Dogo Onsen Asuka-no-yu: A New yet Classic Onsen Experience

History

Asuka no Yu was completed in 2017. Though the facility itself is new and modern, the hot springs treasures Dogo-onsen’s long history. The architecture of the facility was inspired by the many legends describing the origin of Dogo-onsen. With pottery works from around 1000BC uncovered in the area as well, there are designs and creations influenced by them. Also throughout the building are many works of art created by local artists of both traditional and modern art.

Asuka no Yu Baths

There are three types of baths in Asuka no Yu.

Men's Bathhouse - The Sacred Mountain of Iyo

The large bathhouse is a popular choice. There is one for men and one for women. The art on the walls are mesmerizing, with designs of Tobe-yaki pottery all over them.
You can find a depiction of the famous poem “The Sacred Mountain of Iyo” (伊予の霊峰) on the wall of the men’s bathhouse.

Women's Bathhouse - The Seto Inland Sea

On the women’s bathhouse wall, the Seto Inland Sea is depicted, allowing visitors to submerge in the Shikoku atmosphere.

Men's Bathhouse - The Outdoor Bath

Another feature of Asuka no Yu is the outdoor bath, which you can’t find at Honkan. The bath is made of hinoki wood from Ehime prefecture.

Yushinden

The Yushinden at Asuka-no-yu is a stunning hall. It is a replica of the one in Honden, and establishes a luxurious feeling as you bathe. The curtain-like drape you see hanging across is called misu (御簾), and is made from special tool used in making washi paper.

Large Lounge 大広間休憩室

Large Lounge

On the second floor of the buildings is the Large Lounge, where you can relax after your long bath. The ceiling lights in the room are covered with a layer of gilding, adding a bit more bliss to your onsen trip.

Private Lounge 個室休憩室

There are 5 private lounges available at Asuka no Yu.

Shirasagi no ma Lounge 白鷺の間

Shirasagi no ma Lounge

The Egret Lounge is based on the Dogo-onsen creation myth, “the Legend of the White Egret”, in which an injured white egret is cured when bathing in the springs of Dogo-onsen. You can find a representation of the white egret in this lounge.

Tama-no-ishi no ma Lounge 玉乃石の間

Tama-no-ishi no ma Lounge

The Tama-no-ishi Lounge is inspired by the “Legend of the Rock”, in which a deity is cured from an illness after bathing in Dogo-onsen. The story is portrayed by the designs drawn in Tsutsugaki-zome style.

Tsubaki no ma Lounge 椿の間

Tsubaki no ma Lounge

Dogo-onsen has a tight historical tie with Prince Shotoku, a Japanese prince during the 6th and 7th century. After visiting Dogo-onsen, Prince Shotoku left an inscription. In the inscription was a depiction of a camellia (tsubaki; 椿) forest, and the lounge is a visual portrayal of it. The camellias are depicted by stacked rolls of Ehime prefecture’s famous Imabari towels.

Karimiya no ma Lounge 行宮の間

Karimiya no ma Lounge

“Karimiya” refers to wherever the Emperor would stay when he wasn’t at his palace. During the Asuka to Heian periods (592 – 794), emperors would frequent Dogo-onsen, which inspired the making of this lounge today. The wall is decorated with maki-e (蒔絵), a traditional Japanese design using gold flakes and lacquer.

Yugeta no ma Lounge 湯桁の間

Yugeta no ma Lounge

The Japanese proverb “Iyo no yugeta” (伊予の湯桁), meaning lots of something, derived from how popular Dogo-onsen was and the amount of baths (yugeta; 湯桁) there were. It was so popular that it even made an appearance in The Tale of Genji, one of the oldest works of literature in the world. This lounge depicts the prosperousness of Dogo-onsen.

[Fees]
First floor baths (90 mins):
・ General: ¥600
・ Children (2 to 11 years old): ¥300

Second floor large lounge (90 mins):
・ General: ¥1250
・ Children (2 to 11 years old): ¥620

Second floor private lounges (90 mins):
・ General: ¥1650
・ Children (2 to 11 years old): ¥820

Second floor special baths (90 mins):
・ General: ¥1650
・ Children (2 to 11 years old): ¥820
*+¥2000 per pair

Ehime’s Traditional Art

Throughout Asuka no Yu, there are countless works of art. In fact, one of the concepts of the facility is merging traditional crafts and modern art. Over 40 artists and craftsmen come together to bring a fresh form of art to Asuka no Yu.

Tobe-yaki Pottery 砥部焼

The walls of Asuka no Yu baths are designed in tobe-yaki pottery style. Tobe-yaki is a style of ceramics originated in the city of Tobe in Ehime, and its main products are bowls and vases. This traditional craft has been around since the Edo period (1603 – 1868). The tobe-yaki designs on the bathhouse walls are created by craftswoman Yamada Hiromi, the only woman who is a nationally certified traditional craftsman.

Zeolite Washi Paper ゼオライト和紙

The Entrance of Asuka no Yu

Ehime prefecture is also a big washi paper manufacturer. In recent years, a special type of washi paper, named zeolite washi, is being produced in Ehime. Sato Yukari, an Ehime native, came up with using the mineral zeolite to create a new type of washi paper. This new type of washi paper has more breathability and on top of that, looks amazing in the entrance of Asuka no Yu.

Iyo-takezaiku 伊予竹細工

Traditional Ehime-style bamboo crafts, or iyo-takezaiku, are used in the lighting in the large lounge. A feature of iyo-takezaiku is the sporadically interwoven bamboo pieces. The lights coming through from the bamboo pieces are soft and warm.

Iyo mizu-hiki 伊予水引き

“Mizu-hiki” is the tied ribbon attached to a Japanese ceremonial envelope. Shikoku-chuo city in eastern Ehime is a well-known producer of mizu-hiki, and in recent years the design has been incorporated into everyday items like hair accessories, and handbags. At Asuka no Yu, you can find a mizu-hiki portrayal of a white egret.

Attractions await!

Come try out the one-of-a-kind experience at Asuka no Yu. You can walk around in a Yukata and special Onsen footwear and get a good grasp on the complete onsen culture. If you make a visit to Matsuyama, relaxing in a nice, calm onsen facility is recommended.

Access

Nearest station: Dogo Onsen Station

From Matsuyama Station ¥160

【Matsuyama Sta.】Iyotetsu No.5 / for Dogo Onsen
→【Dogo Onsen Sta.】→ about a 3-minute walk

From Matsuyama City Station ¥160

【Matsuyama City Sta.】Iyotestu No.3 / for Dogo Onsen
→【Dogo Onsen Sta.】→ about a 3-minute walk

From Matsuyama Airport

【Matsuyama Airport Bus Sta.】Iyotetsu Limousine Bus / for Dogo Onsen
→【Dofo Onsen Sta.】about a 3-minute walk

Nearby Destinations