Dōgo Onsen Dōgo Onsen Dōgo Onsen is one of the oldest onsen hot springs in Japan, with a history stretching back over 1000 years. The springs are mentioned in the Man'yōshū (written c. 759) and, according to legend, Prince Shōtoku (574–622) used to partake of the waters. Dōgo Onsen was the favorite retreat of writer Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) when he was working near Matsuyama as a teacher in what was at the time rural Shikoku. In Soseki's loosely autobiographical novel "Botchan", the eponymous main character is a frequent visitor to the springs, the only place he likes in the area. Dogo Onsen
Wakura Onsen Wakura Onsen Wakura Onsen has existed as a resort for 1,200 years. It was originally discovered by a fisherman who noticed an injured crane bathing its wing in the warm water. Mention of the onsen was first made in early Heian period documents, but full scale development dd not begin until after improvement of access by railway in the Meiji period. The center of Wakura Onsen is the "ryokan" Kagaya, a 20-floor hotel capable of holding approximately 1,300 guests. The onsen has two other hotels and 34 "ryokan." Other hotels and "ryokan" in the vicinity include: Wakura Onsen is approximately