Saturday, March 20, 2010

dogo hot springs, japan


Michael and I were in Matsuyama visiting friends. Our second exchange student Mamika and her parents hosted us at Dogo Hot Springs, heralded as the oldest hot springs in Japan. The venerable 1894 building was huge and impressive with its Sansoro-style roof.

Mamika’s family rented a private room where we changed into supplied yukatas. We dipped in the renowned Bath of the Spirits as well as a large public bath filled with local elderly ladies. Afterward we cooled down with tea and bothchan dango.

The Hot Springs is such an integral part of the town that many visitors walk out and about in their yukatas and then head back in for another bath. It’s a little like bikinis being worn as street wear in Venice Beach, CA.

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