Step Back in Time: A Nostalgic Journey to Matsuyama

Matsuyama (松山), the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture, boasts Matsuyamajo, an original hilltop castle with views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. Featured in Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan," the city gained fame throughout Japan. Dogo Onsen, also mentioned in the novel, is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts and a key attraction.

Click here for an interactive Matsuyama map on Google MyMaps

Things to Do

Here are some of the top things to do in Matsuyama:

Historical and Cultural Experiences:

• Matsuyama Castle: Explore this well-preserved castle, one of Japan's original 12 remaining castles.
• Dogo Onsen: Immerse yourself in the oldest hot spring public bathhouse in Japan, which inspired the movie "Spirited Away."
• Shiki Memorial Museum: Learn about the life and works of the renowned poet, Masaoka Shiki.
• Ishite-ji Temple: Temple No. 51 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Discover this unique temple with its mysterious tunnel lined with statues.
• Botchan Karakuri Clock: Tourist attraction. The music began playing one minute before each hour, and the mechanism moved precisely on time.

Outdoor Activities:

• Matsuyama Castle Ropeway: Take a scenic ride up to the castle.
• Dogo Park: Relax in a beautiful park with gardens and ponds.
• Cycling: Explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

Local Cuisine:

• Dogo Beer: Try the locally brewed Dogo Beer.  One of the features of Dogo Beer is its stronger bubbles, as it is intended to be consumed after taking a meal at Dōgo Onsen.
• Mikan Juice or Beer: Enjoy fresh mandarin orange juice.
• Local Seafood: Savor the fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
• Botchan Dango (坊っちゃん団子): It has three colors. One is colored by red beans, the second by eggs, and the third by green tea. Botchan dango is a product name of Ehime’s miyagegashi, which was named after Natsume Sōseki’s novel Botchan.
• Tanimoto Kamabokoten  (谷本蒲鉾店): The most popular item at Tanimoto Kamabokoten is the Tachiuo Roll (太刀魚巻). Customers also highly recommend Matsuyama Tai Meshi, a delightful sea bream and rice dish.

By combining historical exploration, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, you can create a memorable trip to Matsuyama.

愛媛県 松山市 道後温泉 本館 飛鳥乃湯泉 椿の湯 疲れたら愛媛 DOGO (YouTube link)

Dogo Park 道後公園 (YouTube link)

See Also:

1. National Historical Site Matsuyama Castle
2. Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu 飛鳥乃湯泉
• Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM (max: 90 mins)
3. Matsuyama bus map (iyotetsu; pdf download)
1. Matsuyama Airport (4:45 PM) --- 松山空港リムジン ---> Dogo Onsen Sta.