Matsuyama

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Matsuyama

Set against a backdrop of historical buildings, Matsuyama is a vibrant city of living traditions. Here, haiku poetry still holds a significant place in daily life. With a jam-packed calendar of seasonal festivals, visitors are guaranteed to find something captivating to experience all year round. Getting around the city is easy with a network of vintage trams and steam trains at your service. In addition, Matsuyama boasts miles of sandy beaches, which provide a scenic view of the Seto Inland Sea, filled with beautiful islands.

The City Top 7 Temples & Shrines Unique Spots

The City

Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture and the largest city on Shikoku Island is a destination that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Its name, meaning 'pine mountain', hints at the serene landscapes that surround the city. Matsuyama is also renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, where visitors can savour regional specialities such as sea bream, wild boar, and exquisite sake. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring bathhouse. Featured in the Michelin Green Guide and famed as the inspiration for the beloved animation 'Spirited Away', Dogo Onsen offers a timeless experience. Equally captivating is Matsuyama Castle, perched atop a hill in the city’s heart, offering stunning panoramic views. The city is also a spiritual hub, with eight of the eighty-eight temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage located here. Among these, Ishiteji stands out with its intriguing network of tunnels hidden in the hillside, while Taisanji and Jodoji provide glimpses into the city’s 8th-century Buddhist heritage. Major Shinto shrines such as Isaniwa Jinja and Tsubaki Jinja further enrich the city’s spiritual landscape. Matsuyama’s cultural significance is also profound. The city was once home to the revered haiku poet Masaoka Shiki, whose former residence, the Shiki-do, along with the Shiki Memorial Museum, attracts literature enthusiasts from around the world. Matsuyama’s literary connections extend to Natsume Soseki’s novel Botchan and several works by Shiba Ryotaro, including the acclaimed Saka no Ue no Kumo (Clouds Above the Hill). This novel became the centrepiece of a significant cultural initiative, leading to a popular NHK drama adaptation and the creation of a museum designed by the esteemed architect Tadao Ando. Another cultural gem is the Itami Juzo Museum, dedicated to the celebrated film director. Despite its rich history and cultural offerings, Matsuyama retains a charming, compact feel. The city’s centre is served by a nostalgic tram system, featuring vintage cars from the 1950s and 60s, alongside a replica steam train, the Botchan Ressha. Encircled by mountains and dotted with hills, Matsuyama exudes a green, rural charm. The city’s proximity to the pristine beaches of the Seto Inland Sea further enhances its appeal. Amidst the modern developments, Matsuyama preserves its architectural heritage, with numerous buildings from the Meiji Period and earlier, including the opulent Bansuiso Villa, designed by Shichiro Giko.

Top 7

Matsuyama has so many fascinating buildings, museums, galleries, beaches and things to do, that choosing the top ten isn't easy. When you've done the top sights, be sure to look for some of the hidden gems too.

Temples & Shrines

Matsuyama is home to eight of the 88 Buddhist temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, as well as to many dramatic Shinto shrines. You can see pilgrims dressed in white making their way between the temples, while the shrines are the focus of exciting and varied seasonal festivals.

Unique Spots

Matsuyama has been home to artists, soldiers and thinkers who have achieved international influence. Their birthplaces and homes are now fascinating museums. Several of the temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage are also found in Matsuyama, but you don't have to be a pilgrim to enjoy their calm beauty.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Matsuyama is a compact city with a wide choice of things to do and see, from galleries and museums to beaches, historic buildings and parks. Be sure to allow plenty of time for all.

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle stands on a large, wooded hill right in the middle of town, with an extensive moat and earth ramparts that dominate the city centre. Unlike many Japanese castles that were destroyed and rebuilt of concrete, Matsuyama Castle remains in its original state of wood and plaster. The castle offers spectacular views of …

Fuwari Beach

Fuwari Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the northern edge of Matsuyama. Formed of two small coves, it offers an expansive view of Kashima Island and the Seto Inland Sea. Behind the beach are showers, toilets, kiosks, cafés and shops. Popular in summer, it's also a scene of wild beauty during the other …

The Shiki Museum

Masaoka Shiki is revered as the genius behind the revival of haiku and the establishment of its modern form in the Meiji period. As a teenager, he helped to popularise baseball in Japan. He also served as a journalist in China covering the aftermath of the First Sino-Japanese War. This museum, tucked away next …

Dogo Park

Dogo Park is the site of the Yuzuki Castle built by the Kono Clan. Only the moat and earth ramparts remain. This charming park is home to a fascinating museum and a variety of delightful birds and other wildlife. The top of the hill in the middle of the park offers a 380-degree panorama …

Sogo Koen Park

Sogo Koen Park is located on one of the big hills in the centre of Matsuyama. On the top of the hill is a folly built to look like a European castle. The views from here over the city and the Inland Sea are breathtaking. The park has some elaborate children's play equipment and …

Dogo Onsen Honkan

Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to be the model for the spirit bathhouse in the world-famous animation “Spirited Away”. It's also the oldest hot spring in Japan, with a history going back over 3,000 years. A whole section of the main building, the Yushinden, is given over to the imperial family. There are several …

The Museum of Art, Ehime

The Museum of Art, Ehime is located in an architecturally significant building within the moat of Matsuyama Castle. It has its own collection of works by Japanese artists and holds frequent special exhibitions covering everything from Japanese animation artwork to classical painters and applied arts. There's always something interesting …

Bansuiso Villa

Bansuiso is a large villa, built in the style of a 19th-century Gothic French château. The Earl Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of the Matsuyama clan, built it in 1922 as a second home. Having lived in France, Hisamatsu wanted to impress with Western style, and he hired architect Shichirō Giko to achieve it. The …

Botchan Theater

Botchan Theater presents musicals based on local historical themes. These semi-serious stories involve large doses of romance and comedy, with high-quality song and dance interludes. Shows start at 10:30 and 14:00 (see the schedule for details). A free shuttle bus runs from Matsuyama JR and Shieki …

Ehime Children’s Playground

Ehime Children’s Playground is a huge fantasy "castle" for children, set in a large hilly park dotted with attractions for the young and young at heart. There are things to climb, things to ride, and things to slide down from, many of which are totally free of charge. There are also places to …

Botchan Steam Train

Kururin Ferris Wheel

The huge Ferris wheel atop the Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store goes by the name Kururin. This exciting ride lasts 15 minutes, affording a fantastic view over the whole of Matsuyama including the castle, the mountains and the sea. At dusk, the view is particularly pretty as the city lights come …

Tsubaki no Yu Onsen

Just down Dogo Arcade from Dogo Onsen Honkan is another hot spring bath, Tsubaki no Yu. The bath here is bigger and the ceiling is higher, creating an altogether different …

Tobe Potteries

Tobe was once a separate town to the south of Matsuyama. It's home to many potteries producing ceramics known collectively as Tobe-yaki. These tend to be white with navy blue decoration, although there are many varieties. You can purchase very serviceable tableware for everyday use at the potteries, and you can also try your …

Mitsuhama

Mitsuhama is the old port area of Matsuyama, facing the island-studded Seto Inland Sea. It's an active fishing port and the morning fish market is an event worth seeing. The dockside is full of boats and cranes, some of which are elegant vintage models. Mitsuhama is one of the few places in Japan where you …

Baishinji Beach

Baishinji sits in a little bay on the Matsuyama coastline, for all the world like a seaside village all of its own. The sandy beach looks across a narrow channel to the dramatic peak of Gogoshima Island. Pretty ferries pass by the beach at frequent intervals presenting a scene of pleasant …

Iyonada Monogatori Train

The Iyonada Monogatari Tourist Train departs from JR Matsuyama Station on weekends and holidays. This stylish retro train travels through the beautiful scenery of southwestern Ehime, stopping at scenic towns on the way. Enjoy carefully prepared meals using local ingredients while admiring stunning views of the Seto Inland …

Sora to Mori Spa

Sora to Mori is a large spa complex housed in a beautiful modern building. There's an extensive selection of indoor and outdoor baths, as well as popular stone sauna baths. The mineral-rich water of the spa feels slippery like lotion, leaving your skin smooth and …

Mt Kyogamori

Matsuyama has many small mountains within its boundaries. Mt. Kyogamori is accessed by a trail that goes from behind Taisanji Temple to nearby Takahama. It's an easy walk to the top, passing Buddhist statuary along the way. The peak affords views of the high mountains in the south, the beaches in north Matsuyama, and …

Dining

With its mild climate and proximity to the sea, Matsuyama produces a wide range of high-quality vegetables, fruit, seafood, and meats. This is reflected in the menus of the city's restaurants and hotels. Besides traditional dishes such as 'taimeshi' — rice cooked with sea bream — Matsuyama is enjoying a pâtisserie boom, making the most of the wonderful citrus and other fruits produced locally.

Sendan Ryokan and Restaurant

Tucked away in Ishite, Matsuyama, this ryokan and restaurant offers warm, attentive service in a beautiful architectural space. The carefully prepared food is both delicious and healthy. There are rooms suitable for couples and groups of up to …

Daikokuya

Daikokuya is a popular chain of restaurants serving udon and kamameshi. They offer a menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Daikokuya's noodles are always just the right firmness. The staff are friendly and show guests how to eat the noodles correctly with the sauce …

Dogokan Hotel

Dogokan Hotel in Dogo offers a course lunch, which includes a free ticket to the hotel's luxurious onsen and rotenburo, and a 50% discount at the hotel …

Cafés

Matsuyama is something of a café city, with everything from large Japanese and foreign chains to stylish and friendly owner-run cafés featuring distinctive beverages and food.

R. Greasers

R. Greasers is that rare thing – a café and barber. The café is a meticulously recreated 50's-style rock 'n roll diner with red vinyl chairs and vintage cars and bikes parked outside. Although a big sign in front of the store proclaims 'Daily Junkfood', their hamburgers are meticulously prepared, and offer healthy and …

Dogo no Machiya

Dogo no Machiya is a beautiful café with courtyard gardens and stylish Japanese décor. It’s ideal for a late breakfast, lunch, or a relaxing sit. The café also has its own bakery for takeaway bread and …

Café Bleu

Café Bleu is a sophisticated space that captures the spirit of the café cultures of Paris, London, the Beat generation, and late-seventies New York. This loft café has an extensive collection of art, photography, and music books (many in English), with a record and CD collection to …

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Matsuyama is primarily centred around Dogo and the Bancho streets—Ichi-, Ni-, and San-Bancho—in the city centre. These areas offer a vibrant mix of bars, izakayas, and entertainment venues. Dogo is especially popular for its evening activities, often paired with visits to its famous onsen.

Blue Belton

Located up a flight of stairs in the centre of town, the Blue Belton is Matsuyama's best-known disco. It serves up a popular stream of highly danceable 80's music. It attracts a regular and friendly …

Marinecco

Marinecco is a chic café bar on chic Ropeway Street. Besides Guinness and Kilkenny, it serves a range of wines and sake, accompanied by a range of very scrumptious pizzas, salads and …

Club Bibros

This dance club in the centre of town has regular guest DJs and parties to suit every …

Piano Bar Moon Glow

Music, martinis and memories is the motto of Moon Glow Piano Bar, a friendly haven for jazz and other music in the centre of Matsuyama. Enjoy a wide range of cocktails with live music and the company of the city's ex-pat …

Shopping

Matsuyama has a wide range of shopping areas including covered arcades, malls, and department stores. The two arcades in central Matsuyama and in Dogo serve as the arteries to a much larger area of shops and restaurants.

Takashimaya Department Store

Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store occupies one side of Matsuyama Shieki station. It's a massive emporium of luxury goods, from fashion to food. On the roof of Takashimaya stands the Kururin Ferris wheel, a major landmark of …

Mitsukoshi Department Store

Mitsukoshi Department Store is a vast emporium of luxury goods from fashion to food, displayed with the care and style demanded by Japanese consumers. The domed atrium facing the Ōkaido Arcade is a spectacular architectural space. It has a futsal court on the …

Ōkaido Arcade

Ōkaido Arcade is a broad, covered shopping street that runs through the centre of Matsuyama. It's home to an interesting variety of modern and traditional shops, large stores and tiny boutiques. There are also restaurants and cafés at regular …

Dogo Arcade

Dogo Arcade starts in front of Dogo Onsen Honkan, running past Tsubaki no Yu Onsen, down to Dogo Station. The arcade has many souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. Here you can find a wonderful shop devoted to goods from Studio Ghibli featuring the fantastic creations of Hayao …

Gintengai Arcade

Gintengai Arcade is a covered shopping street that runs through the centre of Matsuyama with a rather 1970s look and feel. It's home to a variety of modern and traditional shops, and tiny boutiques with a focus on fashion. There are also a number of coffee shops and restaurants off side …

Ropeway Dori

Ropeway Dori is an uncovered continuation of Ōkaido Arcade. It's a rather chic street with many attractive old buildings housing many boutiques and reasonably priced antique shops. It's a good place to look for souvenirs. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose …