Dogo's Three Public Bathhouses and Spring Quality: Honkan, Tsubaki-no-Yu, and Asuka-no-Yu

Non-Volcanic Hot Springs Created by Geothermal Heat

Dogo Onsen is a rare "non-volcanic" hot spring that wells up in an area without volcanoes. The spring quality is a simple alkaline hot spring. The temperature of the source springs ranges from around 20 degrees to around 55 degrees, and by blending them at the hot spring water distribution station, the temperature is adjusted without heating or diluting with water before being distributed to each facility. With its mild and soft texture, it has long been popular as a hot spring for therapeutic bathing. The name "Dogo Onsen" is also a regional collective trademark (registered trademark) of the Dogo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association.

The System of Three Sotoyu

The hot spring of Dogo is built around not only the indoor baths of ryokan, but also the three "sotoyu (communal baths)" that are open to everyone. These are Dogo Onsen Honkan, Tsubaki-no-yu, and Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu. The source springs are managed and distributed collectively at hot spring water distribution stations, and at the fourth hot spring water distribution station, which was renovated in 2017, visitors can now enjoy hand baths and view the distribution facilities. Sharing a single hot spring source with the entire town—the waters of Dogo are based on such a cooperative system.

Honkan, Tsubaki-no-yu, and Asuka-no-Yu: Each with Its Own Character

Dogo Onsen Honkan is the symbol of Dogo, where the Meiji-era Important Cultural Property building itself serves as the bathhouse. Tsubaki-no-yu, located close by, is a communal bath standing on an L-shaped corner of the Dogo Shotengai, characterized by its frequent use by locals as it can be accessed more casually than the Honkan. Asuka-no-Yu, which opened in 2017, is a new sotoyu designed with the image of the Asuka period, associated with the legend of Prince Shotoku's visit, and its designs decorated with Ehime's traditional crafts are the highlight. The three bathhouses each have different roles and atmospheres, and many people enjoy hopping between them to experience the differences in the waters.

The Pleasure of Choosing Your Bath

Which sotoyu to enter, or whether to stay at a ryokan with its own indoor bath—in Dogo, the very act of "choosing your bath" becomes a joy of the trip. It is also fun to choose according to your purpose: the Honkan if you want to soak in hot water within a historic building, Tsubaki-no-yu if you wish to blend into local daily life, and Asuka-no-Yu if you want to appreciate new designs. As the latest business hours, bathing fees, and closing days of each facility are subject to revision, please check the detail page of each spot and official information for details.

※ The spring quality, supply temperature, fees, etc. are subject to change. Please check the detail page of each spot and official information for the latest details.