Onsen from Spirited Away ♨️

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath, and Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest in the country-its history goes back more than 3,000 years. A central figure in its rich folklore is the white egret, which serves as the onsen’s enduring symbol. According to local legend, a white egret with an injured leg found healing in these waters. People noticed the bird returning each day until it fully recovered. That’s when the locals started bathing here, believing in the power of the spring.

Dogo Onsen’s main building is beautiful-made of dark wood, with narrow hallways and small tatami rooms. It was also the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, and it really does look similar. At night it has a quiet, old-fashioned atmosphere, with warm light coming from the wooden building and steam rising from the streets. We decided to experience the onsen ourselves the next morning.

At the entrance, we were given traditional yukata and small towels. The baths are separated by gender, so we had to go to different sides. First, it’s necessary to wash yourself very carefully-only after that can you step into the bath.

After the bath, we had green tea in a small tatami room, and later visited the old rooms reserved for the imperial family. Even though the visit was short, the place gave a strong feeling of calm and tradition. This kind of onsen experience is something very special - not just for the body, but also for the spirit 😌.

Later, we drove to Hiroshima via the scenic Shimanami Kaido with great dinner break 😋.Read more