Matsuyama Attractions | Best Places to Visit in the Capital of Ehime

Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture in Japan as well as the largest city on the southern island of Shikoku. It has a population of roughly half a million people and provides a nice change of pace from the country’s larger cities. Though not high on the international tourist radar, this charming castle town has been a top destination for domestic Japanese travelers for centuries. It boasts historic landmarks like Matsuyama Castle and Ishiteji Temple in addition to newer attractions like Ferris Wheel Kururin. Here is a guide to the top Matsuyama attractions that should be on your itinerary.

1. Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is the most renowned hot spring in Japan. It is also thought to be the oldest hot spring in the country, with some sources claiming that it has been in use for over 3,000 years. The warm, soothing water encourages relaxation of the body and the mind, and there are three bathhouses available for visitors to enjoy. The main building, the Dogo Onsen Honkan, is a beautiful, three-story wooden structure and the first public bathhouse in Japan designated as an Important Cultural Property. Beside the main bathhouse sits the Dogo Onsen Tsubaki-no-Yu, a favorite among the locals for its large granite bathing rooms. The newest building at Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, which features a traditional Asuka architectural style and open-air baths.

Dogo Onsen Hours, Admission, and Location

The main building and most other baths in Dogo Onsen are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission price varies by bathhouse:

• Honkan: 420 yen for adults (12 years or older) and 160 yen for children (age 2 to 11) for a maximum of one hour.
• Tsubaki-no-Yu: 400 yen for adults and 150 yen for children for a maximum of one hour.
• Annex Asuka-no-Yu: 610 yen for adults and 300 yen for children for a maximum of 90 minutes.

Dogo Onsen is located just a few minutes’ walk from Dogo Onsen Station, which can be reached via tram lines from both Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama City Station.

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2. Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle sits at the top of Mount Katsuyama in the center of the city, at a height of 433 feet. It was originally constructed in 1603 and had to be rebuilt twice, in 1642 and 1854, after a fire. Matsuyama Castle is considered one of the 12 “original castle towers” of Japan that have survived into the modern era. It is also one of the finest examples of feudal castle architecture in the country. Inside, you can find exhibits detailing the castle’s history and construction. Outside, you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding city all the way to the Seto Inland Sea. The grounds of Matsuyama Castle are a popular spot for viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring and the changing leaves in the fall.

Matsuyama Castle Hours, Admission, and Location

Matsuyama Castle is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most months of the year, though the closing time is 4:30 p.m. in December and January and 5:30 p.m. in August. There is an admission fee of 520 yen.

The castle is easily accessible via a chairlift or a ropeway, or you can take a 15-minute walk from the base of the mountain. The closest tram station is Okaido Station, which can be reached from both Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama City Station.

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

3. Botchan Train

Botchan Train is a tiny, diesel-powered train that runs through the center of Matsuyama. Adored by locals and tourists alike, it is a replica of the steam engines that served the city for 67 years beginning in 1888. The original trains are feature in the novel “Botchan” by famous Japanese novelist Soseki Natsume, which is how the replica got its name. The engine and the train cars have a green exterior, and the cars have a handsome dark wood interior as well. A ride on Botchan Train takes about 20 minutes and is a good way to do some sightseeing around the Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle areas. It is a great attraction for families with kids but a popular stop on any traveler’s itinerary.

Botchan Train Hours, Admission, and Location

Botchan Train operates on two routes, beginning at either Matsuyama City Station or Komachi Station and ending at Dogo Onsen Station. It runs every day of the year from 9:19 a.m. to 4:02 p.m. and has a fare of 1,000 yen per ride for adults (over 13) and 500 yen for children (ages 6 to 12).

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4. Bansuisou

One of the most unique attractions in the city, Bansuisou is a French, Renaissance-style chateau located near the perimeter of Matsuyama Castle. It was built in 1922 as a home for Count Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of a feudal lord. The style of the home was inspired by the count’s experiences in France, where he studied from the time he was 16. It was designed by Osaka-based architect Shichiro Kigo and is considered to be a fine architectural achievement. The residence has been visited by many prominent figures over the years, including members of the Imperial Family. Bansuisou has also been designated an Important Cultural Property and holds the distinction of being the oldest reinforced concrete building in Matsuyama.

Bansuisou Hours, Admission, and Location

Bansuisou is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Monday. There is no admission fee to explore the first floor, but the second-floor exhibitions require a 300-yen ticket. The villa is located just a five-minute walk from Okaido Station.

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5. Ferris Wheel Kururin

Ferris Wheel Kururin is both an amusement ride and one of the best spots to enjoy bird’s-eye views of Matsuyama. The large Ferris wheel is situated at a height of 347 feet (106 meters) above sea level (almost the same height as Matsuyama Castle) on the rooftop of Iyotetsu Takashimaya, a nine-story department store in the heart of the city. Riders are treated to uninterrupted views of the city, the Seto Inland Sea, and the nearby mountains. There are two types of gondolas to choose from: a regular gondola and a transparent gondola. The transparent gondolas have a see-through floor that lets you look straight down past your feet to the ground below. It takes about 15 minutes for Ferris Wheel Kururin to complete one revolution.

Ferris Wheel Kururin Hours, Admission, and Location

Ferris Wheel Kururin operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. It costs 700 yen per person for a regular gondola or 900 yen for a transparent gondola. Travelers who show their passports can ride for free, though only in a regular gondola.

The Ferris wheel is accessible from Matsuyama City Station, which is located inside Iyotetsu Takashimaya.

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6. Isaniwa Shrine

Isaniwa Shrine is a beautiful and easily accessible shrine located east of Matsuyama. The stunning architecture features bright red walls, gold-leafed columns, decorative engravings, and a roof made of cypress bark. It is said that the shrine was originally built in the spot where Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu bathed in the waters of Dogo Onsen. Later, in the fourteenth century, the shrine was moved to its present location by the Kono clan. Isaniwa Shrine is also dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and features many paintings depicting warriors and warfare. Its grounds contain a treasure house that contains a collection of armor and swords as well.

Isaniwa Shrine Hours, Admission, and Location

Isaniwa Shrine can be reached from Dogo Onsen Station. To the east of the station, you will see a road passing under a large wooden torii gate. Follow the road to reach a flight of stone steps that lead to the shrine.

The shrine is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and there is no admission fee to enter.

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7. Ishiteji Temple

Ishiteji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple built to honor Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most famous monks. Located in the east of Matsuyama, it is temple number 51 on the 88-temple pilgrimage of Shikoku. The name translates to “Stone Hand Temple,” referring to the story of an aristocrat who came to seek Kobo Daishi but died before he could, holding a stone in his hand. He was then reborn to the lord of the province, grasping a stone in his infant hand as well. Today, many of the buildings at Ishiteji Temple have been designated Important Cultural Properties, and its main Niomon Gate is designated as a National Treasure. The grounds also contain a three-story pagoda, a large statue of Kobo Daishi, and a treasure house that holds many important artifacts.

Ishiteji Temple Hours, Admission, and Location

Ishiteji Temple is open 24 hours a day, and there is no admission fee to enter the grounds. It is about a 15- to 20-minute walk east from Dogo Onsen Station.

Note that there is a small fee of 200 yen for adults and 50 yen for children (infant to junior high school) to enter the treasure house, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

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Look for cheap hostels & eco hotels near Matsuyama attractions

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