Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is reportedly the oldest onsen in Japan. This unique onsen is the only one that has a seperate chamber for use by the Imperial Family. It was last visited by the late Emperor Hirohito. The onsen is old, wildly popular, funky and definately worth a visit.

Dogo Onsen Website in Japanese

Dogo Onsen District

Map with Dogo Onsen Location

Home Overlooking Onsen Area

View from Balcony

Dogo Onsen

Bike Hand Protectors

Instead of wearing gloves, why not protect the hands on the bike itself. These hand protectors are fairly comment items on Japanese bicycles.

Japanese Cemeteries

A message left to a loved one, protected in a bottle

A favorite drink opened to refresh the visiting spirits soul.

A family plot not yet used.

Source of water and pots and pans used to refresh the stones and tell the spirits at rest that they are being visited.

A Shinto Shrine near the cemetery entrance.

Japanese Cemeteries

Japanese cemetaries are often in out of way places. Cremation is a common practice and families are buried together in the central pillar. The souls of those deceased come and visit their resting place. Water is poured over the stone pillar to cleanse it and let those at rest know they are being visited. It is common practice to leave the deceased a favorite beverage of theirs from when they were alive. It is opened and left for the soul to drink from. Items dear to the deceased are left as reminders of their previous life.

While cemetaries are often in remote or difficult to access places, they are places of deep reverance.

Japanese Tow Trucks

Honda all the way!