Hojoen

History

Dogo Onsen's History: From the Waters of the "Nihon Shoki" to the "Botchan-yu"

We trace the history of Dogo Onsen, counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, from myths and ancient legends to the mystery of Prince Shotoku's epitaph, the reconstruction of the main building in the Meiji period, the literature of Shiki and Soseki, and the recent preservation and repair work, all based on primary sources.

文学

The Waters of Literature: Dogo Walked by Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki

Matsuyama, the birthplace of Masaoka Shiki who revolutionized haiku, and Natsume Soseki, who took up a teaching post at Matsuyama Middle School. Based on primary sources, this article traces the Dogo Onsen Main Building frequented by the two, the novel Botchan, and the literary traces remaining in this hot spring town.

建築

Architecture of the Important Cultural Property Dogo Onsen Main Building: Four Wings and Conservation Repairs Conducted While Open for Business

Though appearing as a single building at first glance, the Dogo Onsen Main Building is actually a combination of four wings built from the Meiji to Taisho eras. Based on primary sources, this article traces the configuration of the Kami-no-Yu Main Wing, Yushinden, South Wing, and Entrance Wing, as well as the conservation and repair work carried out while keeping the baths open for business.

温泉文化

The Three Public Bathhouses of Dogo and Water Quality: Honkan, Tsubaki-no-Yu, and Asuka-no-Yu

Simple hot springs: non-volcanic waters bubbling up in a land without volcanoes. Based on primary sources, this article outlines the system of "sotoyu" (public bathhouses) sharing a single spring source across the town, as well as the distinct features of each of the three bathhouses: Dogo Onsen Main Building, Tsubaki-no-Yu, and Asuka-no-Yu.

伝説

The Legend of the White Heron and the Tama-no-Ishi: The Two Origin Tales of Dogo Onsen

The legend of the injured white heron healed by the hot springs, and the myth of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto saving the ailing Sukunabikona-no-Mikoto with the thermal waters. Based on primary sources, this article introduces the two tales surrounding the discovery of Dogo Onsen, along with the "Tama-no-Ishi" (Jeweled Stone) and the yugama (stone bath cauldron) that convey them today.

寺社

Ishite-ji: Temple No. 51 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the National Treasure Niomon Gate, and the Legend of Emon Saburo

Ishite-ji, the 51st temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located within walking distance of Dogo Onsen. Based on primary sources, this article introduces the history of the temple beginning with Gyoki and Kukai, the legend of Emon Saburo's rebirth that gave the temple its name, and the National Treasure Niomon Gate along with the Kamakura-period temple complex.

歴史

Botchan Train — The Meiji-Era Steam Train Named After "Botchan"

Iyo Railway was depicted as a "matchbox-like train" in Soseki's novel "Botchan." This article introduces its history from its opening in 1888, 78 years of steam locomotives, the Heisei-era restored operation, to current usage information. You can check the history and how to ride before seeing it in Dogo.

まちの記憶

Dogo Onsen Station and Hojoen — Gateway to the Hot Spring Town and the Karakuri Clock

Dogo Onsen Station, which opened in 1895, and Hojoen stretching in front of it. From the restored station building, footbath using a hot water cauldron, Sagi Stone, and haiku monuments to the Botchan Karakuri Clock, this article introduces the sights gathered at the gateway to the hot spring town. It also outlines walking routes from the station.

温泉文化

Where Does the Water of Dogo Onsen Come From? — 19 Hot Spring Sources and Four Water Distribution Stations

In Dogo Onsen, 29 hot spring sources have been developed, and 19 are registered in Ehime Prefecture. This article introduces the four water distribution stations that blend source waters to adjust the water temperature, and the 4th Water Distribution Station where you can view the piping and hand bath. It also outlines its location from the station and the contents of the viewing room.

街歩き

How to Enjoy Dogo Onsen Honkan and the Surrounding Area Without Taking a Bath

A practical guide to enjoying the exterior and history of Dogo Onsen Honkan, nearby landmarks, and a meeting plan for groups whose members do and do not take a bath.

実用

An Example of Travel Distances and Resting Methods for Touring the Three Public Baths of Dogo Onsen

This article explains an example of travel routes when visiting the three public baths—Dogo Onsen Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu—in succession, walking distances, measures to prevent dizziness from prolonged bathing, and ways to utilize nearby free rest spaces and footbaths.

実用

Etiquette for Wearing Yukata and Using Yu-kago Baskets in the Dogo Onsen Town

This article clearly explains an example of the basic rules for collar wrapping (migimae / left over right) when strolling in a yukata at Dogo Onsen, the role and carrying methods of the "yu-kago" basket used to hold personal belongings, how to walk in geta clogs, seasonal temperature adjustment measures, and etiquette.

Getting around

Steps and Estimated Travel Time from Matsuyama Airport Arrival to the Dogo Onsen Area

This guide outlines access methods from Matsuyama Airport to the Dogo Onsen area, the travel time for the limousine bus, the availability of cashless payments, walking routes after arrival, and procedures for storing baggage. Please use this as a reference when planning your personal itinerary.

Practical

Steps and Precautions for Visiting the Dogo Onsen Area When Using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass Steps and Precautions for Visiting the Dogo Onsen Area When Using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass

This article explains the transfer steps from JR Matsuyama Station to the Dogo Onsen area when traveling using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass, precautions regarding the pass coverage on streetcars, and an example of a route for a short stopover.

Walking the town

An Example of a Model Walking Course Around Dogo Onsen Station with a 2-Hour Stay An Example of a Model Walking Course Around Dogo Onsen Station with a 2-Hour Stay

This guide outlines an example of a short walking route starting from Dogo Onsen Station and visiting the shopping street, the exterior of public bathhouses, and surrounding temples and shrines when the stay in the Dogo Onsen area is approximately 2 hours.

Practical

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

This article explains how to receive numbered tickets issued during weekends and busy periods at Dogo Onsen Honkan and Asuka-no-Yu, the phone call system, and an example of walking routes around the area that can be explored within a few minutes while waiting.

Onsen culture

Differences Between Japanese "Onsen" (Hot Springs) and "Sento" (Public Baths) and the Spring Quality/Form of Dogo Onsen

This article clarifies the institutional differences between onsen and sento in Japan, and explains Dogo Onsen's non-heated and non-diluted hot spring source supply system, procedures for using it as a public bath, and basic bathing etiquette.

Practical

Status of Multilingual Signs, Transportation Landscape Guidance, and Accessibility in the Dogo Onsen Area

For international travelers visiting Dogo Onsen, this article explains the status of multilingual information provided on official websites and at tourist information centers, as well as key points when exploring the local area.

Practical

Locations of Free Foot Bath Spots in the Dogo Onsen Area and Preparations for Use

This section explains the operating hours of the free foot bath spots (Hojoen and Sora no Sanpodo) scattered around the Dogo Onsen area, as well as information on amenities you should bring or prepare when strolling.

Walking the town

An Example of a Time Schedule for a 2-Day, 1-Night Stay in Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

This is an example of a standard stay time schedule when visiting Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture for 2 days and 1 night. It explains a reasonable route that combines the operating hours of the public bathhouses, bathing procedures, and surrounding sightseeing spots.

Getting around

An Example of a Walking Route to Explore the Dogo Onsen Area During a 4-Hour Layover at Matsuyama Airport or Port

This is an example of a route to explore the Dogo Onsen area by utilizing a layover time of approximately 4 hours from Matsuyama Airport or Matsuyama Sightseeing Port. It explains the access procedures for the limousine bus, baggage storage, and how to walk around the town in a short period of time.