Matsuyama｜Experience Japan's Oldest Dogo Onsen and Relish 3,000 Years of Hot Spring History

After five and a half years of renovations, Dogo Onsen finally reopened last July, with all restoration work completed by the end of the year. To soak in this 3,000-year-old hot spring, the oldest in Japan, I planned a trip to Matsuyama and unexpectedly discovered the beauty and cultural richness of Ehime. Speaking of Dogo Onsen, it is steeped in legends. According to mythology, the deity Ōkuninushi placed the ailing deity Sukunahikona in his palm and warmed him with the waters of Dogo Onsen. Miraculously, Sukunahikona recovered instantly and even danced gracefully on a stone. This stone, known as the "Tama no Ishi" (Jewel Stone), is enshrined on the north side of the main building. In local folklore, a wounded white heron discovered a hot spring bubbling from the rocks. It bathed there daily and soon regained its ability to fly. Villagers, inspired by the heron's recovery, dug a pool to try bathing themselves and found it relieved fatigue and promoted well-being. Another tale recounts that Prince Shōtoku once bathed in the onsen and praised its miraculous properties, declaring it a place where people of all classes could enjoy its benefits—a true utopia. With its blend of history, folklore, and mythology, Dogo Onsen's status is unshakable. The main building, now renovated, exudes a rustic elegance. Admission fees range from 700 to 2,500 yen, offering access to different facilities. This time, I chose the first-floor "Kami no Yu" bath and the second-floor lounge. Inside, the renovated building uses floor projections to guide visitors without compromising the historical aesthetic. Soaking in the ancient bath, surrounded by stone carvings, history, and shifting light and shadows, while listening to Japanese visitors chat, felt like stepping back in time. Notably, the staff mentioned that the onsen water here is blended from 18 different sources to achieve the perfect bathing temperature, emphasizing that it is "neither reheated nor diluted." After the bath, you can relax in the lounge with hot tea and snacks or take photos along the wooden corridors to capture the beauty of Dogo Onsen. Before leaving, don't forget to visit the gift shop to purchase a beautifully crafted "Onsen Seal" as a memento of this unforgettable experience. 📍Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan 🚗 Take the tram to Dogo Onsen Station, then walk five minutes to reach the onsen.