One of Japan’s oldest public bathhouses, Dōgo Onsen Honkan, has completed a comprehensive renovation project ahead of schedule. Fed by 3,000-year-old hot springs referenced in ancient Japanese texts, the iconic onsen is located in the city of Matsuyama.

The facility first opened in 1894 and later became the first public bathhouse in Japan to be designated a property of cultural importance in 1994.

Since January 2019, the onsen has undergone extensive conservation repairs while remaining partially open to the public. The wooden structure, spanning three levels and featuring three additional wings added since its inception, has been refreshed with updated facilities and interiors, including intricate Tobe porcelain panel wall murals.

The renovation also includes new pipework, structural reinforcement for earthquake resistance and roofing updates to future-proof the building.

Additionally, the space has been expanded with two new bookable private relaxation rooms and a retail area.

Facilities

Dōgo Onsen Honkan’s first floor features two baths for men and women, respectively, with an additional bath for each gender on the second floor. Guests can also access two relaxation rooms, including a 70-person group space, an exhibition room of onsen-related artefacts, four private relaxation rooms and locker rooms.

A key attraction is the Yushinden, a dedicated wing claimed to be the only bathhouse in Japan reserved for the Imperial Household. The opulent space features interiors decorated in an abundance of gold- and silver-leaf and includes a throne room, a living room and a bathing suite.

Maintaining its traditions, the bathhouse opens daily at 6 AM with the striking of a Tokidaiko drum on the roof, a custom which has been kept up since 1894.

Hot spring havenThe Dōgo area features 18 hot springs sources and is home to two other prominent onsens called Tsubaki-no-Yu and Asuka-no-Yu.

Both are sister properties of Dōgo Onsen Honkan and feature a range of bathing facilities and relaxation spaces.

Defined by traditional Japanese architecture and artwork, all three spaces offer a range of 90-minute day passes including access to baths, towel and yukata (robe) rental and a selection of Japanese tea and sweets.