Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama. One of the oldest onsens in Japan

Dogo Onsen – visit the hot spring that inspired the Anime Spirited Away

Bragging rights as being the absolute oldest

Onsen bathing is one of Japan’s most popular and historic pastimes – the country’s volcanic land has produced some of the most reputed hot springs in the world. Though other bathing options are available, nothing beats a classic. Here’s your guide to Matsuyama‘s Dogo Onsen, Japan’s most iconic hot spring bath.

Dogo is officially the oldest hot spring in Japan – its history stretches back an astonishing 3,000 years. According to the onsen legend, its soothing waters once healed the illnesses of one of the area’s main deities in ancient times. The current incarnation of the bathhouse was built in 1894, and 100 years after it was erected, it was designated an important cultural asset of Japan.

For those of you who have come across Dogo Onsen before, it’s most likely because you’ve been looking into what inspired the stunning visuals in Studio Ghibli’s movies, and thus came across the famous Dogo Onsen Honkan. This onsen is featured in some of the most prominent scenes in Spirited Away, the worldwide acclaimed coming-of-age fantasy movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Dogo is one of the most visited onsens in Japan. Mainly popular with tourists from Japan, it still seems to be a relatively well-kept secret from foreign guests, but of course, anyone is welcome to visit. As the sun starts to set and the air is filled with steam and the trotting of yukata-clad bath-goers, it’s a pretty magical place to explore. The area also opened up a new onsen complex just around the corner from the original site, called Asuka no Yu.

Aside from the Dogo Onsen Honkan, this little hot spring village offers a laid-back vibe that allows visitors to explore its streets on foot, sampling unique food, purchasing exciting souvenirs, and even riding the old-school rickshaw. Read on and learn more about this little exciting onsen town that’s worth a visit!

The Dogo Onsen Honkan building is an easy five-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, which is serviced by three tram lines. From JR Matsuyama Station, the city’s main station, hop on tram number five. The best way to get to Matsuyama from the wider Japan area is to fly into Matsuyama airport. Local airlines ANA and JAL operate several flights per day from Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

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