IYOTETSU Tram | Review by Linda Liao

Dōgo Onsen Honkan

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.

• Ehime
• Bathing & Spa Facilities

Dōgo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs, and its old wooden architecture easily brings to mind the bathhouse from Spirited Away.

The Dōgo Onsen Honkan we see today mainly took shape after a major renovation in 1894. With over a century of history, it has also become an important cultural building in Japan.

Starting in 2019, Dōgo Onsen Honkan underwent extensive preservation and restoration work and did not fully reopen until 2024. In addition to restoring the old building, the renovation added modern features such as earthquake resistance and air conditioning, making it more comfortable for visitors.

After the renovation, although the facilities are now more complete, it has lost a little of the nostalgic atmosphere unique to an old hot spring. Ticket prices have also been adjusted, with the basic bathing fee increasing from JPY 460 to JPY 700. I guess that's the price of changing times!

Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins)

Covering approximately 8.6 hectares, Dogo Park is a spacious urban park developed on the nationally designated Yuzuki Castle Ruins. The entire park occupies the former site of a castle that stood from the early 14th to the late 16th century, and remnants such as earthen ramparts and moats can still be seen today. The site is protected as a National Historic Site under the name Yuzuki Castle Ruins. The park has an almost tortoiseshell-shaped layout about 350 meters in diameter, with a central hill rising roughly 30 meters. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Matsuyama Plain, making it a popular scenic viewpoint.

• Ehime
• Parks & Gardens

Dogo Park is close to the Dogo Onsen shopping street. You can usually see many local residents walking and chatting here, giving it a relaxed atmosphere. We visited in early spring this time, before the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

There are also many cute little shops around the park. That day, we casually stopped by Yukemuri Cafe to take a break and escape the heat. The cafe's seating area is on the second floor, and the interior has a retro style. Sitting by the window and looking through the gridded window frame, we could see the street and the hot spring district. As we enjoyed our food and quietly gazed outside, the fatigue that had built up during the trip seemed to slowly fade away.

Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)

Cat Alley, or Neko no Hosomichi, is the 200-meter narrow road that stretches from Ushitora Shrine in Nagae, an area of Onomichi City (Hiroshima). The road was started in 1998 when artist Shunji Sonoyama painted the “fukuishineko” lucky stone cats found along the road.

• Hiroshima
• Tourist Attractions

Cat lovers should definitely take a stroll along Cat Alley and enjoy looking for cats along the way!

Most of the cats here are friendly and aren't camera-shy, but remember to tread lightly, keep your voice down, and avoid sudden movements that might scare them.

As you slowly follow the winding path, keep a close eye on your surroundings and you'll discover many cat-themed creations, such as cute little cat stones and stone paintings, scattered throughout the alleys and tucked into corners. You may find a new surprise every few steps that brings a smile to your face.