The Dogo Osen is regarded as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan attracting travelers including the Emperor and the Imperial Family members with its therapeutic waters highly associated with traditional legends of Japan. The quality of the hot spring and unique architectural traits of the Honkan have grown wildly in popularity, due to the animated film “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki in 2001, with the bathhouses in the film modeled after this communal bathhouse established in 1894. The main building of the Honkan has been designated as an important cultural property which consists varies baths including the “Yushinden” built in 1899 as a reserved room dedicated towards the Imperial Family of Japan. Many traditional ryokans can be found in the area, along with shopping streets and unique structures featuring the famous novel “Botchan” by Soseki Natsume with the story background revolving around Matsuyama City. The Dogo Shopping Arcade offers varies souvenir shops and cafés including the Donguri no Mori, which is a store dedicated towards Studio Ghibli, especially popular among fans of the film “Spirited Away” after a visit to the Dogo Osen Honkan. Travelers can be found shopping dressed in traditional yukatas from nearby osen hotels, a common sight at the Dogo onsen area. Be sure to try out some “Botchan Dango” which is a sweet mochi skewers composing of matcha, egg, and red bean flavors during your trip to Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
