Matsuyama

Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture, a welcome respite from Japan's frenetic cities offering no shortage of activities to keep you occupied. At the heart of the city stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle. Soak up the rich literary tradition of this placid castle town.

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.

Ishiteji Temple

Ishiteji located near Dogo Onsen to the northeast of Matsuyama's city center, is the city's most famous temple. It is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Pilgrims dressed in white are a frequent sight at this large temple.

Botchan Karakuri Clock

To mark the 100th anniversary of Dogo Onsen Honkan, the Botchan Karakuri Clock was built in front of Dōgo Onsen Station. On the hour between 8:00 and 22:00, the Karakuri Clock comes to life, presenting characters and scenes from Sōseki Natsume’s novel Botchan set in Matsuyama and Dōgo.

Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle)

Dogo Park is an attractive park located not far from Dogo Onsen Honkan. The small hill in the middle was the site of Yuzuki Castle. Local people and visitors to Matsuyama enjoy strolling around the park, and it’s also renowned for its cherry blossoms.

Shiki Memorial Museum

The Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum is a museum devoted mainly to the life and work of Japanese writer Masaoka Shiki, who was born and raised in Matsuyama. Shiki is widely considered to be the most important figure in the modernization of both haiku and tanka poetry.

Isaniwa Shrine

saniwa Shrine is very much a ‘working shrine’. Whenever you visit, you’re likely to encounter some sort of ceremony going on, whether it’s a Shinto wedding, or a blessing for a newborn child. Casual visitors can also be seen dropping by and making a quick obeisance.

Dogo Onsen Honkan

Dogo Onsen Honkan is the symbol and main attraction of Dogo Onsen. The charismatic bath house was built in 1894 during the Meiji Period. Its wooden interior is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, usually bustling with activity by staff and guests...

botchan train matsuyama

Botchan" is one of Natsume Soseki's most-loved novels which focuses on his time as a teacher in Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Novelty trains can be seen across Japan but the Botchan train carries so much history and adoration that it ranks, easily, as one of Japan's best train experiences.

Bansuiso

Bansuiso is a Renaissance-style villa built as a second home of Earl Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of the former Matsuyama clan. It has hosted the Imperial Family and been a popular venue for high society notables of various artistic fields.