Matsuyama

Matsuyama has a mild climate, making spring and autumn comfortable times to visit.

Matsuyama, Japan, is located in Ehime Prefecture. It is a relaxed city with a distinct citrus character. Here you can find historic hot spring streets as well as coastal scenery along the Seto Inland Sea. Below is a suggested 3-day, 2-night city itinerary:

Day 1: City History and a Thousand-Year-Old Hot Spring

• Morning: Visit Matsuyama Castle. It is one of Japan’s 12 original surviving castle keeps. Taking the distinctive single-seat chairlift up the mountain is recommended, with views of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea along the way.

• Afternoon: Explore the city on foot and visit the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum. Designed by Tadao Ando, the building is known for its exposed concrete and natural light. Afterward, you can stop by the nearby French-style villa Bansuiso, then visit the Natsume Soseki Cafe for a glass of Ehime citrus juice.

• Evening: Head to Dogo Onsen and experience Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. It is often mentioned as an inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. At night, you can also stroll through the hot spring shopping street.

Day 2: Seto Inland Sea Cycling and Coastal Scenery

• Morning: Go to Imabari and begin cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The route crosses sea bridges and several islands, letting you enjoy the sea breeze and open views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way.

• Afternoon: You can cycle to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge observation deck, or go to Omishima to visit the historic Oyamazumi Shrine.
• Dusk: Take the JR Yosan Line to Shimonada Station. This station is known for its location close to the coast and is a good place to wait at the end of the platform for sunset over the Iyo-nada Sea.

Day 3: Retro Streets and a Slow Island Trip

• Morning: Head to Uchiko and explore its well-preserved traditional streets from the Edo to Meiji periods. The white-walled buildings and wooden machiya townhouses preserve the atmosphere of an old town, and there are relatively fewer visitors.

• Afternoon: If time allows, return to central Matsuyama and ride the retro Botchan Train. Alternatively, go to Gogoshima, rent a bicycle, and cycle around the island while enjoying views of orange groves and the blue sea.

Main Attractions

A trip to Matsuyama covers historic buildings, hot springs, natural seascapes, and architectural art. The following are some of the most representative places:

• Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan’s 12 original surviving castle keeps. You can take a ropeway or chairlift up the mountain and look down over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

• Dogo Onsen Honkan: One of Japan’s three ancient hot springs. It is often described as an inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*, and its wooden building has a strong retro atmosphere.

• Shimonada Station: Known as the “station closest to the sea,” with tracks stretching toward the Iyo-nada Sea. It is a classic spot for watching the sunset.

• Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum: Designed by Tadao Ando, it has a distinctive architectural character formed by exposed concrete spaces and changing light.

Food and Notable Restaurants

When traveling in Matsuyama, look out especially for sea bream rice and sweets made with Ehime citrus. Below are some restaurants and dishes often mentioned locally:

• Matsuyama Sea Bream Rice: A representative local dish of Ehime. Common preparations include freshly cooked sea bream in a clay pot. It can be eaten as is or made into ochazuke with tea or broth.

• Akika Main Store: Known for its Matsuyama sea bream rice set meal, with sashimi served with an egg-yolk sauce as its specialty.
• Dogo Shichifukujin: Located on the Dogo Onsen shopping street, this restaurant focuses on sea bream dishes and is a good choice before or after bathing in the hot spring.
• Teuchi Udon Tsuru: A locally well-reviewed udon shop, with chewy noodles and a noticeably savory broth.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Recommended Areas to Stay:
  • Dogo Onsen Area: If you want to fully experience hot spring culture, choose a hotel or ryokan near Dogo Onsen. It is convenient to walk around the shopping street after bathing.

• Central Matsuyama (around Matsuyama Station/Okaido): Transport connections are more convenient, making this area suitable for driving or getting around by tram. There are also more dining and shopping options nearby.

• Transport Guide:
  • Getting There: From within China, cities such as Shanghai have direct flights to Matsuyama Airport. You can also take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Okayama, then transfer to a JR limited express train to Matsuyama.
  • Getting Around the City: Consider buying a 1-day streetcar pass. When going to suburban areas such as Shimonada Station, check the JR Yosan Line timetable in advance, as trains are infrequent.
  • Shimanami Kaido: You can rent a bicycle from Imabari Station. The route has a fairly complete network of cycling paths and rest stops.

Practical Tips

• Transport to Shimonada Station: Train services are limited, so be sure to check the timetable on the JR official website before departure to avoid missing your return train.
• Choosing a Hot Spring: Dogo Onsen Honkan has many visitors, and the basic bath area is not large. If you value privacy more, choose a hotel with a private bath, such as Dogo Miyu, or go to Kisuke no Yu in the city.

• Citrus Souvenirs: Ehime has many types of citrus products, but “mikan daifuku” contains a whole mandarin inside and may taste slightly bitter. Before buying, you may want to check whether it suits your personal taste. At the airport and souvenir shops, you can also try orange juice from a faucet, which tastes sweet and refreshing.