Ehime

  • Matsuyama Castle

    One of Japan's 12 original castles, built atop 132m Mount Katsu. The impressive late Edo period reconstructed connected castle tower complex and stone walls offer panoramic views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and nighttime illumination enhance its beauty. Access via ropeway or lift is convenient.

    Address: 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: 5-minute walk to Ropeway Street from central Matsuyama, about 3 minutes to summit station

    Transportation: Ropeway/lift round trip 520 yen, walking ascent also possible (about 20 minutes)

    Tags: Original Castle TowerCherry BlossomsPanoramic View

  • Dogo Onsen Honkan

    Symbol of one of Japan's oldest hot springs with 3,000 years of history. The three-story wooden architecture is an Important Cultural Property, said to be a bathhouse model in Hayao Miyazaki's works. Bathing, touring the imperial bath 'Yushinden,' and yukata experiences in rest rooms are popular.

    Address: 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: About 20 minutes by streetcar from Matsuyama City Station, 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station

    Transportation: City streetcar 1-day pass 600 yen is convenient

    Tags: Hot SpringImportant Cultural PropertyRetro Architecture

  • Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road (Sunrise Itoyama)

    Sea strait route connecting Imabari, Ehime to Onomichi, Hiroshima over approximately 70km with dedicated bicycle-pedestrian paths. Sunrise Itoyama at the starting point offers rental bicycles, providing exhilarating rides with views of the archipelago from Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

    Address: 2-8-1 Sunaba-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: About 1 hour 15 minutes by express bus from Matsuyama City, 10-minute taxi from Imabari Pier

    Transportation: Multiple rental bicycle return bases at Imabari Station area

    Tags: CyclingBridgesInstagram-worthy

  • Mount Ishizuchi

    At 1,982m elevation, western Japan's highest peak. The main approach course featuring chain climbs is famous, with the summit offering grand panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku Mountains. Ropeway access allows beginners to enjoy alpine plants and autumn foliage hiking.

    Address: Wakayama, Kumakogen-cho, Kamiukena-gun, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: About 90 minutes by car from Matsuyama City to Mount Ishizuchi Ropeway base

    Transportation: Weekend-only mountain climbing bus service available

    Tags: Mountain ClimbingAutumn Foliage100 Famous Mountains

  • Uchiko Yokaichi and Gokoku Townscape

    Merchant town that prospered from late Edo to Meiji period with wood wax. White-walled townhouses with udatsu gables stretch about 600m, designated as an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District. Attractions include the Uchiko-za theater and Kamihaga Residence wood wax museum.

    Address: Uchiko, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: 25 minutes by express from Matsuyama Station to Uchiko Station, 10-minute walk

    Tags: Traditional ArchitectureTown WalkingPhoto Spot

  • Ozu Castle

    Four-story wooden reconstructed castle tower completed in 2004. The beautiful scenery along Hiji River and castle town, combined with nearby Garyu Sanso villa and river cormorant fishing boat tours, offer scenic strolls.

    Address: 903 Ozu, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture

    Access: About 40 minutes by express from Matsuyama City to Iyo-Ozu Station, 20-minute walk

    Tags: Reconstructed Wooden Castle TowerCormorant FishingNight View

Model Courses

  • Matsuyama-Dogo Highlights 1-Day Plan

    Classic course enjoying Matsuyama City's history and hot springs via streetcar.

    • View city from castle tower, use ropeway
    • Bathing and mikan orange juice tasting at shopping street