Dogo Onsen Honkan

What to know

Dogo Onsen Honkan (道後温泉本館) is the iconic centerpiece of the Dogo Onsen hot spring area. This charming wooden bathhouse, built in 1894 during the Meiji Period, features a labyrinthine interior of staircases, corridors, and rooms that buzz with activity from staff and visitors. It is widely believed to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's award-winning film "Spirited Away."

The Honkan offers two gender-separated, traditional stone public baths. The larger main bath is called Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods), while the smaller, more refined bath is Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits). After bathing, guests can relax in spacious tatami rooms on the second floor or in private rooms on the third floor, often with a snack. Various admission plans grant different levels of access to the facilities (see Hours and Fees for details).

A special wing called Yushinden was built in 1899 for the Imperial Family's visit. Today, visitors can take a short guided tour of Yushinden to see the rooms reserved for emperors, including a lavishly decorated room with a coffered ceiling and a private bath and toilet. No emperor has used Yushinden since 1952.

On the second floor, a small exhibition displays historical documents related to Dogo Onsen, such as old wooden admission tokens (yufuda). You may also notice paintings and statues of a heron around the Honkan, referencing a legend where a white heron healed its injured leg in the local waters.

Dogo Onsen Honkan is a four-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, the terminus of three tram lines. From JR Matsuyama Station, take tram line 5 (20 minutes); from Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 (15 minutes).

Several ticket options are available for the two baths and relaxation areas: Kami no Yu is the larger bath, while Tama no Yu is smaller, more exclusive, and less crowded.