Top Things to do in Matsuyama
Top 10 Things to do in Matsuyama, Japan
Discover the best top things to do in Matsuyama, Japan including Matsuyama Castle, Iyo Railway - Train, Bansuiso, Bocchan Train, Ishiteji, Isaniwa Shrine, Dogo Onsen Station, Bocchan Wind up Clock, Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle), Okaido Shopping Street.
Restaurants in Matsuyama
1. Matsuyama Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By JorgeTheTraveller - Alcochete, Portugal
In this first visit to Japan, I covered several popular touristic spots, such as Kyoto’s wonders and the Temples of Nikko, but I chose to write about Matsuyama Castle because it is a less-known (and less crowded) attraction.
As any other place in the country, there is no shortage of means to get there; I took the fast-ferry from Hiroshima, on what was a very pleasant afternoon-trip to the city of Matsuyama. After the ferry, the local train and then a short bus ride take you to the castle.
Most reviewers here provide practical information about the castle, but what I feel may be lacking is a note on the profound commitment from the Japanese to nurture fundamental human principles, which can then be felt and seen in their monuments, their cities, and the way the Japanese people engage with tourists. Principles such as beauty, respect for others, appreciation and protection of Nature, and organisation. Matsuyama Castle is not as popular as Himeji Castle, but it shares with the latter all these values. From the way trees on the access path are cut, to the tidiness in the compound; from the courtesy of attendants, to the great views from the top floor; and from the complex array of doors, gates, and accesses to the central buildings, to the magnificent stone walls, everything during a visit to Matsuyama Castle makes you wonder about how such splendours were created by people; and in so large numbers in Japan. I am sure that there is no shortage of dark moments in the Samurai and the feudalism era, but there are also plenty of testimonials that tell about the ongoing engagement of Japanese people with the highest human principles that societies can aspire to.
2. Iyo Railway - Train
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By ChilliGarlic - ChilliGarlic
This small tram network services Matsuyama and also goes to Dogo Onsen. There are older and newer versions, and a single price per passage per person, paid at the end of the trip. The e-pass cards can also be used. The easiest way to get around!
3. Bansuiso
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By BertSG - Singapore
We made a 30min stopover here enroute from the castle to Okaido Shopping alley.
A pleasant visit simply because this European styled house stands out amongst all other buildings. Not a big villa but one with a simply and nice garden. Not a must visit but a consideration for a stopover if you are in that vicinity.
4. Bocchan Train
Overall Ratings
4 based on 638 reviews
Reviewed By ChilliGarlic - ChilliGarlic
While we didn't ride the few operating services, we did go to look at the train, and I've started Reading the novel that all Japanese associate the train with. The see a little kid see the train for the first time, he yelled "Bottchan no densha!!" (Bottchan's train!) and shrieked with excitement. It's that famous, to basically all living Japanese. Fun!
5. Ishiteji
Overall Ratings
4 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By warren D - tokyo
A one-two choice in sightseeing is Ishiteji Temple, a comfortable, short walk from the must-see Dogo Onsen and stop no. 51 on the Shikoku Pilgrimages, and so you will find many here. The architecture is that of the Kamakura Period. Check out the Treasure House as well as the Inner Temple accessed through a tunnel and unusual with its dome-shaped hall.
6. Isaniwa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont
We approached the shrine from above so only had to walk down the steep uneven stone stairs. Be careful, they are treacherous.
The temple is about corridors and angles - very interesting. The corridors have interesting old paintings many of which feature animals and calligraphy on the walls. A wedding couple arrived to have their photos taken in front of the temple, apparently a common occurrence at this shrine.
While we wouldn't come here just to see the shrine, it is a nice site in addition to visiting the onsen once you are in the area.
7. Dogo Onsen Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Kimitaka S
If you go to Dogo Onsen, the most popular way is that you take a tram from the center of the city. The last stop is this station. Although it is just for trams, this historical station seems to be a station for normal trains. Soseki used to take this tram, too. And now you can take a bocchan train (historical tram for tourists) from this station.
8. Bocchan Wind up Clock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By ChilliGarlic - ChilliGarlic
The Japanese seem to be able to make every experience seem like it's a fun one. This very old foot bath, fed from the spring, is hot, feels incredible, and is free. So why not put a giant animated clock above it celebrating the famous novel? Fabulous.
9. Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By emercenier - Brussels, Belgium
Situated inside the Dogo Kouen Park, a few hundred meters from the Dogo Onsen, this little museum gives you some explanations about the medieval castle of the clan of Kono. The staff are so friendly, dedicated and happy to have foreign visitors. We received delicious clementines, the local icon!
10. Okaido Shopping Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By MunichEricJ - Munich
Unlike so many underused arcades, Okaido is full of buzz, shoppers and excellent stores. Anchored on one end by Mitsukoshi and on the other end, nearly 1km away, by Takashimaya and Tokyu Hands, the arcade is filled with interesting shops and the usual restaurants, fast foods, bars and other distractions. It is unusually high- quality for an arcade. The buzz of shoppers and revelers lasts until the early hours, again in contrast to many other arcades.
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