Unmissable Things to Do in Matsuyama, Ehime

If you’re planning a trip to Matsuyama, Ehime and wondering how to make the most of your time, this guide will walk you through the city’s three iconic highlights—Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, and the nostalgic Botchan Train—plus a bonus day trip to the world-famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route.

Whether you’re interested in samurai history, hot springs, scenic train rides, or coastal cycling, Matsuyama is the perfect base to experience all four.

Matsuyama Castle

Perched dramatically above the city on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve original surviving castles in Japan. Built in the early 1600s, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of samurai lords and Edo-period architecture. Visitors can explore the main keep, stroll along stone walls, and admire weapon displays and historic artifacts.

For the most scenic approach, take the ropeway or chairlift up the mountainside and follow the short walking trail to the castle entrance. The panoramic view from the top—stretching across the Seto Inland Sea and urban Matsuyama—is worth the climb at any time of year. Cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn make this spot especially atmospheric.

Dogo Onsen

No visit to Matsuyama is complete without experiencing Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan with over 3,000 years of history. The iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, is a masterpiece of Meiji-era wooden architecture and a symbol of Japan’s bathing culture.

Luxury seekers will enjoy the newly renovated Asuka-no-Yu, offering private bathing rooms, premium yukata rentals, and exclusive resting lounges. The surrounding Dogo Onsen district is perfect for leisurely strolls—traditional shops, cafés, craft boutiques, and foot baths line the streets, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon unwinding in style.

The Botchan Train

Inspired by Natsume Soseki’s celebrated novel Botchan, the charming Botchan Train captures the nostalgic spirit of early 20th-century Japan. This small replica steam locomotive runs between central Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen, offering a slow-paced sightseeing experience through the heart of the city.

The vintage wooden carriages and uniformed conductors create a photogenic moment for visitors of all ages. Whether you ride the train or simply photograph it as it passes through the city, the Botchan Train adds a romantic touch to your Matsuyama itinerary and connects literature lovers to one of Japan’s most beloved novels.

A Side Trip to the Shimanami Kaido

For those with an extra day, Matsuyama is the ideal starting point for a Shimanami Kaido adventure—an iconic 60-kilometer cycling route that connects Ehime to Hiroshima across six islands via stunning suspension bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. The journey offers dramatic coastal landscapes, citrus groves, pristine beaches, and stylish rest stops designed for cyclists.

E-bike rentals, guided cycling tours, and luggage-delivery services make the experience accessible even for beginners. For luxury travelers, high-end accommodations and private cruise or helicopter transfers can be arranged to elevate the journey. Whether you complete the full route or ride only a section, the Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s most unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Why Matsuyama Is One of Japan’s Best Hidden Gems

From the architectural grandeur of Matsuyama Castle to the soothing waters of Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, the literary nostalgia of the Botchan Train, and the ocean-view exhilaration of the Shimanami Kaido, Matsuyama offers a rare blend of culture, history, and nature in one compact destination.

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path luxury getaway in Japan—without sacrificing comfort, exclusivity, or world-class experiences—Matsuyama, Ehime belongs at the top of your shortlist. Whether for a weekend escape or part of a longer Shikoku itinerary, Matsuyama has everything to leave you refreshed, inspired, and eager to return.

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