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
More spots in Dogo Park & Isaniwa Shrine Area
See all in this area →Dogo Prince Hotel
A large hot spring hotel on high ground in Dogo. It has a range of baths, including the large bath Yunoka, the open-air bath Yunone and private open-air baths, and serves kaiseki meals.
Matsuo Basho Haiku Monument
This is a haiku monument of Matsuo Basho in Dogo Park. It transmits a haiku of Matsuo Basho, a poet of the early Edo period known as the Sage of Haiku.
Dogo Park (Playground) Public Toilet
A public toilet near the playground in Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle ruins). Suitable for park walks and visitors with children.
Natsume Soseki Haiku Monument
A haiku monument in Dogo Park. It commemorates Natsume Soseki (1867–1916), the author known by the pen name “Gudabutsu.” Natsume Soseki was assigned to Matsuyama in 1895, and that experience was reflected in the novel *Botchan*.
Kimono Bar -CHAHARU-
A bar located on the 1st floor of Dogo Onsen Chaharu. It serves sake, cocktails, local beer, and more in a Japanese-style space. It is open on Thursday through Sunday nights.
Matsuyama Kanko Rinji Parking
A temporary parking area with approximately 60 free spaces, open only on designated days during busy periods.
Doramomiji Red Yuzukicho
Doramomiji Red Yuzukicho is a seafood izakaya within a 1-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan. It offers Setouchi sashimi, the owner’s catch, and local sake from across Japan selected by a sake sommelier.
Hotel Katsuragi Spa Resort Dogo
A hotel adjoining Dogo Onsen Honkan and the shopping street. Its baths include one with ukiyo-e prints set against hinoki-wood walls, and day-use bathing is also available.
More "Historic Buildings & Sites" spots
See all in this category →Mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki
The mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki (1587–1668), the first lord of the Matsuyama Domain, located within the grounds of Joshin-ji Temple. It is a designated historic site of Ehime Prefecture. Sadayuki entered Matsuyama in 1635 (Kan'ei 12) and rebuilt the keep of Matsuyama Castle into three tiers.
Enthronement Commemoration Monument
A monument within Dogo Park. It was erected to celebrate the Gotaiten, the imperial enthronement ceremony, and can be viewed while strolling through the park.
Mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadamasa
A mausoleum in Iwaidani-higashi-machi, Matsuyama, enshrining Matsudaira Sadamasa (1610–1673), the younger brother of Matsudaira Sadayuki, the first lord of the Matsuyama Domain. Sadamasa was stripped of his domain after becoming a Buddhist monk and thereafter lived in Matsuyama.
Statue of Masaoka Shiki
A bronze statue of the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki in Hojoen plaza in front of Dogo Onsen Station. In reference to Shiki's love of baseball, he is depicted wearing a baseball uniform.