Dogo Hot Spring ［道後温泉］

Dogo Hot Spring

The Dogo Hot Spring is in Matsuyama City, a castle town of the Matsuyama Castle. Its name became widely known thanks to Soseki Natsume's "Botchan." Boasting a history of 3000 years, it is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs (others are Arima and Shirahama Hot Springs). Being truly historic, records reveal that even Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) had once bathed here. The water is relatively soft. It works well for neuralgia and muscle aches while also making the skin beautiful.
Right in the center of the city stands the Dogo Onsen Honkan, the Dogo Hot Spring's symbol. This bathhouse which was built during the Meiji era is designated as the country's important cultural asset and the building itself is extremely valuable as well. It is very popular among tourists because it opens its door to anyone who wants to bathe there. There also are many historic features in the vicinity such as the Isaniwa Shrine and Yuzuki Castle site, letting you fully understand their long history.