Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku in Japan. It is a city that suits a slower kind of visit, with traditional culture, old hot springs and a castle that rises above its streets.
What to see
- Dogo Onsen, the city's famous hot springs, is the most widely known reason to come. Bathing there is a long-established part of local life, and the area has the feel of a traditional spa town.
- Matsuyama Castle stands on a hill in the heart of the city. Climbing up to it gives views over the surrounding streets.
- The city has literary connections, and its traditional culture runs through many of its older districts.
The visit
Matsuyama works well as a stop of a day or two, combining a castle visit with a soak in the hot springs. Its pace is relaxed, and much of the appeal lies in simply moving between these places at an unhurried speed. Because the city sits on Shikoku, it also makes a natural base for exploring the rest of the island.
Known in Japanese as ๆพๅฑฑ, Matsuyama is easy to reach as part of a wider journey through the Shikoku Region, and it rewards visitors who want more than a quick look at the sights.
