Dōgo Onsen Honkan, Public bathhouse in Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Japan
Dōgo Onsen Honkan is a public bathhouse in Dōgo Yunomachi in the Japanese city of Matsuyama, standing three stories tall with a central tower made entirely of wood. The facility houses several pools of varying temperatures and displays intricately carved wooden details on walls and ceilings throughout.
Architect Yukiya Isaniwa designed the present building, which opened its doors in 1894 and became a major example of modern Japanese construction. One hundred years later, in 1994, the bathhouse received status as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The bath strictly separates men's and women's areas, following inherited rules of Japanese bathing culture. Before entering the hot spring pools, everyone washes thoroughly at designated spots beside the tubs.
The main bath Kami no Yu opens daily from six in the morning until eleven at night and welcomes visitors throughout this entire period. Those wishing to book a private room on the third floor should arrive before ten in the evening.
A special bath within the building was once reserved exclusively for the imperial family and sits apart from the public areas. This section offers greater seclusion and preserves the traditional furnishings from the time of opening.
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