Tama-no-yu - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Kyoto City, Kyoto

Dōgo Onsen Honkan stands as Japan's oldest and most culturally significant hot spring, with a history dating back an astonishing 3,000 years. This magnificent wooden bathhouse, designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1994, famously inspired the enchanting bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's masterpiece "Spirited Away" and continues to captivate visitors with its distinctive Meiji-era architecture. For tattooed travelers often concerned about bathing restrictions in Japan, Dōgo Onsen represents a rare and wonderful exception – a historic and culturally significant onsen that fully welcomes guests with tattoos of any size without requiring coverings. Here, you can immerse yourself in authentic Japanese bathing culture while experiencing the same therapeutic waters that have attracted visitors, including the Imperial family, for centuries.

Fully Tattoo-Friendly: Dōgo Onsen Honkan welcomes all visitors regardless of tattoos, with no size restrictions or requirements to cover body art. This progressive policy makes it one of Japan's most accessible historic onsen experiences for international tattooed guests.

• Historic Significance: Experience Japan's oldest onsen with 3,000 years of recorded history
• Imperial Legacy: Contains the exclusive Tama-no-Yu facilities built specifically for the Imperial Family
• Cultural Icon: Served as inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away"
• Architectural Treasure: A beautifully preserved Meiji-era wooden structure designated as a National Important Cultural Property
• Tattoo-Friendly Policy: Enjoy complete acceptance regardless of tattoo size or placement
• Therapeutic Waters: Benefit from mineral-rich waters renowned for their healing properties
• Authentic Experience: Participate in a bathing tradition spanning thousands of years

Dōgo Onsen Honkan offers a tiered bathing experience, with the first floor housing the more accessible Kami-no-Yu bath and the second floor featuring the more exclusive Tama-no-Yu bath. As you soak in the steaming waters, you're experiencing the same therapeutic benefits enjoyed by bathers for millennia. The spring water flows at a relaxing 42°C (107.6°F) and is characterized by alkaline waters rich in sodium bicarbonate and calcium. These mineral properties are renowned for alleviating muscle fatigue, joint pain, and improving skin conditions. The combination of historic wooden interiors, mineral-rich waters, and the gentle ambient sounds creates a multisensory experience that connects you to centuries of Japanese bathing tradition.

• Kami-no-Yu (First Floor): ¥420 for adults, ¥160 for children (bathing only)
• Tama-no-Yu (Second Floor): ¥1,500 (includes bath access, towel, yukata robe, and traditional tea service)
• Special Note: The original Imperial bathing facilities are not open to the general public

No advance reservations are required for general admission to Dōgo Onsen Honkan, making it perfect for spontaneous visits. Simply arrive during operating hours and purchase your preferred bathing package at the entrance.

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🌐 Website: https://dogo.jp/en/

📞 Phone: +81 89-921-5141

📍 Address: 5-6 Dōgo-yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

• Monday 10:00–22:00
• Tuesday 10:00–22:00
• Wednesday 10:00–22:00
• Thursday 10:00–22:00
• Friday 10:00–22:00
• Saturday 10:00–22:00
• Sunday 10:00–22:00