A Journey to Experience the Charms of Matsuyama: Exploring History and Hot Springs
I took a 3-day, 2-night trip to Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku, with a population of about 500,000. It is famous for being the home of literary figures such as Natsume Sōseki and haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. Additionally, Matsuyama is known for Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s three ancient hot springs, alongside Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen. (November 5–7, 2024)
Day 1
Flight from Osaka Itami Airport: 09:10 (ANA flight 1635)
Arrival at Matsuyama Airport: 10:00
At the airport, there is a fresh juice corner unique to Ehime, known as the "Citrus Kingdom," and it even has a "mikan juice faucet." In addition, there are international flights to Korea and Taiwan, making the airport quite lively with many tourists. I took the airport limousine bus to Matsuyama Station. The fare is 800 yen, to be paid later.
After leaving my luggage at the hotel, I had a seafood bowl (kaisendon) for lunch at “Matsuchika Town.” After that, I took the tram (line 3) to my destination for the day, Dōgo Onsen. The fare is a flat 230 yen, paid upon getting off.
Dōgo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. It offers a relaxing experience with its historical ambiance. The Dōgo Onsen Honkan (main building) is particularly famous for its beautiful exterior and traditional architecture. Soaking in its rich, healing waters is a perfect way to unwind.
Nearby the station, you can find tourist spots such as the "Botchan Train" and the "Botchan Karakuri Clock," and there's also an ashiyu (foot bath) where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The Dōgo Onsen shopping street is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants on both sides, bustling with tourists. I especially noticed a lot of Korean being spoken, which I felt was due to the influence of the international flights. I visited Dōgo Onsen Honkan, the Dōgo Onsen Annex "Asuka no Yu" (飛鳥乃湯泉), the "Sky Walk" foot bath, and the Dōgo Giyaman Glass Art Museum during my sightseeing.
【Ref Matsuyama Station by Vessel Hotels】
Day 2The hotel breakfast started at 6:00 AM and was a buffet-style all-you-can-eat in the restaurant on the second floor. I topped my "Uwajima-style Tai-meshi" (sea bream rice) with sashimi of tai (sea bream) and maguro (tuna), and enjoyed it with jakoten (fried fish cakes) while having sake in the morning. Of course, the sake was also provided for free, allowing me to enjoy it casually. Today, I am going sightseeing in Matsuyama city. First, I visited the "Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum," then toured "Bansuisou," before heading to the main attraction, Matsuyama Castle.Matsuyama Castle was first constructed in 1602 by the famous warlord Kato Yoshiaki, during the Sengoku period, and is located on the summit of Katsuyama in the center of Matsuyama City. You can reach the top using either the ropeway or the lift. The round-trip fare for the ropeway is 520 yen, and it takes about 3 minutes to reach the summit. If you use the lift, it takes about 6 minutes to reach the 8th station, Choujakadaira. From there, it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the castle keep (Tenshu). If you choose to use the hiking trail, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get there. The admission fee for the castle keep is 520 yen.The view from the castle keep is magnificent. To the north, you can see Mount Takanawa; to the west, the Iyo-nada Sea; to the south, Matsuyama city center and the Saragamine mountain range; and to the east, the distant Mount Ishizuchi, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. Afterward, I took the tram from Okaido Station and headed to the newly renovated JR Matsuyama Station, which reopened on September 29, 2024. Although the new station building is not very large, it is compactly organized and gives a very user-friendly impression.On the way back to the hotel on foot, I stopped by Shiroyama Park. The park includes facilities such as the Matsuyama Civic Hall, the NHK Matsuyama Broadcasting Station, and the Ehime Prefectural Art Museum. Coincidentally, the art museum was hosting an exhibition featuring works by Banksy, among other artists.【Ref Matsuyama Station by Vessel Hotels】
Day 3In the morning, I walked through Ginten Street and Okaido Shopping Street, visiting the Mitsukoshi Department Store and the monument to singer Hiroshi Itsuki located in Matsuyama's Ni-banchou.Flight from Matsuyama Airport: 15:40 (ANA Flight 1644)Arrival at Itami Airport: 16:30
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