Matsuyama was the ultimate of Shikoku’s 4 main cities that I visited, however over time, it’s the one which’s caught with me most. Which is unusual: I’ve returned to it fewer instances than I’ve Kochi, Takamatsu or Tokushima.
Maybe that’s a part of the spell it nonetheless casts over me—the love I really feel for Matsuyama is as a lot about what the town really provides as it’s in regards to the image I’ve created of it in my thoughts.
I say that, however then I am going to create a listing of all of the issues to do in Matsuyama, and I understand that no—the town actually is that this superior. Do I must get again there quickly? Completely—and I seemingly will subsequent spring, as I’m penning this. However for those who’re within the means of planning out your personal Matsuyama journey, I’ve acquired simply what you’ll want to do it.
The place to Keep in Matsuyama
Earlier than we talk about issues to do in Matsuyama, let’s discuss the place within the metropolis you must keep. Matsuyama, along with being Shikoku’s largest metropolis by inhabitants, covers a really giant land space. In consequence (or possibly, as a coincidence), there isn’t a single middle the place vacationers are going to wish to keep. Effectively, that’s not essentially true, though I’ll clarify in what situations it may be in only a second.
To make certain, a lot of the finest Matsuyama inns (I’m considering, particularly, in regards to the Daiwa Roynet) are nearer to Matsuyama Fortress than to JR Matsuyama Station, which is about quarter-hour by streetcar from the town’s most well-known attraction. One other quarter-hour on streetcar will take you to Dogo Onsen, which is ostensibly a part of Matsumoto, however can really feel far-off, particularly for those who keep in a practice ryokan like Chaharu.
What to Do in Matsuyama
Begin your day at Matsuyama Fortress
As you may see in the principle picture of this text, Matsuyama Fortress is a good place to observe sundown. Nonetheless, for the needs of this publish (a minimum of your first swing by way of Matsuyama), I’m recommending you begin your day right here. Whether or not you make the 20-minute stroll up or trip the ropeway, Matsuyama-jo is a good place to spend the primary hours of the day, particularly for those who’re fortunate sufficient to go to throughout autumn or cherry blossom season.
Take a dip at Dogo Onsen
Subsequent on our checklist of issues to do in Matsuyama is Dogo Onsen, which is much less a specific constructing, and extra part of city. To make certain, though the principle Dogo Onsen Honkan (arguably, FYI, the oldest standing honkan in Japan) is the middle of this scorching springs space, you must consider visiting right here not by way of taking a shower inside and even snapping an image, however ideally spending the night right here to benefit from the ambiance.
Faux such as you’re a pilgrim
As is the case in lots of different cities on the island, Matsuyama is house to Shikoku Pilgrimage temples. Essentially the most notable instance of that is Ishite-ji, which is about quarter-hour on foot from Dogo Onsen. Though the grounds of this temple are sprawling and have many issues price seeing, probably the most spectacular is the towering pagoda that stands close to the principle highway.
Acquire a distinct perspective
One other one in all my favourite elements of a Matsuyama itinerary is having fun with a view of the town, and never simply the superb panorama of the Seto Inland Sea you get from atop the fortress’s perch. To look again on the town and admire its sprawl, your only option is to make the trek to Matsuyama Metropolis Park. That is an particularly nice alternative throughout cherry blossom season, when white and pink blossoms body the town and its fortress.
Get out of city
Though I discover most each Japanese metropolis good as a base for excursions, I had some bother explicitly naming day journeys from Matsuyama—the one I might’ve highlighted first (Kotohira-gu temple) is finest seen en path to Takamatsu. With this being mentioned, I do assume the cities of Ozu and Uwajima, accessible through the JR Yosan Line, make for worthy excursions. Whereas the cities’ castles may appear redundant, they provide an area and genuine expertise that’s well worth the journey all by itself.
How Lengthy Ought to You Spend in Matsuyama?
Despite its comparatively giant measurement, I’m undecided that my reply for what number of days in Matsuyama you must spend is any completely different than it could be, say, for smaller Kochi or Tokushima. Nearly all of vacationers can take pleasure in Matsuyama with simply two days and nights (possibly, two days at one night time), partly as a result of so most of the potential day journeys from Matsuyama are higher see going to or coming from different locations in Shikoku (extra on that in a minute).
To make certain, whereas I don’t imagine Matsuyama is overrated or not-worth visiting, I might concede that the amount of issues to do in Matsuyama considerably belies its formidable footprint. Getting a really feel for the town—for Shikoku—however, there simply aren’t as many sights on provide right here as you may count on in a equally sized metropolis on Honshu, and even throughout the water in Kyushu (which you’ll be able to attain by boat, albeit not from Matsuyama-proper).
Different FAQ About Visiting Matsuyama
Is Matsuyama price visiting?
Matsuyama is completely price visiting, whether or not to take pleasure in Dogo Onsen (which is, in reality, Japan’s unique onsen) or to go to Matsuyama Fortress, one in all simply 12 “unique” castles remaining in Japan. Matsuyama is a hub of delicacies and tradition, which facilities round recent, seasonal meals like goshiki somen (five-colored noodles) and mikan mandarins.
What’s Matsuyama identified for?
Matsuyama is understood, in the beginning, for being the biggest metropolis in Shikoku. Past this, it’s well-known for scrumptious culinary specialties, for being house to Dogo Onsen (Japan’s oldest public scorching spring) and for Matsuyama Fortress, one of many oldest intact castles in Japan.
How do I get to Matsuyama?
Matsuyama is accessible through a number of every day nonstop flights between Tokyo-Haneda and Matsuyama Airport (MYJ). Past this, you can too journey by ferry from Beppu in Kyushu island’s Oita prefecture, or by prepare from Takamatsu, which is itself accessible by prepare from the Okayama Shinkansen station.
The Backside Line
It doesn’t matter what brings you to the biggest metropolis in Shikoku, one factor is obvious: Matsuyama is a must-visit. If the architectural splendor of Matsuyama Fortress doesn’t knock your socks off, then the view of the Seto Inland Sea is bound to do the trick. Likewise, even for those who don’t find yourself taking a shower at historic Dogo Onsen, it’s troublesome to not really feel cleansed by the pure awesomeness of its fundamental honkan constructing, to say nothing of how accessible the remainder of Ehime prefecture is, when you’ve completed with the issues to do in Matsuyama itself. Want personalised assist planning your journey to Shikoku? Fee a customized Japan itinerary in the present day!