The Tale of Genji is a Japanese novel written about 1000 years ago from now.
A nobleman named “Hikaru-genji” is the lead character.
Through his eyes, it depicts the Japanese noble society of that time, such as love, glory and fall, political desire and power struggle.

This time I will introduce something related to the Tale of Genji.

It comes out with the volume of “Utsusemi” and “Yuugao”.

• Utsusemi
  “Hikaru-genji” thought like as follows when he saw a woman named “Nokiba-no-ogi” counts exactly the pieces of Go.
  “She has no elegance. She will easily count to the number of “Yugeta” in the country of Iyo. An attractive woman has a relaxed personality.”

• Yuugao
  “Iyo-no-suke” came back to Kyoto from Iyo where he was assigned.
  “Hikaru-genji” wanted to ask him how many that famous “Yugetas” are there in that land.
  However, considering what he was doing to his wife and daughter, he couldn’t.

This time, I will introduce this “Iyo no Yugeta (Yugeta in Iyo country)”.
In the story, it is used as a symbol of the existence of many things.

What is “Yugeta” in the first place?
There are following theories, but it is not clearly understood.
· The bathtub itself
· Several plates hung on a large pond where hot water is stored
· Personal enclosure when taking a bath

Whatever theory, It means that Dogo Onsen was famous as a large spa resort at that time.

There is a footspa made by imagining this “Iyo no Yugeta” in this town.

Walking north on the east side street of Dogo Onsen Main Bldg., you can find immediately it on your left side.
This footspa is lager than others which can be enjoyed for free in Dogo.
In addition, you can order beer or soft drink here.
It’s no mistake that you can enjoy comfortable and relaxing.

This is the place where you should visit when you take a walk around the footspa in this town.