Top 13 Things To Do In Matsuyama, Japan

things to do in matsuyama
Alex
Alex 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located in the southern part of Japan on the island of Shikoku is the vibrant city of Matsuyama. The city was founded in 1889 but the history of the people who lived there goes a lot further back as the famous Dogo Onsen was founded there and utilized as far back as the Asuka Period of 537-710 A.D. The city is full of history that dates back hundreds of years with Buddhist temples, legendary hot springs, shrines, and buildings dating back to the 14th century. Tourists will also find several hotels to stay as well as homey Airbnb vacation rentals for accommodations. Matsuyama is a place that is home to both the new and the old and if you’re in Japan and looking for a unique place to visit that is rich with culture, Matsuyama is a perfect place to explore. Here are the top things to do in Matsuyama when you take a trip to the historical city.

1. Admire the impressive Isaniwa Shrine

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Isaniwa Shrine is a designated Important Cultural Property in the Shikoku region of Japan. You can understand why when you visit, as the architectural details of the shrine are beyond impressive. Visitors can explore the shrine’s various buildings, including the main hall, which features intricate wood carvings and beautiful paintings. The shrine’s beautiful gardens are also a highlight, with winding paths, a koi pond, and a tranquil atmosphere.

The famous Dogo Onsen is located closeby, so if climbing the stairs to the shrine tires you out, you can enjoy a nice soak at the onsen.

Isaniwa Shrine

Address: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0838, Japan

Website: Isaniwa Shrine

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

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2. Ride the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift Station Chojyaganaru

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift Station Chojyaganaru is a ropeway that takes visitors on a scenic ride up to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s twelve only castles to still have its tenshu (similar to a watch tower).

The lift station, Chojyaganaru, is a historical building that was originally built as a residence for the lord of the castle. Today, it serves as the entrance to the ropeway and features exhibits on the history of the castle and the surrounding area. At the top of the ropeway, visitors can explore the castle grounds and the many buildings that make up the complex.

Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift Station Chojyaganaru

Address: 3 Chome−2−46, Okaido, Matsuyama, 〒790-0008 Ehime, Japan

Website: Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift Station Chojyaganaru

Opening hours: 8.30am - 5pm (daily)

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3. Learn the Japanese feudal history at Matsuyama Castle


Matsuyama Castle is one of the few castles that survived the post-feudal era, meaning that the castle was built before 1868. It is also one of the most interesting castles in the country as it is incredibly complex and certainly one of the most beautiful. The Matsuyama Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the city with a tower providing a bird’s-eye view of Matsuyama. There are also over 200 cherry trees on-site making it one of the most beautiful spots in Matsuyama to catch the cherry blossoms blooming every year.

Matsuyama

Address: 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008, Japan

Website: Matsuyama

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

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4. Soak your weary limbs at Dogo Onsen


Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most legendary onsens. In medieval and feudal times people from all over would visit Dogo Onsen as it was known as a place of healing. Dogo Onsen is still open to the public to this day and a trip here is a must for anyone visiting Matsuyama. The bathhouse opened to the public only in 1894 and to this day, the Imperial Family still frequents Dogo Onsen. The interior is a maze of hallways, corridors, and rooms all of which are bustling with staff and guests alike. The onsen is even said to be an inspiration for Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away”.

Dogo Onsen

Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

Website: Dogo Onsen

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 5 - 25 USD

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5. Glug orange juice straight from the tap at Ehime Prefecture


Now that you’ve soaked away your problems and the Dogo Onsen, why not grab a little refreshing drink of orange juice, straight from the tap. Now it might sound kind of weird drinking orange juice from a tap but it’s true! All you have to do is pay for your cup, walk up to the tap and a fresh cup of Ehime orange juice is yours. Ehime is known for its oranges in fact. So taking part in this juicy delicacy is a must.

Ehime orange juice

Address: 2731 Minamiyoshidamachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 791-8042, Japan

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

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6. Visit the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

小説「坂の上の雲」。主人公の生きた時代の琴線に触れる。
Source: 中井 靖

The Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum translates to “Clouds over the slope” a fictional Japanese story of a sailor in the navy, and army general and their friend a haiku poet. The novel was written by Shiba Ryotaro and focuses on the lives of the three men from their childhoods leading all the way up to Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The story is very popular with the people of Matsuyama and was even serialized into a TV drama putting Matsuyama on the map and leading the way for other period dramas to be filmed in the city. One of the top attractions in Matsuyama, the museum covers themes from the novel but also real-life historic facts from the Russo-Japanese war as well.

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Address: 3 Chome- 20 Ichibancho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0001, Japan

Website: Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

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7. Take a steam ride on the Bocchan Train

『坊っちゃん』の舞台を走る「坊っちゃん列車」
Source: Naoyuki 金井

The Bocchan Train is a cross between a tram and train and is definitely the best method of transportation available in Matsuyama. The original train was built in 1888 and was loved by the locals of Matsuyama for over 68 years. Eventually, the black steam train just got too outdated to be used in the city center but instead of getting rid of the Bocchan Train, the locals simply remodeled the train to use diesel instead. The drivers of the Bocchan Train still dress as they did in 1888 providing riders a ride into the past from the city center to the Dogo Onsen.

Bocchan Train

Address: 4 Chome-4-1 Minatomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0012, Japan

Website: Bocchan Train

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD

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8. Get a bird's-eye view from the Ferris Wheel Kururin

乗り放題きっぷでお得に!いよてつ高島屋・大観覧車くるりん

When you’re in a new city it’s cool to get a glimpse of it from far away or from a bird’s eye view perspective. The Ferris Wheel Kururin is located at the top of the Iyotetsu Takashiyama department store. Traditionally, the terminus of railway lines had department stores at the end so people would get off the train and literally walk through the store, but Iyotetsu Takashiyama decided to go an extra step and put a Ferris wheel on their roof. One of the best places to visit in Matsuyama, the Ferris Wheel Kururin is a very visible landmark, especially at night when the whole wheel is lit up.

Ferris Wheel Kururin

Address: Japan, 790-8587 Ehime, Matsuyama, Minatomachi, 5 Chome−1−1 Iyotetsu Takashimaya 9th floor

Website: Ferris Wheel Kururin

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 5 - 10 USD

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9. Admire Buddhist carvings at the celebrated Ishiteji Temple

不思議な手に巨大な金色マントラ塔!シュールすぎる奥の院
Source: 林 ぶんこ

If you’re wondering what else Matsuyama is famous for, check out the Ishiteji Temple. It is arguably one of the most important temples located in the city of Matsuyama. Ishiteji Temple is located near the Dogo Onsen and is an important piece of Japanese history. The Buddhist temple is over 1000 years old and is number 51 of 88 on the Shikoku pilgrimage so seeing pilgrims in white robes is a common sight here. The temple has sprawling grounds with interconnected halls via an underground cave. Ishiteji Temple is known for its Niomon Gate which was designated as a national treasure.

Ishiteji Temple

Address: 2 Chome-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0852, Japan

Website: Ishiteji Temple

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Take a scenic sail on the Mitsu Ferry

小林一茶も利用!渡し船で港の向こう側へ

Along with the Botchan Train through the city, the Mitsu Ferry is another method of transportation that is a blast from the past. The Mitsu Ferry has been operating for over 500 years and as you could have guessed is another important part of Matsuyama history. This little boat has only enough room for 10 people but it goes back and forth across the Miyamae River. The boat harkens back from the Showa and Edo period as Mitsu was a place that was known as a gateway to the sea.

Mitsu Ferry

Website: Mitsu Ferry

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

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11. Enjoy seaside dining at Buena Vista Café and Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a laidback atmosphere and pleasant dining experience, head to the Buena Vista Cafe. Meaning “good view” in Spanish, a good view is exactly what you’ll get when you’re here. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the restaurant serves delicious food and of course has an amazing view of the water while you eat.

Buena Vista Café and Restaurant

Address: 1329 Baishinjicho, Matsuyama, Ehime

Opening hours: 11am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 - 30 USD

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12. Go fishing and bird-watching at rustic Nogutsuna island

まさに絶景!瀬戸内海を一望できる皿山

Although located outside the city of Matsuyama, Nogutsuna island is still part of the city but you wouldn’t realize it by visiting. The island is home to a more rural way of life where things are a little more rustic and laid back. So if you’re wondering what to do in Matsuyama without the presence of the crowds, head to this beautiful island. It is a fishing destination and is abundant with nature and is a great place to get out of the city and do a little bird watching or just hike around the mountains and immerse yourself with nature.

Nogutsuna Island

Address: Nogutsuna island, Matsuyama, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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13. Glide along a romantic Kashima cruise


Take a cruise with a loved one along the famed “route of love”. The cruise goes along the shores of the Seto Sea cruising past the little islands that dot the horizon. Sway in the calm waters of the sea and take in the beautiful views of the sunset, setting over the water and the distant inlet islands; a perfect way to experience Matsuyama with a loved one.

Kashima cruise

Address: 799-2430 Hojotsuji, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime (Kashima)

Website: Kashima cruise

Opening hours: 5am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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Plan your Matsuyama adventure

Matsuyama is a place that has successfully held on to its past in order to bring it the present in a way that is not very commonly found elsewhere in the world. The old world and the new meet in Matsuyama and that is certainly something that makes this city exceptional and worth your time to visit.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Matsuyama

1. What are the top attractions to visit in Matsuyama?

The impressive Isaniwa Shrine, the fun Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift Station Chojyaganaru, Dogo Onsen, and Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum are only some of the top places of interest that compel tourists to visit Matsuyama.

2. What are the most popular things to do in Matsuyama with kids?

If you’re with a kid, some of the best things to do in Matsuyama include getting the bird’s eye view aboard the Ferris Wheel Kururin, exploring Matsuyama Castle, hopping on a steam ride on the Bocchan Train, and taking a dip in the Dogo Onsen.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

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