Matsuyama

Travel Guide
Matsuyama showing street scenes, road cycling and a city
Learn about the modernization of haiku poetry, bathe where emperors relaxed and ascend hills for stunning views of a traditional island city crowned by a castle.

As the largest city on the island of Shikoku, Matsuyama is a cultural and historical hub. Look for the rich Japanese traditions here in the form of hot springs, glass art and Buddhist shrines. Learn about the tumultuous and complex history through myriad museums.

Note that Matsuyama is famous in Japan as the setting of Natsume Soseki’s novel Botchan. To understand the city’s affection for the literary work, visit the Botchan Karakuri Clock, which presents the book’s characters hourly.

The novel pays particular attention to the city’s northeastern Dōgo Onsen (Dōgo Hot Spring) area. Relax in the thermal waters of the Dōgo Onsen Honkan (bath house), where the imperial family sometimes bathed. It is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan and apparently inspired the drawings of the iconic movie Spirited Away.

Observe local customs at the Dōgo Giyaman Glass Museum. Among its prized pieces are its glass animals. Dine at the café overlooking the scenic pond. Head south to Dōgo Park and climb up the viewing deck for a wonderful vista. Here, you’ll find the Yuzuki Castle Ruins and the Yuzuki-jō Museum, with exhibits illustrating the former fortress.

The Matsuyama Castle still stands at the crest of undulating Matsuyama Central Park. Ascend via the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway in spring, when the castle is surrounded by a pink moat of cherry blossom trees. Head back down to the hill’s base for the Ninomaru Historical Garden, which traces the layout of a former palace. Attend a theater performance in the adjacent Shinonome Shrine, while making sure to visit the Ishite-ji Temple and the Yasaka Temple.

Find Matsuyama in the Ehime province in the northwestern corner of Shikoku Island. Drive south for around 50 miles (80 kilometers) from nearby Hiroshima to get here in a little under 3 hours. Explore the region for other cities including Yamaguchi, Imabari and Iyo.

Where to stay in Matsuyama

Dogo Hot Spring

Dogo Hot Spring

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Dogo Hot Spring. You might want to make time for a stop at Shiki Memorial Museum or Dogo Onsen.

Dogo Hot Spring
Matsuyama Castle Ropeway

Okaido

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

While Okaido isn't home to many top sights, Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Ninomaru Historical Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

Okaido
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Dogomachi

Dogomachi might not have many top sights, but Dogo Park and Shiki Memorial Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dogomachi
Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel
Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel
3 out of 5
3-3-1, Ichiban-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
The price is ₩49,829 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
₩49,829
per night
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Saka no Ue no Kumo ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (822 reviews)
위치 깡패인 숙소
"호텔 시설도 나름 만족스러웠고 무엇보다 오카이도 바로 맞은편이라는 위치는 여행을 즐기는 데 큰 장점이 아닐까 싶습니다."

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
3 out of 5
2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
The price is ₩65,155 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
₩65,155
per night
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the breakfast and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
숙박후기
"비교적 만족한 숙소.. 방청소는 만족할 정도입니다 3일간 조식을 했는데 메뉴가 별로 바 뀌지 않아서 좀 그랬네요"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels
REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels
3.5 out of 5
5-2-2 Minatomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
The price is ₩91,317 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
₩91,317
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a steam room. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Ferris Wheel Kururin are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)
Fantastic stay at REF
"Fantastic stay at REF. Well designed, clean & comfortable. Great location next to Matsuyama City Stn. Konbini just downstairs. Note that there is no daily cleaning, fresh towels are provided."

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
DOUGO-YADO Guest House
DOUGO-YADO Guest House
3 out of 5
2-7-19 Iwasaki, Matsuyama, Ehime
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Yuzuki-jo Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
Excellent
"Excellent apartment with everything we need. Prefect for a group of friends."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2018

DOUGO-YADO Guest House
La Rencontre Izumimachi
La Rencontre Izumimachi
3 out of 5
14-12 Izumimachi, Matsuyama, Ehime
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and slippers. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Enkoji Temple are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"非常によかったです。"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2021

La Rencontre Izumimachi
Yu-Rah
Yu-Rah
2.5 out of 5
6558-6, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture
Stay at this villa in Imabari. Enjoy free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tatara Shimanami Park and Hakata Beach are located nearby.
Yu-Rah
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Matsuyama

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 53.333333333333336%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 46.666666666666664%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Eddie
Sep 26, 2019

Matsuyama Castle was an outstanding site to visit. Great views back to Matsuyama and the Seto Sea in general. Good exhibits inside—history of the castle, samurai aspect of that history in particular.

5/5 - Excellent

MCD
Jun 8, 2019

A lovely city with a college town vibe.

4/5 - Good

ANI
Dec 13, 2018

If you wanna dee ypical view of Japan. Matsuyama is a good choice. People friendly, easy to find drinking place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2018

I enjoyed walking to Dogo Park and sitting there

Cities near Matsuyama