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A beloved symbol of Dōgo Onsen revamped in impeccable style and restored beauty for optimum comfort.
Boasting a history of roughly 3,000 years, Dōgo Onsen is considered by many to be Japan’s oldest hot spring. Its iconic symbol, the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, was rebuilt in 1894 as a public bathhouse and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After six years of extensive preservation and restoration work, the wooden three-story bathhouse fully reopened in 2024, offering a renewed experience designed to soak in the historical beauty up close.
The building features two main baths - Kami-no-Yu and Tama-no-Yu - with a range of courses available, from simple bathing in Kami-no-Yu to private-room packages in newly added spaces. Select courses include tea and sweets service or guided tours of Yūshinden, the former exclusive bath used by the Imperial Family. Prices and usage times vary by course, so it’s best to check the official website for details.
Real-time updates on crowd levels and waiting times are also available online. In addition, combination tickets that allow access to nearby annexes make it easy to enjoy a full onsen-hopping experience centered around this historic landmark.
The retro charm of the Dōgo Onsen Honkan draws many visitors.
The Kami-no-Yu bath offers a casual public-bath-style experience.
The Tama-no-Yu (Men’s Bath) was once used by Imperial attendants.
The second-floor lounge of Kami-no-Yu provides a relaxing space to unwind after bathing.
Newly added private rooms are available with advance reservation.
The Yūshinden, a bath built exclusively for the Imperial Family, is open for guided tours (advance reservation required).
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Korean.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Re-entry is not allowed.
Q
Do you offer tax-free services?
No, we don't.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
No.
Q
Can I make a reservation?
Two private rooms are available by reservation. Other facilities do not require reservations.
Q
Are there family baths?
No family baths are available.
Q
Do you have regular closing days?
Open year-round, except for one temporary closure in December.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
We didn't go in for the hot spring, but we took some photos with the building and explored the shopping street. It was a great way to soak in the local atmosphere!
This is a famous hot spring destination in Japan. Each bathhouse has its own unique charm. Definitely worth visiting to experience the local hot spring culture.
Even if you don't go in for a bath, you should definitely check out the beautiful architecture of the main building.
After touring the main building, there's a nice shopping street nearby that's fun to explore.
I just wandered around the entrance and took some photos as a souvenir. Honestly, I felt a bit awkward about actually going in for a bath.
