2024 Matsuyama Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

How about a romantic trip to a small town in Japan?

Are you tired of your mundane daily life? Instead of visiting the big cities in Japan that everyone thinks of, why not take a trip to a small town? I used to travel to cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, and Kyoto, which are always crowded with Koreans and don't feel like the serene Japan I imagine. But my first trip to a small town, filled with both anticipation and curiosity, was truly successful. The places that retained the tranquil Japanese atmosphere without tourists, the exceptionally kind Japanese neighbors, and the cool breeze of that day still come to me like a gentle nostalgia as I write this. How about gifting yourself a 2-night, 3-day trip to escape your daily life? I highly recommend Matsuyama!

Matsuyama Small Town Travel: Baishin Station

This is a place where you can see both the sea and trains at the same time, highlighting the tranquility unique to small Japanese towns. It's a romantic spot whether you visit during the day or at sunset, characterized by trains passing through residential areas with a distant view of the sea. Location: Search for Baishin Station on Google Maps From Baishin Station, look towards the sea and walk to the left for about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the photo spot.

The best sea view in Matsuyama: Shimonada Station

Shimonada Station, located in the small town of Matsuyama, Japan, offers a unique view of both the train and the sea. If you want to see the refreshing sea, this is a must-visit spot. Location: Search for Shimonada Station on Google Maps. Trains to Matsuyama Station run at intervals of over an hour, so it's recommended to check the timetable carefully. It's also advisable to purchase a round-trip ticket before you depart.

7 beautiful scenes from Hayao Miyazaki's animations, check-in.

7 beautiful scenes from Hayao Miyazaki's animations, check-in to the fairy tale world Recently, Hayao Miyazaki's new work "How Do You Live?" was released. Have you seen it? Every work of Hayao Miyazaki is worth watching. Most of his animation scenes also exist in reality, so why not check in? * , Yakushima, Kagoshima ←1997 "Princess Mononoke" Yakushima is located on the sea surface south of Sata Cape in the southern part of Kagoshima Prefecture. With its rich natural resources, it is a World Natural Heritage Site together with the Shirakami Mountains in Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Famous attractions include Shiratani Unsuikyo, Senhiro Waterfall, etc. There are also a large number of wild animals, including Yakushima deer and Yakushima monkeys. * Saitama Prefecture Sayama Hills 1998 "My Neighbor Totoro" Many scenes in "My Neighbor Totoro" are inspired by Sayama Hills in Saitama City. Here, the home of Mei and Satsuki is now open to the public. Does the small house with red tiles and white walls evoke your childhood memories? * Matsuyama Castle Dogo Onsen 2001 "Spirited Away" The appearance of Yubaba's "Aburaya" is based on the Dogo Onsen Honkan in Ehime Prefecture. It is a three-story wooden building. You can stroll in it, choose to rest in the rest area, and experience Japanese life. Hiroshima Koshinoura 2008 "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" Koshinoura is located in Hiroshima Prefecture and is a coastal town with a history of thousands of years. When Hayao Miyazaki created "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea", he lived here for three months. This seaside town that existed in the Edo period has the sound of fishermen and waves, and it is a good place for leisure. * Karuizawa 2013 "The Wind Rises" The place where Jiro Horikoshi and Naoko met in "The Wind Rises" is Japan's summer resort-Karuizawa. The hotel where the two lived in the movie is said to be based on the old Mikasa Hotel in Karuizawa. Yufuin Flower Village 1989 "Kiki's Delivery Service" The animated film revolves around Kiki, a 13-year-old witch apprentice. She and her cat left home and came to the city, opened a small bakery, learned to deliver, and helped people around with flying brooms. The bakery in the movie is actually inspired by a bakery of the same name in Yufuin Flower Village. The village has a quaint Western style, low roofs, cobblestones, and flowers hanging at the door. * Shodoshima Olive Park 1989 "Kiki's Delivery Service" Shodoshima Olive Park is famous for the anime "Kiki's Delivery Service". This is also a real place in Kagawa. The park is named because there are many olive trees planted here. There are more than 2,000 plants, and there are more than 130 different types of herbs. The huge white windmill is located on a high mountain facing the sea.

Delightful evening at Sushi Maezawa

While visiting Matsuyama, we decided to go for sushi and found a wonderful sushi place a few blocks from the Main Street in the city center. We had called the restaurant about an hour in advance and was lucky that we were able to take the last four seats in the house. Walking to the restaurant was a little of of an adventure as we had walked passed a few blocks of what seemed to be nightclubs and bars. The last turn was a quiet and wider street with a few new residential buildings and Sushi Maezawa is on the ground level of one of those buildings. The restaurant had 8 seats at the counter and Chef Maezawa managed everything with one other waitress. Neither of them spoke English and the menu was in Japanese only, but we were able to get by with my limited Japanese and google translate. As other customers arrived, the evening turned to be more lively as they were all regulars. Eventually we learned that Maezawa san had worked in Hong Kong a few years ago at one of the five star hotel and just returned to Matsuyama to open his own business. Maezawa San showed us the sashimi in his boxes and we picked everything that we liked. It was not the usual fixed price omakase since we were so hungry that evening. We just ordered as the evening went on and must have eaten more than 15 pieces each. The best part was the miso soup as recommended since it was made with all the fish bone in the house - definitely the best miso soup I have ever had! We had a fantastic evening and it was exactly how we had wanted our sushi experience to be. We would highly recommend Sushi Maezawa to anyone visiting Matsuyama! ##sushibar #Sushiinjapan ##japan #Matsuyama #cityexplorer

Dogo Onsen -one of the oldest onsen in Japan

I have been wanting to visit Dogo Onsen in Shikoku for years. It is one of the oldest in Japan. for all the Miyazaki fans , it is the building that appeared in the film- Spirited Away. We arrived in Dogo Onsen town in late morning and parked in the nearby parking lots. The covered shopping street was already quite vibrant and ready for the lunch hours. We followed the street to the end and came to the spot where I was supposed to see the beautiful onsen house. Instead, I saw a colorful hoarding covering all three sides of the building ! Only the lower part of the front facade and the entrance was not covered! As I finally learned, the building is under going renovation for 7 years. ( starting Jan 2019 ). Whether there was delay due to covid, I am not sure. So disappointingly, we can only see part of this building and read about the history of the Onsen in the little exhibition house across the street. Hopefully I will have the chance to go back when the work is completed. The good thing is that the Onsen is still opened for business during this time. Aside from the Onsen, there are also other fun things to do such as the foot bath at the park, and plenty of shops for shopping and enjoying udon which is famous in Shikoku. Hours- 6am-11 pm daily #Dogoonsen #Matsuyama #Onseninjapan

Matsuyama Castle is a vast Hirayama Castle with a Honmaru at an altitude of 132 m at an altitude of 132 m in the center of Matsuyama City, and a large Hirayama Castle with a Ninomaru (Ninomaru Historic Site Garden) and Sannomaru (Horinouchi). a very uniquely and very stunning castle in Japan, if you have a chance to visit Matsuyama City, this Castle is a must in your list. Accessed by chairlift, cable car or foot, this restored 17th-century castle is surrounded by a park. A Chairlift is an incredible thing to try but if your fear and feel uncomfortable you can take gondola instead., Address: Japan, 〒790-0004 Ehime, Matsuyama, Okaido, 3 Chome, 東雲口駅

Isaniwa Shrine

Address: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0838, Japan Getting there: The Isaniwa Shrine is located about 200 meters east of Dogo Onsen Station. Highlights: When you reach this attraction, the first thing that comes into your eyes is a tall flight of stairs that lead to the shrine, which is constructed of the traditional Hachiman architectural style. In this style, the shrine consists of two halls whose roofs are connected with each other, essentially forming a single building. Sheltered corridors and vermillion pillars and walls are also a feature of this style.After climbing a long stretch of stone stairs, passing a double-story gate, a magnificent bright-red structure emerges. 🤩 Opening hours: 5am to 7pm daily Admission fee: free of charge 😬 #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

Shiki Memorial Museum

Address: 1-30 Dogokoen, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0857, Japan Getting there: Shiki Memorial Museum is located in the north area of Dogo Park. There is a bus stop right in front the Musuem. Highlights: The Shiki Memorial Museum displays information on one of Matsuyama's most well-known sons, Masaoka Shiki, who introduced modern haiku poetry. Shiki's works of poems and paintings, as well as materials documenting his life are presented. Shiki is widely considered to be the most important figure in the modernization of both haiku and tanka poetry. Apart from wide range of exhibits related to Shiki, the museum also includes exhibits about the early history of Matsuyama. Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily, closed on Tuesday Admission fee: 400yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

Botchan Karakuri Clock

Address: 6-7 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan. Getting there: The Botchan Karakuri Clock was erected in Hōjō-en, located in front of Dōgo Onsen Station. Highlights: The Botchan Karakuri Clock near the station plays music on the hour whilst figurines of characters from the famous novel "Botchan" come to life. The clock chimes every 30-60 minutes from 8am to 10pm. The best thing is that it operates everyday without rest! Hence you will never missed it during your trip here. 😬 Next to the clock there is a foot bath free for all to enjoy It can be used from 6am to 11pm at night. #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

Relaxing bath at Asuka No Yu

Address: 19-22 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan. Getting there: Asuka no Yu is a three minute walk from the Dogo Onsen tram terminal. Highlights: Asuka no Yu is a public bath in Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen district. What I love about this place is that it offers an elegant experience with its baths on the first floor and tatami-covered relaxation rooms on the second floor. The exterior of Asuka no Yu is inspired by the ancient Asuka Period because Dogo Onsen was mentioned already in Japan's oldest historical records which date back to the Asuka Period. Inside, the gender-separated bathing areas offer stone baths as well as outdoor baths surrounded by hinoki wood panels. Opening hours: 6am to 11pm daily Admission fee: 610yen for baths #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

dogo onsen

dodo onsen in ehima is one of the oldest hot springs in japan said to have a history of over 3000 years. the beautiful building of the dogo onsen honkan was inspired in the maga classic - spirited away. this bathhouse is extremely popular with the locals and tourists, is a great place to visit weather a bath inside or having a lovely stroll around the little town. #onsen#naturalwonders

Take suburb tramcar of Iyomishima "Takahama station - Yokokawara Line" to the station before terminal of Takahama station. Only 17 mins, you can get here from the downtown of Matsuyama. Here you can find a billboard that reads the shooting location of Tokyo Love Story. This station is experienced. And, it is tranquil and casual, never inferior to Shimonada.

This old shop Juugomangoku lasts over 50 years. It mainly serves set meal and banquet. The special ingredient is bream highly admired by Japanese people. The shop is full of plain and elegant decorations, with many paintings of bream on the wall.

クリスマスに🤶 #merrychristmas

Close to the Dogo Onsen Honkan and Dogo Station is Dogo Park. Dogo Park is almost perfect. Not too big, you can walk around it, or over it, in fifteen minutes. The park has lots to see and do. The observation platform at the top offers a magnificent panoramic view of Matsuyama, the castle, and the Seto Inland Sea. There’s nothing that resembles a castle anymore, but there’s a well-made replica of a samurai compound, and a very good little museum. The park is close to many other attractions, but it’s well worth a visit in itself, if only to see the people of Matsuyama taking their leisure in a little local oasis. #givethanks #givethanks

Thousands of Chihiro "Oil House" framing the road After the hot spring main building this Ehime County trip, has been a long time to see thousands and thousands of quests ~ but came to the local, there is still a sense of deja vu. The movie is impressive, and the scenes in reality are very special. The Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City has a history of 3,000 years and is listed as the three ancient springs in Japan. The "Oil House" in the Spirited Away is based on the Doosan Onsen Main Building built in 1894. Lue Ge once appeared in the postcard of the travel frog~ watching the exterior of the building at night, and the colorful windows on the second and third floors are particularly attractive. This is from the design of Suichuan real flower, which is part of the local art activities. The public large bathroom on the first floor, to tell the truth, it didn't take long to quit, there are too many people - the Houhou Hot Spring seems to be very popular among Japanese elderly tourists. If you come here, you can go to the upper floor without bathing. The Japanese royal family's royal bathroom "new hall", special person to explain, the third floor rest area, there is the "between young masters" that Natsume Soseki once visited. If you want to bathe in the hot springs of Dow, it is recommended to go to the new building, the environment facilities are better.

Ehime Prefecture Dogo Onsen has a history of 3,000 years and is one of the three ancient springs in Japan, attending rheumatism.

Daohou Hot Spring is one of the three ancient springs in Japan and has a history of 3,000 years. During this period, it was the art exhibition of the Doosan Hot Springs Main Building and the Sasakawa Shira. She transplanted the magnificent and fascinating photography style to this ancient hot spring, and let the Dogo Onsen main building exude a new look. The spring water of the road after the hot spring can not only maintain beauty, but also treat neuralgia and muscle pain. In addition, the Dogo Onsen Main Building is an important cultural heritage of Japan's designated countries. When you come here, you can not only run the hot springs, but also experience the continuation of history. Local hot spring culture has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. On the hot spring street, men and women wearing yukata can be seen everywhere. Their faces are full of comfortable expressions. There is such an ancient spring. I think the local people will receive a lot of Fukuzawa! Daohou Hot Spring Main Building: Aiyama, Matsuyama-shi, Minato-ku, Yunomachi, 5-6, Housaka Onsen Exit, about 3 minutes walk

Matsuyama Castle is located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. It is also known as Golden Turtle City and Shengshan City and is one of the three largest Pingshan cities in Japan. Japan's most classic love story - Tokyo Love story takes place in Ehime Prefecture. Bringing us a romantic pink landscape without expectation. If there is a breeze blowing at this time, you can watch a dreamy cherry blossom rain~ Finally understand that in the Japanese girl anime, those beautiful and fascinating scenes are not created out of thin air, here is indeed There is such a landscape. Songshan City On the Shengshan Mountain in the center of Songshan City, you can take the cable car and the lift. Once you reach it, you can take in the sights of the entire city of Matsuyama. Timetable for cable cars and chair lifts: time

Mikyan theme room, only one in the hotel! I am very lucky~ Because the oranges in Ehime Prefecture are very famous, the streets and alleys are all related to oranges, so we all call mikyan the orange bear, which is the runner-up of the 2015 mascot! The room is so cute, the orange bear ambushes me in the room! Dinner time is up! Today's dinner is the hotel's dinner! A big table~ I am moving! If you have enough to eat, you will have a room with orange bears and have a good rest~ Hotel Yachiyo: 6-34, Dogo-cho, Matsushima-cho, Matsuyama

Matsuyama Travel Guide | Hidden Gem Tour

| Hidden Gem Tour 🚩Must-visit spots: • 🌟Dogo Onsen: A 3,000-year-old hot spring! Dogo Onsen Honkan is a unique experience, and the hot spring is super relaxing 😎 • 🌟Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Take the cable car or hike up to enjoy the stunning views and overlook the entire city of Matsuyama. It's a great photo spot 📸 • 🌟Dogo Onsen Station: Here you'll find a retro Starbucks, the "Botchan Train" parked in front of the station, and the "Botchan Karakuri Clock" (at half-past and on the hour, the clock's characters come out to dance). 🍱Food recommendations: Ehime citrus products are a must-try, as well as fresh seafood. 🛍Shopping: Okaido has many unique souvenirs. 🚢If you have time, take a boat from Matsuyama Port to the Kutsuna Islands to experience the island atmosphere. 🚌Transportation: Take the tram or bus in the city. A day pass is more cost-effective. Choose accommodation according to your needs.💕

Travel to Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Shikoku.

Flying with EVA Air to Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Shikoku, I enjoyed the benefits of free airport shuttle service and hot spring vouchers, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the atmosphere reminiscent of Spirited Away. In this quaint hot spring town, every photo is picturesque, especially on sunny days when each shot looks like a postcard. People here are either strolling around in yukatas or taking traditional wedding photos, and tourists riding rickshaws can be seen everywhere. Couples enjoying foot baths after a long walk add to the joyful atmosphere. The hot spring water here is very clean and has no strong odor. After soaking, I felt extremely comfortable and wished I could stay a few more days.

Dogo Onsen (Japan's Oldest Hot Spring @ Autumn Girls' Trip)

♨️ Atmosphere/Facilities: Renovation work was completed in July this year, and the entire facility is now available for use. The exterior retains its charm while the interior has been beautifully refurbished. 📍 Location: Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 💞 Recommended Reason: Japan's oldest hot spring with a 3000-year history dating back to the mythological era. Loved by historical figures, this important cultural property has an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. (You might even feel like you're in Spirited Away♪) 🕰️ Business Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM 💰 Price per person: From 700 yen depending on the facility. I used the 2000 yen Reimei-no-Yu second floor seat. You can enjoy both Kami-no-Yu and Reimei-no-Yu, and have tea and sweets in the second-floor lounge (includes towel, bath towel, and yukata).

Autumn Leaves x Sunset - Matsuyama Castle, Shikoku, Japan

Matsuyama Castle is located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. This historic mountain castle was built in 1602 and sits atop Mount Katsuyama at an elevation of 132 meters, overlooking the entire Matsuyama city area. Matsuyama Castle is not only a must-visit for history enthusiasts but also an excellent spot for watching the sunset. As the sun sets, the ancient stone walls of the castle and the surrounding natural scenery appear particularly magnificent in the golden sunlight. The sunset at Matsuyama Castle is renowned for its spectacular views and tranquil atmosphere. As the sun gradually sinks into the Seto Inland Sea, the sky is painted in shades of orange and red, and the entire castle is bathed in a warm glow. From the castle's main keep or walls, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Matsuyama City and the distant mountains under the setting sun. Additionally, the cherry blossom trees around Matsuyama Castle bloom in spring, creating a beautiful scene that complements the sunset. The best seasons to view the sunset at Matsuyama Castle are spring and autumn. Spring (March to May) is the cherry blossom season, and the cherry trees around the castle look particularly beautiful under the sunset. Autumn (September to November) is the best time to view the autumn leaves, with the maple trees around the castle displaying brilliant red and gold colors under the setting sun. The weather in these two seasons is usually clear with high visibility, making it ideal for photographing the sunset.

The Favorite Autumn Foliage Café of a Great Literary Master

Soseki Coffee Shop Aishotei, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is a café filled with historical ambiance. This place was once the lodging of Natsume Soseki when he was teaching in Matsuyama, and it has now been transformed into a nostalgic-style café offering various Ehime specialties in sweets and drinks. Bansuiso is a French-style mansion built in 1922, originally the villa of Count Hisamatsu Sadakoto, the lord of Matsuyama. This building, with its elegant design and historical value, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a significant cultural heritage of Matsuyama City. Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) is one of the representative writers of modern Japanese literature, originally named Natsume Kinnosuke. His works include "I Am a Cat," "Botchan," and "Kokoro," which have had a profound impact on Japanese literature. After graduating from Tokyo Imperial University, he taught in Matsuyama and Kumamoto, later studying in England, and upon returning to Japan, he became a full-time writer. His works are known for their humor and deep human insights, and they remain widely loved by readers to this day. In autumn, Soseki Coffee Shop Aishotei is surrounded by stunning autumn foliage. The maple trees inside and outside the café turn bright red in the fall, adding a romantic atmosphere to the café. Visitors can enjoy Ehime specialty sweets while admiring the beautiful autumn foliage, making for a leisurely afternoon. 📍Address: 3-3-7 Ichibancho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Dogoyumekura: A private feast of hot springs and gourmet food.

In the embrace of Shikoku, Japan, Dogo Onsen, a hot spring flowing with history and art, quietly awaits the arrival of every traveler. In the corner of this ancient land, a hot spring inn named CHAHARU Dogoyumekura, with its only seven rooms, tells the ultimate privacy and luxury. Our group of seven people had the privilege of staying in it and experienced the elegance of Zhu'an, Feng'an, Hua'an and Bieti Ruyi. Each room is carefully crafted by the artist of Tobe ware, and each decoration contains a unique story, as if it is a mark of time. "Bieti Ruyi", my private world, the clever fusion of Japanese and Western rooms, the surprise of the attic, and the open-air private soup, make people intoxicated. When bathing, in front of my eyes is the simple figure of the Dogo Onsen Benkan. At that moment, the harmonious coexistence of history and nature makes people feel like they are in a different world. However, the most unforgettable thing is the banquet cuisine of CHAHARU Dogoyumekura. Every dish is like a work of art. The chef cleverly uses Ehime's specialty and seasoning, a double feast of vision and taste, making every moment of this trip full of surprises and touches. CHAHARU Dogoyumekura is not just a place to stay, it is a cultural exploration, a life experience, a private feast about history, art, food and nature.

Matsuyama Castle: One of the Twelve Surviving Castles

Located in the heart of Matsuyama City, Matsuyama Castle is built on Mount Katsuyama, which stands at an elevation of 132 meters. The main keep is situated at the summit, while the second and third enclosures, now a historical garden and Horinouchi Park respectively, spread out at the base. Kato Yoshiaki, who played a significant role in the Battle of Sekigahara, became the first lord of the castle and spent over a quarter of a century constructing it from 1602. As one of the twelve surviving castles, it houses 21 important cultural properties. There are four routes to the castle, as well as a ropeway and lift, and various limited-time and day-specific events are held, ensuring that visitors can enjoy multiple visits. There are four walking routes to the main keep of Matsuyama Castle, each featuring steep slopes that can be quite challenging even for the energetic. For those who want to experience the feeling of a castle siege, walking is recommended. However, for tourists, the ropeway or lift routes are more popular. The ropeway takes about 3 minutes, while the lift takes about 6 minutes to reach Choja-ga-hira, located at the eighth station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the main keep. If you choose to walk the entire route, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen, known as a place associated with Meiji literature, has been a healing spot for many literary giants including Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki. The town is dotted with stone monuments inscribed with haiku, and it is famously the setting for Soseki's novel 'Botchan.' Visitors can ride the 'Botchan Train,' soak in the waters of the 'Dogo Onsen Honkan,' and enjoy 'Botchan Dango' after their bath. The scenery that captivated Soseki still welcomes visitors today. The 'Dogo Onsen Honkan,' a grand three-story wooden structure with a large gabled roof rebuilt in the 27th year of the Meiji era, stands proudly at the center of the hot spring town. The 'Toki Taiko' drum, struck three times a day from the 'Shirasagikaku' tower at the top, continues to mark the passage of time in Dogo.

One of the beloved hot springs place in Japan

Dogo onsen (hot springs) is located in Ehime prefecture, 4 hours train trip from Osaka. Comparing other popular hot springs places, it is small and easy to look around. If you want to try hot spring, recommend to go early in the morning like 6 or 7 am to avoid peak hours.