DÔGO ONSEN HONKAN

According to the texts, these are the oldest baths in Japan. History has it that the thermal waters of Dōgo date back to Mikoto Okuni-nushi, son of Susano'o, an important figure in Shintō mythology who became both the benefactor of agriculture and the power of war (8,000 spears). Later, various emperors came to relax at the Dōgo and enjoy the benefits of the waters gushing out at 43°C. The public bath itself dates back to 1894, and a private shoin-style bath was built in 1899 for the emperor to rest in. You can see the Botchan room, where the action of Sōseki Natsume's novel Botchan, The Young Kind, takes place. This novel recounts the life of a young mathematics teacher caught up in the ups and downs of a provincial society, Matsuyama, at a time when Japan's doors were opening to the West. This novel is one of the classics of Japanese literature. On another note, Dogo Onsen inspired Miyazaki to create his famous Voyage de Chihiro, whose Yubaba baths bear a striking resemblance to Dogo Onsen. The director spent a long time working on his sketches there. The atmosphere around the baths is reminiscent of scenes from the cartoon. At 6:30 a.m., the drum beats to announce the opening of the baths. You'll find small rest rooms on the third level. Please note that the entrance fee does not include towels, soap or even a hairdryer (try to bring shampoo, soap and a towel as well as your yukata). You can, of course, rent them on site.