What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Welcome to Dogo Onsen. This is one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan (along with Arima Onsen in Kobe) and frequented by famous Japanese artists and the nobility since the 6th Century. The main hot spring bath is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and it has been in service for over 100 years. It is the only bath in Japan that has a special section for the Imperial Family. The top of the main building is decorated with the legendary white heron and a large bell is rung at 6:30 every morning to announce the opening of the bath. Two of the main baths, Tamanoyu (Water of Spirit), and Kaminoyu (Water of God), are situated in this building. Tsubakinoyu (Water of Camellia) is in a newer building about one block away. Nearby Matsuyama Castle is a fine example of Edo architecture with pleasant gardens and parks surrounding it.
