道後舘

Dogokan is a ryokan in the Dogo Onsen district that opened in 1989. It was designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, known for works such as the National Art Center, Tokyo, so while it has a Japanese ryokan feel, it also carries a modern, design-forward atmosphere. The lobby features playful elements such as a red bridge over flowing water and a waterfall. Guest rooms come in multiple styles, including classic Japanese and folk-craft-inspired designs. All 9 rooms on the 7th floor have private open-air baths, each with a different character, and there is also a garden-equipped VIP suite on the 3rd floor. In the garden, the sukiya-style tea room “”Juan-do”” hosts a nightly tea ceremony demonstration/experience led by a tea instructor. The large communal baths use water drawn from Dogo Onsen and offer both a hot bath and a lukewarm bath, making it easier for guests who prefer milder temperatures; there are also features like a waterfall bath and a reclining bath. Inside the building, a permanent photo installation titled “”A Heron’s Return of Kindness”” by photographer Masashi Asada—created for “”Dogo Onsen Art 2018””—is on display, inspired by the local legend of a white heron healing an injured leg by soaking it in Dogo’s waters.