Botchan Karakuri Clock
A mechanical clock in Hojoen plaza in front of Dogo Onsen Station. Installed in 1994 to mark the 100th anniversary of the main building of Dogo Onsen, characters from the novel Botchan appear on the hour. A free foot bath sits beside it.
The Botchan Karakuri Clock is a mechanical clock located in Hojoen, a plaza in front of Dogo Onsen Station. It was installed in 1994 as part of the project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Dogo Onsen Honkan. It features a mechanism where characters from Soseki Natsume's novel "Botchan" appear to welcome visitors, and it is one of the representative photo spots in Dogo.
Operating Hours
It operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Normally it runs every hour, and every 30 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, in March, April, August, and November, during the New Year's holiday period (December 28 to January 5), and during Golden Week (May 1 to 5). When it operates, different music plays depending on the time of day, such as "Kono Machi de," "Iyo Manzai," "Botchan's Theme," and "Lullaby-style Iyo-bushi."
Adjacent Footbath
Near the clock, there is a footbath that uses the hot spring source of Dogo Onsen, which can be used free of charge.
Location
Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City (In front of Dogo Onsen Station, Hojoen)
Source: Matsuyama City Official Website. Please check the official website for the latest operation information.
Last confirmation date: July 2026
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