Yugama Yakushi
A stone yugama in Dogo Park. It is a cylindrical stone object that was once used as a hot spring outlet for Dogo Onsen, and is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Ehime Prefecture.
Yugama Yakushi is a stone yugama (hot spring kettle) located on the grounds of Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins), near the Matsuyama Municipal Shiki Memorial Museum.
What is a Yugama?
A yugama is a stone vessel placed at the outlet of a hot spring (where the hot spring water wells up). This yugama is cylindrical, and according to the Dogo Onsen Official Area Guide, it measures 166.7 centimeters in diameter and 157.6 centimeters in height. It was actually used as the hot spring outlet of Dogo Onsen in the past.
Origin
It is said to have been made between 749 and 757. Later, in 1288, the six-character name "Namu Amida Butsu" was carved on it in the calligraphy of Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Ji Sect. Ippen was born in Iyo Province (present-day Ehime Prefecture) and was a monk closely associated with Dogo.
Value as a Cultural Property
The Dogo Onsen Official Area Guide introduces this yugama as the oldest in the country, and it is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Ehime Prefecture. This stone monument, which has received Dogo's hot spring water for many years, is now preserved and open to the public as an outdoor historical site.
Visiting
It is located inside Dogo Park, and admission to the park is free. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from Iyotetsu Dogo Onsen Station, and even closer from Dogo Park Station. Inside the same Dogo Park, there are also the Yuzuki Castle Museum, restored samurai residences, and an earthen mound exhibition room.
Source: Dogo Onsen Official Area Guide https://www.dogo.or.jp/experience/yugama-yakushi/ Last confirmed date: August 6, 2026
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