Dogo SpaDogo Spa
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To visit to Japan would be complete without a visit to one of the natural Onsen(hot springs) which are scattered throughout Japan. The hotsprings of Matsuyama are the oldest in the country and have been relaxing and refreshing the minds, bodies, and sprits of travellers for over 3,000 years. Each spa has its own unique histry,characteristics and cuisine.
Dogo Spa is most famous hot spring above all.
Dogo Spa, one of the oldest spas in Japan, was founded over 3,000 years ago. The name is seen in the "Kojiki"(Japan's oldest record histry) and in "Manyoushu"(a collection of poetry from Nara period).
In the "Iyofudoki"(a description of Ehime's natural features), there is a legend that a white heron healed its wounded leg in the hot spring.
The Mainbuilding, constructed in 1894(The year before Soseki Natsume,an eminent writer of modern literature, came to Matsuyama),has a distinctive character, with a three storied castle-style structure. Above the third floor,there is a drum tower, the "Shinro-kaku", tells the time to the general public. Further there is the "Room of Botchan" from the noted novel by Soseki Natsume on the third floor.
On the first floor is a public bath, "Kami-no-yu",and whose granite bath tub was considered very luxurious at the time of construction. On the second floor is a large room leading to the "Kami-no-yu", and on the third floor is a "Tama-no-yu", a more luxurious bath with a lounge area. After taking a bath, a bowl of tea heated over charcoal is served.
The Photo on the right side is the Mainbuilding of Dogo Spa in Meiji era.
This building a three stories style building, was constructed on 10th April, 1894, during Yukiya Isaniwa's service as the first mayor of Dogo Yuno-machi.
It is said that people are strongly opposed to the plan of the construction. there was a clock tower upper the bathing ticket shop house.The iron fence is imposing.The building on the right-hand side is the bathhouse for preserving health. This bathhouse was rebuilt in 1892.
The Mainbuilding was reconstructed early in Shouwa era(1926กม). "Sagi-no-yu" was open for public in 1927 and "Kami-no-yu" was separated into men's section and women's section in 1935.
