Ehime
Ehime (愛媛県；-ken) is a prefecture in the Shikoku region of Japan.
Home of Dōgo Onsen (道後温泉), Beautiful Beaches, and both Towel and Pirate Museums
Dōgo Onsen
Located in the center of Matsuyama city. Dōgo is one of the country's more famous onsens it is also one of the oldest onsens in Japan. Dōgo was frequented by author Natsume Soseki as well as by his famous character Botchan. Hayao Miyazaki as used the main building as the main influence for the bath house in his movie "Spirited Away".
The pricing for the onsen is available in 4 levels and goes as follows. People will be outside ushering tourists into lines for the correct level.
Level 1
400 yen, 6:00 to 11:00 (enter by 10:30)
Includes access to the Kami no yu(神ノ湯) bath. Stay for up to 60 minutes. (soap and towel not available)
Level 2
800 yen, 6:00 to 10:00 (enter by 9:00)
Entrance to Kami no yu bath, a rental yukata, access to a public tatami room on the second floor for relaxation, tea and crackers. Stay for up to 60 minutes. (soap and towel not available)
Level 3
1200 yen, 6:00 to 10:00 (enter by 9:00)
Entrance to both Kami no yu and Tama no yu(玉ノ湯) baths, a rental towel and yukata, and a tour of the Emperor's bathing facilities. Stay for up to 60 minutes.
Level 4
1500 yen, 6:00 to 10:00 (enter by 8:40)
Allof the above except the tatami room is switched for a private tatami room on the third floor for relaxation. "Botchan Dango" sweets are served instead of crackers. Stay for up to 80 minutes.
Tama no yu bath features some nice mikan scneted soaps. These are available at some of the nearby shops. Also nearby is Dogo Brewing company which has some great microbrewed beers. Also keep your eye out for Iyakan (Ehime mikan) soft cream.
