Matsuyama

Travel Guide

Matsuyama which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes
Matsuyama showing street scenes, road cycling and a city
Matsuyama which includes night scenes, street scenes and signage
Matsuyama which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes
Matsuyama featuring a city, a sunset and a pond

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

Dogo Hot Spring

Dogo Hot Spring

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Famed for its historic public bathhouse built in 1894, this hot spring resort town offers a relaxing atmosphere with guests strolling in yukata robes. Easily accessible by tram, explore sights like Yushinden and Gyokuza no Ma.

Dogo Hot Spring
Matsuyama Castle Ropeway

Okaido

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

While Okaido isn't home to many top sights, Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum and Matsuyama Castle Ropeway are some notable places to visit nearby.

Okaido
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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 ¥5,376 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥5,376
¥5,987 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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 Jun 13, 2025

Hotel MyStays Matsuyama
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
3 out of 5
2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
The price is ¥10,164 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥10,164
¥11,346 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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 Jun 11, 2025

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
3.5 out of 5
Ichibanchou 2-6-5, Matsuyama, Ehime
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥8,661 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥8,661
¥10,480 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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 Jun 22, 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 Sep 6, 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 Aug 27, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Matsuyama

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Eddie

Matsuyama Castle was an outstanding site to visit. Great views back to Matsuyama and the Seto Sea in general. Good exhibits inside—history of the castle, samurai aspect of that history in particular.

5/5 - Excellent

MCD

A lovely city with a college town vibe.

4/5 - Good

ANI

If you wanna dee ypical view of Japan. Matsuyama is a good choice. People friendly, easy to find drinking place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I enjoyed walking to Dogo Park and sitting there

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