Matsuyama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Matsuyama
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

Default Image

Dogo Hot Spring

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
Default Image

Okaido

Okaido might not have many top sights, but Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Ninomaru Historical Garden are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Okaido
Default Image

Dogomachi

While Dogomachi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dogo Park and Shiki Memorial Museum.

Dogomachi
Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
3.5 out of 5
1-10-10 Otemachi, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
The price is ฿1,274 per night from 6 May to 7 May
฿1,274
per night
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Ninomaru Historical Garden are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (804 reviews)
"The view is great!"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
3.5 out of 5
Ichibanchou 2-6-5, Matsuyama
The price is ฿2,040 per night from 20 May to 21 May
฿2,040
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"아주 좋은 호텔이며 관광하기에 최고의 위치입니다 아침 식사도 훌륭해요"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
3 out of 5
2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,786 per night from 5 May to 6 May
฿2,786
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site spa services. Our guests praise the breakfast and the property condition in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (990 reviews)
"It’s a great accommodation and perfect location."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
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 holiday home in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Yuzuki-jo Museum are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
Excellent
"Excellent apartment with everything we need. Prefect for a group of friends."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 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 an LCD TV. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Enkoji Temple are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"非常によかったです。"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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, a terrace 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

Cities near Matsuyama