The newly opened annex of the century-old Dogo Onsen, Asuka no Yu, lets you bathe while wearing an ancient "yuuburo" (bathing tent)!
▲Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s “Three Ancient Springs,” is scheduled to undergo renovations starting October 2018.
Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu / Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s “Three Ancient Springs,” located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. Its three-story wooden structure has a history of 123 years. Due to the aging condition of many parts of the main wooden building, according to local guides, renovations are expected to begin in October 2018. To accommodate the steady stream of visitors, Dogo Onsen Annex “Asuka no Yu,” currently under construction nearby, is set to open on the 26th of this month.
▲There’s a good reason why it attracts millions of visitors each year — it’s said that the main building of Dogo Onsen inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away.”
Dogo Onsen, along with Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen, is ranked among Japan’s Three Ancient Springs. There’s a good reason why it draws millions of visitors each year — it’s said that the main building of Dogo Onsen inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away.” Additionally, the great Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki once soaked here and was inspired to write his bestselling novel “Botchan.” The study where he wrote is now named the “Botchan Room,” and all ticket holders can visit it on the upper floor.
▲Dogo Onsen’s “God’s Spring.”
The main building of Dogo Onsen, constructed in 1899, offers an antique atmosphere that can be savored in every detail, from its exterior to its interior. It features baths such as “God’s Spring” and “Spirit’s Spring,” distinguished by patterns of large and small water droplets and egrets on the yukata. The most basic option is “God’s Spring” at ¥410. If time allows, it’s recommended to experience the full bathing package: the “Spirit’s Spring Third-Floor Private Room,” which includes a personal lounge and refreshments, for ¥1,550.
▲%Enjoy a serene atmosphere while soaking in the baths, and you can also choose a private room for a more personal experience.%
When visiting Dogo Onsen, you can also purchase a ticket to “Yusen-do” to see Japan’s only imperial-exclusive bath. Local guides say “Yusen-do” was specially built to receive the Emperor, who visited a total of 10 times. The area includes a luxurious lounge adorned with gold and silver leaf for the imperial family, as well as the bath and restrooms.
▲When visiting Dogo Onsen, you can also purchase a ticket to “Yusen-do.”
▲%Here you can also enjoy the traditional Japanese bathing culture, including the lounge and dining options. (Note: Additional details may need to be provided upon request; generally, the interior is not accessible.)%
The Dogo Onsen Annex “Asuka no Yu” has been completed and will open to the public on September 26. It adopts the architectural style of the Asuka period. Most notably, visitors can bathe wearing an ancient-style “yuuboe” (bath curtain)! The first floor features a large public bath and an open-air hot spring, with adult admission at ¥600. The second floor has a replicated royal bath from the main building, called the “Main Building (Tamamoku),” and the bath ticket for adults is priced at ¥1,650.
▲The Dogo Onsen Annex “Asuka no Yu” has been completed and will open to the public on September 26.
※Taiwan Tigerair andSunshine Travelhave collaborated to launch direct flights from Japan’s Okayama, with group tour packages in the “Tiger Peach Series.” These include the “Iyo Coast Story – Dogo Onsen – Iya Valley Secrets” five-day tour, the “Shikoku Secrets – Kurashiki Bikan – Setouchi Island Hopping” five-day tour, as well as a five-day free itinerary in Okayama. For details, please contact the relevant travel agencies.
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-576
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature! A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines