Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture. It is also the largest city in Shikoku. Matsuyama offers an excellent overview of Japanese history and culture and fantastic views of Shikoku Island. History enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts will like to visit this capital for its cultural importance and picturesque landscapes. Matsuyama is renowned for her Dogo Onsens. A legend tells how the Dogo Onsen healed an injured aigrette and how people adopted the custom of bathing there. Later, to commemorate this legend, a stone was placed here called “Sagi Ishi”, which is now preserved on Hojoen Square in front of Dogo Onsen station. Matsuyama is located on the north-east side of the Dogo plain and loves between beautiful green mountains and the peaceful inland sea of Seto. Many hikers and cyclists enjoy the city and its surroundings for its picturesque mountain trails and its many suspended bridges that connect the islands of the region.
In this article we will see the various attractions of Matsuyama, to learn more about the museums of Matsuyama
Castle of Matsuyama
Matsuyama Castle is a castle built between 1602 and 1628 during the feudal period. It is one of the twelve “original castles” in Japan. The area is covered with more than 200 cherry trees, making it an ideal place to visit in spring for flowering (hanami). The famous castle was built at the top of a large hill in the city centre called Mt. Katsuyama. It is possible to get there by cable car for 510 yen. From the top of Mount Katsuyama, the view is stunning on Matsuyama and the Sea of Seto.
Dogo onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in Japan. The famous onsen received numerous visits from the Japanese imperial family. Dogo Onsen even has a private bath just for the emperor. The public baths of the famous animated film “The Chihiro Journey” would have been inspired by the incredible wooden architecture of Dogo Onsen. Before or after the bath you can relax in the upper floor. A number of circuits are available to explore the historical onsen of Matsuyama.
The baths are open between 9am and 10pm, the entry price varies from 260 yen.
Yuijin Shrine
On the elevated platform behind the main building of Dogo Onsen, next to the sky promenade, there is a Yujin sanctuary. It is the guardian deity of Dogo Onsen, established by the 12th generation of Emperor Keiyuki. It is said that the water from the hot spring stopped springing several times, and after praying to Yujinja, the spring water sprang again. The Yujinja Shrine is from a Matsuyama festival venue.
Botchan karakuri Clock
To mark the 100th anniversary of Dōgo Onsen Honkan, the Botchan Karakuri clock was built on Hōjōen Square opposite the Dōgo Onsen railway station. Between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., the Karakuri clock comes to life, presenting characters and scenes from the novel Botchan by Sōseki Natsume taking place in Matsuyama and Dōgo.
Ishiteji Shrine
Ishiteji is a Japanese temple near Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama. The temple was built in the style of architecture of the Kamakura period (1192 to 1333). Besides the main hall, Ishiteji also houses a beautiful Japanese pagoda. The temple is also famous for its incredibly open wooden entrance, the Niomon gate. What really distinguishes this temple from the many beautiful Japanese temples is its inner temple. After crossing a narrow cave filled with statues, visitors will lead into a particular room in the shape of a golden dome.
Yuzuki Castle and Dogo Park
Walk under the many cherry trees in bloom while discovering the ruins of what was once Yuzuki Castle. On the ground is a replica of an old samurai house that houses many artifacts of that time. It is an excellent opportunity to discover the culture and history of Japan while enjoying its natural beauty.
General Park and Freiburg Castle
This Matsuyama Park in Japan is another great place to do tourism. Unlike the historic castle of Matsuyama in the centre of the city, the small castle of Fribourg of this park was built in the style of a European castle. From the top of the hill you can have a magnificent view of the city and nature around Matsuyama. The park has many cherry trees in bloom.
Getting to Matsuyama
By plane: Many flights from Tokyo-Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport are available daily via ANA and JAL for about 39,000 yen. Cheap airlines like Jetstar also offer flights from around 5000 yen. The flight lasts about 90 minutes in total. From the airport, there are several shuttles that take passengers to Matsuyama in just 15 minutes.
By train: Tokyo is not directly connected to Matsuyama by Shinkansen. The quickest way to reach the city from Tokyo is to first take the JR Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen untilOkayama. From there, Limited express trains to Matsuyama are available. In total, the trip will last more than 6 hours and cost 20,000 yen.
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