrooms, but rental towels are included in the course only when using the "second-floor private rooms" and "second-floor special baths." If you use the first-floor bathroom or the second-floor lounge, you need to bring towels or purchase/rent them on-site.

In contrast, at "Tsubaki-no-Yu," which is popular as a neighborhood bathhouse for citizens, no shampoo or soaps are provided in the bathrooms. Therefore, when using Tsubaki-no-Yu, you must bring your own soaps or purchase items sold at the shop, such as mikan soap (small, 50 yen), shampoo (50 yen), conditioner (50 yen), and rental towels (50 yen), and bring them into the changing room.

List of Useful Items to Bring When Using Public Baths

The checklist of items that are convenient to bring in advance to comfortably tour the public baths is as follows:

• Face towel (to wipe your body after bathing, and for moving around)
• Waterproof bag or plastic bag for putting wet towels in
• Coins (for using key lockers in changing rooms or drinking water from vending machines)
• Change of clothes and skin care products (as needed)

In addition, the official bathing manners of Dogo Onsen state, "Please do not put towels in the bathtub." Please do not soak your face towel in the bathtub, but bathe by placing it on your head or at the edge of the bathtub.

Official Information on Bathing Attire Rules and Tattoos

At each public bath in Dogo Onsen, due to public health regulations, guests are requested to refrain from bathing while wearing swimsuits or bathing in the bathtub with a regular towel wrapped around them.

Regarding tattoos, there are no uniform usage restrictions or prohibition rules clearly stated on the official website. However, at the Honkan shop, "bathing wear" that can be worn during bathing is sold for 500 yen. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to contact each facility or accommodation in advance to check.

Cautions for Carrying Wet Towels and Managing Valuables

When touring multiple public baths, putting used wet towels directly into a bag may cause other belongings to get wet. Preparing a highly waterproof pouch or plastic bag makes carrying easier.

Free key lockers are installed in the changing rooms of each facility. Always lock the locker after putting in your belongings, and be careful not to forget the key band with the key on it by wearing it on your wrist even while bathing.

※ Operating hours, fees, and operation schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the details page of each spot and official information for the latest information.