By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The Dogo Onsen Honkan, the inspiration site for the bathhouse scenes in Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Spirited Away,” is expected to temporarily close from autumn 2017 for seismic reinforcement work lasting a minimum of five years and up to seven years. Travelers wishing to visit this iconic spot in person should hurry.
The Dogo Onsen Honkan, the inspiration site for the bathhouse scenes in Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Spirited Away.” (Image source / Aichi Manryu)
The wooden structure of the main building has gradually aged, leading local authorities to decide on seismic reinforcement work starting autumn 2017. (Image source / kinpatsudiaries)
Located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Dogo Onsen is world-famous and said to have been in operation for 3,000 years, making it Japan’s oldest hot spring. It attracts millions of visitors each year. The Dogo Onsen Honkan, rebuilt in 1894, is a three-story wooden building and is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. Due to the aging wooden structure, the local government has decided to carry out seismic reinforcement work starting autumn 2017. During this period, the main building will be completely closed, with reopening expected to take at least five years and possibly up to seven.