An Example of How to Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan and the Surrounding Area Without Bathing

Main Purposes of Strolling in the Dogo Onsen Area Without Bathing

Although the Dogo Onsen area is known as one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, not all visitors necessarily bathe in the hot springs. There are many tourists who select sightseeing without bathing due to constitution or health reasons, consideration for tattoos, or scheduling reasons where they travel within a limited stay time. Even in such cases, Dogo Onsen offers a variety of strolling options, such as viewing historical wooden architecture, footbaths that can be experienced for free, shopping and eating-around in atmospheric shopping streets, and viewing scenery from high ground. Even on a trip without bathing, it is fully possible to experience the culture and history of the hot spring town.

Viewing Points of the Exterior of Dogo Onsen Honkan and Historical Architecture

"Dogo Onsen Honkan," the symbol of Dogo Onsen, is a historical building designated as a National Important Cultural Property, consisting of a complex combination of multiple wooden buildings constructed since the Meiji period. Even if you do not bathe, you can view its solemn design while walking around the building. It shows different expressions depending on the angle, such as the turret called Shinrokaku arranged on the roof and the roof sculptures decorated with elaborate ornaments. In addition, at the Honkan, a viewing course for the Yushinden, a bathroom dedicated to the Imperial Family, is provided, and architectural viewing is available for a fee between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00 (reception ends at 16:30). This is a valuable opportunity to directly observe the historical craftsmanship and ingenuity inside the building.

Footbath Spots in Hojoen and Sora-no-Sanpodo That Can Be Used for Free

Even if you do not soak your whole body in a bath, you can easily experience the warmth of the hot spring by using a "footbath" to soak only your legs. In "Hojoen" located right in front of Dogo Onsen Station, a public footbath is installed; the square itself is open 24 hours, and the footbath can be used for free from 8:00 to 22:00. In addition, a footbath is also set up at "Sora-no-Sanpodo," a facility on the high ground on the south side of the Honkan, which can be used from 6:00 to 21:00 (the promenade itself is open 24 hours). When using the footbath, each person needs to bring a small towel to wipe their feet. The basic manners are to lightly rinse your feet before sitting, and after use, thoroughly wipe off water with your own towel before putting on your shoes.

Shopping and Food Experiences in Dogo Haikara-dori (Dogo Shopping Street)

"Dogo Haikara-dori (Dogo Shopping Street)," an L-shaped arcade shopping street stretching from Dogo Onsen Station to the Honkan, is a pedestrian-only strolling area where you can walk without worrying about the weather. The street is lined with general stores selling Imabari towels, which are a specialty of Ehime Prefecture, and Tobe-yaki pottery crafts, Japanese confectionery shops selling famous sweets such as Taruto and Botchan Dango, and shops offering mandarin orange juice and takeout food and drinks. It is an optimal route for looking for souvenirs related to the history of Dogo Onsen or tasting local flavors in the middle of a stroll, and it also functions as a base for staying during hours when you do not bathe.

Sora-no-Sanpodo for Viewing the Townscape from High Ground and Surrounding Stroll

"Sora-no-Sanpodo," developed on Mount Kanmuri on the south side of the Honkan, is an observation spot where you can look down on the roof of Dogo Onsen Honkan and the townscape of Dogo from above. Located beyond a gentle slope or stairs, it provides scenery in different time axes, from structural observation of the wooden building in the daytime to the landscape during the hours when streetlights are lit in the evening. Seasonal trees and haiku monuments are also dotted around the surroundings, allowing you to walk quietly away from the bustle. You can also view the Honkan while soaking in the footbath, making it a square suitable for grasping the geography and atmosphere of the area without bathing.

Meeting Places That Make It Easy to Join Up with Companions Who Bathe

If a group or family includes both "people who want to bathe in the hot spring" and "people who want to stroll without entering the bath," you can behave smoothly by setting a clear meeting place in advance. Since each course of Dogo Onsen Honkan has a usage time limit of about 60 to 90 minutes, the general flow is that after the companions who bathe enter the building, the people who do not bathe enjoy strolling and shopping in the surroundings and join up at the specified time. As a meeting place, it is convenient to utilize public spaces with easy-to-understand landmarks, such as in front of the Karakuri Clock in "Hojoen" in front of Dogo Onsen Station, in front of the Honkan, or around the Dogo Onsen Tourist Information Center.

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