Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in all of Japan, having opened around 3000 years ago. This historic hot spring is featured in ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. Prince Shotoku, an ancient Japanese prince, praised the hot springs of Iyo (Dogo Onsen), comparing them to paradise on earth. Dogo Onsen has long been a favorite spot of famous people, and was featured in the Natsume Soseki novel “Botchan.” It is said that the silky water of this hot spring makes you beautiful. There are two external hot spring bathhouses, including Dogo Onsen Honkan, as well as foot baths and hand baths than can be used free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy all this renowned heavenly hot spring has to offer. Dogo Onsen Honkan marks the center of the onsen town, surrounded by hot-spring hotels full of character, with a vibrant shopping district nearby.

In front of Dogo Onsen Honkan is Dogo Shopping Arcade “Dogo Haikara Dori”, stretching 250 meters and home to around 60 eateries and stores. into the night, with many stores open until 10pm. This arcade is bursting with culinary delights, making it the perfect place for an eating tour. You can sample dishes such as Botchan dango (sweet dumplings), Ehime’s famous Tart cake, and traditional Ehime fried minced fish, Jakoten. These streets are also an excellent place to buy a souvenir, with everything from the traditional craft Tobe ware, incomparably soft Imabari Towels, and Ehime mandarin oranges.