Matsuyama Dogo Onsen Attraction – Feel the spirit of time at the Doren Clock Tower

#JapanGuide While walking along Dogo Onsen Street during your trip to Matsuyama, you will naturally notice a special clock. It is the ‘Botchan Karakuri Time Clock (坊っちゃんカラクリ時計)’. This clock is not just a simple clock, but a moving puppet clock themed after the novel ‘Botchan’ that symbolizes Matsuyama. 🌸 Location • Across from Dogo Onsen Main Building, 1 minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station • [Address] 6-7 Dogoyu-no-machi, Matsuyama City, Aiyama Prefecture 🕰️ Operating Hours (Puppet Show Operating Hours) • Weekdays/Weekends: • 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM • The clock tower moves for about 3 minutes every hour and every 30 minutes. 🎎 The hidden charm of the clock tower When the Doryun-sama clock is still, it looks like just a pretty clock, but when the time comes, the lid opens and the characters and traditional scenes of Matsuyama appear inside, rotating. In particular, the production where miniatures of teachers, students, and people from the hot spring town, who are characters from the novel ‘Doryun-sama’, appear is really cute and affectionate. At night, the lights come on, creating an even more dreamy atmosphere. 📸 It’s also the best photo spot! There is a bench in front of the clock, so you can rest while waiting, and it’s also a great location for taking pictures. In particular, at night, the area around the clock is illuminated with soft lights, creating a warm atmosphere. 🌿 Tip! Take a look around the area together • Dogo Onsen Main Building • Yunohana Mirror Pond • Dogo Yukemuri Cafe • Doryun-sama Train ⸻ 👒 A word to travelers If you visit Matsuyama, be sure to take a moment to stop in front of this small clock tower. During those three minutes when you suddenly stop in your busy schedule, you will feel warm as if you have entered a fairy tale from your childhood. You can feel that time in Dogo Onsen is not just passing by, but moving as a story.