Day Trips from Matsuyama | 8 Can’t-Miss Destinations in Ehime Prefecture

As both the capital of Ehime Prefecture and its most populous city, Matsuyama is a popular spot to visit. The city is home to dozens of unforgettable tourist attractions, including one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The immediate area also is filled with incredible sightseeing destinations, and day trips from Matsuyama can include any of these eight exciting destinations.

Dogo Onsen Honkan & Dogo Onsen Annex Asukano-yu

Relaxing in a Japanese bathhouse is an activity that belongs on every Ehime traveler’s to-do list. The Dogo Onsen Honkan hot spring is located east of central Matsuyama and has been around for more than 3,000 years.

This public bathhouse features three levels and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission starts at 420 yen for 60 minutes, and guests can add extra perks like private bathing rooms and green tea and Japanese sweets for additional charges.

Dogo Onsen Annex Asukano-yu was added in 2017 and is located about a two-minute walk from the main building. This annex’s exterior design was modeled after Asuka period architecture, and the interior decor is as beautiful as the baths are relaxing. Unlike Dogo Onsen Honkan, the annex has several open-air hot springs to try, with one-of-a-kind murals created from hinoki cypress, porcelain and other native materials. There is also a spacious lounge area available that is decorated with handcrafted washi paper shades with elegant golden accents.

The first floor of the annex is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, while the second floor is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A 90-minute bath starts at 610 yen for adults and 2,040 yen for a small group.

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Matsuyama Castle

No trip to Matsuyama is complete without a visit to Matsuyama Castle, a Japanese castle that was built in 1603. The castle sits atop Mount Katsuyama and can be reached on foot in about 20 to 30 minutes from Ninomaru Historical Site Garden or from Matsuyama Castle Ropeway Station. Tourists also can use the ropeway (an enclosed gondola) or the chairlift (an open seat) to easily access the castle in three to six minutes.

Both transportation options run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and cost 520 yen for a round-trip ticket. From February through July and September through November, the ropeway stays open until 5:30 p.m. During August, the ropeway closes at 6:00 p.m. Admission to the castle itself costs an additional 520 yen.

After reaching the castle, tourists can walk the grounds to view the impressive castle walls and towers up close. While repairs and restorations have been done, much of what can be seen is from the original construction. Inside the building, there are several displays and exhibits that detail the history of the castle. And if that isn’t enough, the view of Matsuyama Castle from Mount Katsuyama itself is definitely worth the admission price.

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Photo credit: Daichan /CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Botchan Train

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the Botchan Train (or Botchan Ressha) glides through Matsuyama connecting passengers from Matsuyama City Station and Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station. While the original Botchan Trains ran on coal and poured smoke from the chimney, the restored versions have diesel engines that are more environmentally friendly. They have been designed to whistle and blow harmless steam from the chimney, mimicking the look and sound of a classic steam locomotive. The conductors even dress in vintage-style outfits to make riders feel like they’ve traveled back in time.

The Botchan Train runs between Matsuyama City Station to Dogo Onsen Station three times a day and from Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station once a day. Both trains costs 1,000 yen. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive at either station to purchase a ticket prior to the scheduled departure times to enjoy the nostalgic train ride.

Original (decommissioned) steam locomotives also are available to be viewed at Botchan Train Museum and Baishinji Garden in Matsuyama and Ehime Prefectural Science Museum in Niihama.

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Izumidani Terraced Rice Fields

One of the most popular day trips from Matsuyama is a visit to Izumidani Terraced Rice Fields, a picturesque field where premium rice is grown. Planting, weeding, and harvesting high-quality rice is a methodical process that requires knowledgeable, experienced farmers. Because the grains are planted in such precise lines, the overall look is incredibly striking and unlike anything that city dwellers may have seen. Visit the fields in the late spring to summer to see the bright green seedlings growing. In the late summer and early fall, the rice turns a stunning golden yellow color. The winter snow-covered terraced fields or spring fields dominated by water are also striking in their own way. Since rice is such a big component of the Japanese diet, seeing how it is grown and harvested is sure to be an eye-opening experience for any visitor.

This rice field is located in Uchiko, a small Ehime town that’s about an hour from Matsuyama by train or car. If traveling by train, leave from Matsuyama Station to reach Uchiko Station (Yosan Line).

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Kirosan Observatory Park

At the top of Mount Kiro on Oshima Island sits Kirosan Observatory Park, an incredible sightseeing spot for Ehime visitors. Plan an exciting day trip from Matsuyama to Imabari City, the Prefecture’s second-largest city, to experience unforgettable views of Seto Inland Sea. Kirosan Observatory Park offers stunning 360-degree views of the island, the sea and the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, which is especially beautiful on evenings when it is lit up. The light-up schedule varies and can be checked on the JB-Honshi Website. On clear days, tourists also can expect to see Mount Ishizuchi in the distance, the highest mountain in Western Japan. It takes between 40 minutes and an hour to reach Imabari Station from Matsuyama Station, and another 30 minutes to three hours to reach the observatory, depending on the transportation method. But the nature views from the top of the mountain definitely make the journey worth the time.

From Imabari Station, travelers can rent a bicycle and embark on Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route, a 70-kilometer bicycle route that connects Shikoku with Honshu. Oshima Island is one of the stops along the way. The island also is accessible via car, bus, and ferry.

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Shikoku Karst

Another natural wonder to experience is Shikoku Karst, a unique geological formation that towers 1,400 meters above sea level and provides a natural border between Ehime and Kochi prefectures. The elevated mountain road is made for driving, and there are plenty of observation platforms, hiking trails and even camping grounds for those who want to get the most out of the outdoors in this stunning area. Shikoku Karst is divided into three main tourist areas – the Tengu Highlands, Keyakidaira and Mezurudaira.

• The Tengu Highlands are one of the most popular things to see along the karst. The highlands offer stunning panoramic views of limestone clusters and lush meadows. The views will change depending on the time of year, with the spring offering green meadows, the summer offering wildflowers, the fall offering gorgeous views of the changing leaves, and the winter offering snowy hills. On clear days, visitors can expect to see the ocean and Mount Ishizuchi. Lucky tourists may also spot some natural wildlife.
• The Keyakidaira area in Nishidani is attractive for tourists who want to experience a tranquil walk through the forest. The moss-covered limestone path stretches for two kilometers and is shaded by a centuries-old forest containing hundreds of gigantic Japanese horse chestnut trees, one of which stands at the end of the trail. The 600-year-old giant is called Ibushi no Otochi and was designated as one of the “100 giants of the forest” by the Forestry Agency.
• The central region of Shikoku Karst is called Mezurudaira, and it’s here that tourists can find restaurants, souvenir shops and places to stay. There are several quaint cottages that can be rented, and Mezurudaira Camping Ground is available for adventurous travelers who want to experience true nature and spectacular night views. The Mezurudaira area in Kumakogen offers the best views of Mount Ishizuchi and has developed a reputation for several specialty foods. Visitors to Mezurudaira will want to enjoy an outdoor barbecue over a charcoal fire and sample stewed and smoked Amago fish dishes. In summertime, vanilla ice cream and dairy products made from local dairy cattle are can’t-miss things to try.

Renting a car or hiring a driver is the best way to get from Matsuyama to Shikoku Karst. The trip takes about two hours.

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Iyotetsu Takashimaya

Technically not a day trip from Matsuyama, but a fun way to spend a day nevertheless, Iyotetsu Takashimaya is a luxury department store located next to Matsuyama City Station. It is the largest department store in Ehime Prefecture, with an underground floor, nine above-ground floors, and a rooftop to explore. The first floor is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide selection of premium fashion and cosmetic brands. The upper floors are home to stores that sell goods like electronics, household appliances, books, sporting goods, and more. The basement level and the top two floors have cafes and restaurants where shoppers can rest and refuel.

Most stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but the top-level restaurants typically stay open later.

The best part of any visit to Iyotetsu Takashimaya is riding the rooftop Ferris wheel, named “Kururin.” A rotation takes about 15 minutes to complete. Like Matsuyama Castle, the Ferris wheel offers outstanding views of the city below.

The wheel is available to ride from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and costs 700 yen for a ride in a standard gondola and 1,000 yen for one with a transparent glass floor.

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Okaido & Gintengai Shopping Arcades

Extend your day trip shopping spree with a visit to Matsuyama‘s popular shopping streets — Okaido Shopping Arcade and Gintengai Shopping Arcade. Both are located near each other in central Matsuyama and are fully covered, allowing locals and tourists to shop in any weather. Because these streets have a high number of shops in one place, they make the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs. Look for unique items to take home, like handcrafted pottery, embroidered art, and confections flavored with iyokan or mikan (Japanese citrus fruits that are grown all over Ehime Prefecture).

On Saturdays in the summertime, the Doyo Yoichi Summer Festival takes over the streets and adds even more activity to these shopping arcades. In addition to the regular shops, extra vendors set up stalls in the streets to sell a variety of goods and handcrafted items, often at sale prices. There are also game booths for children with prizes, plenty of snack options to purchase, and live musical performances to enjoy.

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Discover more hotels in Ehime Prefecture & Matsuyama

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