Seven years of full closure is too long!

▲ Dogo Onsen Honkan will undergo renovations starting this autumn 2017. (Photo / IC)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Dogo Onsen Honkan, a landmark in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, has decided to begin seismic retrofitting work this autumn 2017.Originally, the seismic retrofitting was planned to involve either a full closure for 5–7 years or partial operation combined with renovation for 7–9 years, but due to strong opposition from local residents, on March 22, the Matsuyama city authorities announced that they have decided to carry out the renovation while partially keeping the facility open.

Dogo Onsen Honkan is a local icon and is said to be one of the inspirations for the movie Spirited Away. It attracts millions of overseas visitors every year. However, its 122-year-old wooden structure has many aging parts in need of repair, prompting Matsuyama to decide on a full-scale renovation starting this autumn 2017.

▲ Dogo Onsen Honkan attracts millions of visitors annually. (Photo / From the Ehime Manga Travel fan page)

According to a report by The Yomiuri Shimbun, the seismic retrofitting project was originally scheduled to involve either a full closure for 5–7 years or partial operation combined with renovation for 7–9 years. However, after the project timeline was announced, it faced strong opposition from locals. Some tourism industry representatives estimated that a full closure could result in a loss of 59.2 billion yen in tourism revenue, which would have a significant impact on the area.

After several days of discussion, the Dogo Onsen Activation Plan Review Committee in Matsuyama announced on March 22 that they have decided to switch to a partial operation model while carrying out the seismic retrofitting. Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the restoration of the historic site firsthand. The detailed renovation plan is expected to be announced in mid-April.