Stroll through Dogo Onsen Street on a summer night and admire the quaint and historic Dogo Onsen Honkan

In the afternoon, we took a stroll through the hot spring streets of the Dogo Onsen area. After dining at the Tsubaki-kan Hotel and enjoying the Matsuyama Suigun Taiko drum performance in the evening, we decided to explore the nighttime scenery here. The daytime crowd was too overwhelming, and since we wouldn’t have time to wander nearby the following day, we made the most of the evening to fully enjoy the area.

At night, Dogo Onsen Honkan is not as crowded as it is during the day, though there are still tourists coming and going to enjoy the hot springs. Despite the summer heat, soaking in the onsen here is a unique experience. Designated as Japan’s first public bathhouse recognized as a National Important Cultural Property, this bathhouse boasts an impressive 3,000-year history and serves as the iconic symbol of Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen. It’s well worth a visit.

We stopped by a convenience store to check out the famous Pocky snacks available exclusively in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. One unique flavor is the Ehime-exclusive “giant citrus.” Ehime Prefecture, historically known as Iyo Province, is the largest producer of Setouchi Iyokan oranges, making these Pocky a rare find unavailable in other parts of Japan—a must-buy for Pocky enthusiasts.

The shops in the arcade were mostly closed, creating a serene atmosphere for photography. There were even life-sized standees and citrus-themed mascots for pictures. Exiting the shopping arcade onto Dogo Haikara Street, we saw the Botchan Steam Train, which looks even more nostalgic when photographed at night.

Another highlight is the Dogo Onsen Station building. Bustling with activity during the day, it becomes tranquil around 10:00 PM. The lighting at night enhances the visual appeal of the architecture, making it a pleasant experience to visit. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, an evening stroll here is highly recommended. Inside the station, a few final tram rides are still running, adding to the relaxed vibe of this leisurely travel destination.