Matsuyama

Travel Guide

Matsuyama
Matsuyama
Matsuyama
Matsuyama
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

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Dogo Hot Spring

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Dogo Hot Spring is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Shiki Memorial Museum and Isaniwa Shrine, and jump on the metro at Dogo Onsen Tram Stop to get around the city.

Dogo Hot Spring
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Okaido

Okaido might not have many top sights, but Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum and Matsuyama Castle Ropeway are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Okaido
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Sanbancho

Sanbancho is well liked for its historical sites, and you can visit sights like Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum and Bansuiso if you have time to explore the area.

Sanbancho
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Dogomachi

While you're in Dogomachi, take in top sights like Dogo Park and jump on the metro at Dogo Onsen Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Dogomachi
Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
4 out of 5
1-10-10 Otemachi, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
Fully refundable
The price is HK$334 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
HK$334
HK$367 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent hotel. The only reason why we gave one less star for comfort was because, as visitors from Australia, we found the mattress to be very hard. It was the same at other hotels we stayed at in Japan. The hotel is within walking distance of the Matsuyama station or a short tram ride."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
3 out of 5
2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"창문을 열 수 없어 공기 환기가 안 된느 것이 아쉬운 점입니다."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
3.5 out of 5
Ichibanchou 2-6-5, Matsuyama, Ehime
The price is HK$338 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
HK$338
HK$409 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location excellent staff. Only issue was the lift always stops on the second floor even if no one is going there and the card has been used"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
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.
Enyu No Yado Dogo
Enyu No Yado Dogo
4 out of 5
7-30, Matsuyama, Ehime
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and climate control. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Minakuchi Shuzo ...
Enyu No Yado Dogo
DOUGO-YADO Guest House
DOUGO-YADO Guest House
3 out of 5
2-7-19 Iwasaki, Matsuyama, Ehime
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Yuzuki-jo Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Excellent
"Excellent apartment with everything we need. Prefect for a group of friends."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2018

DOUGO-YADO Guest House
7///
7///
Matsuyama
Stay at this vacation home in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Dogo Onsen and Seki Art Gallery are located ...
"道後温泉から極近く、きれいにして頂いたおうちで過ごすことが出来ました。 食器やカトラリーもきれいに揃っていて、とても過ごしやすかったです。ありがとうございました。"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2023

7///
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.

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