Top 7 - Matsuyama | ArrivalGuides.com

Top 7Guide was updated: 20 august 2024

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.

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 the city, mountains and sea, particularly from the top of the keep. Matsuyama Castle houses a fascinating collection of samurai weapons and armour, and information about the history and structure of the castle.

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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 baths and lounges offering more or less luxurious service. Feel free to walk in off the street and enjoy a dip in Japan's oldest spa.

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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 villa was a social mecca for the elite of that time, including the Imperial family. Today, exhibitions of the Museum of Art Ehime and concerts are held here.

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Kashima Island

Kashima Island is a distinctive mountain in the sea just off the shore of Hojo, on the northern boundary of Matsuyama. Kashima means “Deer Island”, and you can easily spot wild deer in its forest. Just 1.5 kilometres round, it offers a number of good walks around the island and over the top of the mountain. On a clear day, there are spectacular views from the lookout at the top over the Seto Inland Sea. The island is ideal for swimming, fishing and camping.

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Ishiteji Temple

Ishiteji, as it's known in Japanese, is No. 51 of the 88 temples that form the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and you can usually see a few pilgrims in their white garb and cone hats. The main hall and pagoda are built in the architectural style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). Behind the temple buildings is a doorway to a dark hole in the mountain which forms the backdrop to Ishite. This leads to a series of tunnels filled with peculiar Buddhist statuary, leading out to an inner courtyard area containing a strikingly modern golden dome.

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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 hand at making your own ceramics. Tobe is also home to a number of interesting museums and a sake brewery.

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Iyo Kasuri Folk Craft Museum

The Mingei Iyo-Kasuri Kaikan is a museum and shop devoted to the folk craft (mingei) of weaving with dyed yarn (kasuri). The building itself is attractive with a traditional Japanese-style frontage, resplendent with elaborate plaster and tile work, and a little garden of manicured pines. Behind this frontage is a series of sheds that house the exhibits.

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