Things To Do
in Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the largest city on Japan’s Shikoku island, known for its historic Dogo Onsen, imposing hilltop Matsuyama Castle, and relaxed port-city vibe along the Seto Inland Sea. Its streets mix traditional wooden bathhouses, preserved samurai-era sites, and lively shopping arcades where local citrus and seafood specialties shine. The city serves as a gateway to Shikoku’s nature — short drives or trains take you to coastal scenery, cycling routes, and mountain hikes.
Matsuyama is easygoing, walkable in its center, and offers a distinctly local experience compared with Japan’s larger, faster-paced metropolises.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a scenic hike or ropeway ride up to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles, perched atop Mount Katsuyama. Explore the castle grounds, enjoying panoramic views of the city and Seto Inland Sea while learning about its historic significance. Capture photos of the traditional architecture and the surrounding cherry blossoms or autumn foliage depending on the season.
Descend into the castle town and wander through the charming streets lined with Edo-period buildings and shops selling local crafts. Visit the Ninomaru Historical Garden to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese landscaping and seasonal flowers. Stop by a local café for some refreshing mikan (mandarin orange) juice, a regional specialty.
Experience the ambiance of Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring bathhouses, beautifully illuminated at night. Soak in the historic baths and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Finish your evening with a traditional kaiseki dinner at a nearby ryokan, savoring delicately prepared seasonal Matsuyama cuisine.
Start your morning with a peaceful stroll around Dogo Park, enjoying the serene atmosphere and historic ruins of Oka Castle. Visit the nearby Shiki Memorial Museum dedicated to Masaoka Shiki, the famous haiku poet born in Matsuyama. Take time to appreciate the beautiful seasonal gardens and poetic inspiration behind Shiki’s works.
Head to Dogo Onsen Honkan for a traditional foot bath and explore the quaint shopping arcade filled with souvenir shops and local snacks. Participate in a tea ceremony experience at a nearby teahouse, learning about Japanese customs and the art of matcha preparation. Taste local delicacies such as Botchan dango, sweet rice dumplings named after a famous novel set in Matsuyama.
Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the peaceful Dogo Onsen area as lanterns begin to glow softly. Dine at a local izakaya where you can sample fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Conclude your night with a relaxing soak in a modern onsen facility featuring open-air baths under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🚖Taxi start (initial fare) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-140 |
| 🚆Local train/tram ride | $1.50-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich local culture with historic Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle
- Access to coastal scenery, island hopping, and cycling routes
- Lower tourist density than Japan’s largest cities for a more authentic experience
- Fewer international-restaurant and English-speaking services than major tourist centers
- Limited late-night transport options in some areas; cash often needed at small vendors
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (very much)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "お会計お願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu)" - Can I have the bill, please?
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "これは魚のだしが入っていますか？ (Kore wa sakana no dashi ga haitte imasu ka?)" - Does this contain fish stock?
- "温泉の利用マナーを教えてください (Onsen no riyou manaa o oshiete kudasai)" - Could you tell me onsen usage etiquette?
Places to Visit in Matsuyama
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the city and Seto Inland Sea from the castle keep and terraces; great at sunrise or sunset and during cherry blossom season.
Photogenic Meiji-era wooden bathhouse with ornate architecture and atmospheric interiors — best early morning or evening when the light is softer and crowds thinner.
Bustling covered arcade scenes, retro Botchan Train on the tracks, and colorful storefronts — good for street photography and candid urban scenes.
Coastal viewpoints around Mitsuhama and small nearby islands provide seascapes, fishing-boat compositions, and sunset shots over calm waters.
Temple architecture, stone lanterns, and mossy paths offer contemplative compositions, especially during quieter hours.
Food in Matsuyama
Matsuyama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sea bream cooked with rice — often steamed or simmered so the flavors infuse the rice; available at traditional restaurants and specialty venues around Matsuyama and the port.
Must-Try!
A fried fish cake made from minced small fish, a local specialty of Ehime; commonly sold at markets, izakayas, and food stalls around the city.
Desserts, jams, and confectionery made from Ehime’s famous mandarin oranges; found in shops along Okaido and near Dogo Onsen.
Fresh catches from the Seto Inland Sea — sashimi, grilled fish, and seasonal preparations are common in restaurants and izakayas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local fish markets and stalls where you can buy and sometimes taste fresh seafood and jakoten; mornings are best for market activity.
Covered shopping arcades with street-food stalls, confectioneries, and specialty shops selling mikan sweets and quick bites ideal for sampling while walking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wash thoroughly before entering communal baths, do not bring towels into the water, and avoid tattoos in some baths (ask in advance or use private baths if you have tattoos).
Keep voices low on public transport, line up politely, and avoid eating while walking in busy areas. Always remove shoes when entering someone's home or certain traditional accommodations and temples when requested.
Bowing is the common greeting; use polite language when interacting in shops and restaurants. A simple 'arigatou gozaimasu' is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Matsuyama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion; excellent service is the norm and included in the price. If you feel compelled to thank someone monetarily, present it respectfully in an envelope.
Cash (Japanese yen) remains widely used, especially at small shops, markets, and some ryokan. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, and department stores. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post branches accept many international cards. IC transit cards (e.g., ICOCA, Suica) may be usable on some local transit but check compatibility; bring cash as backup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms around late March–April make spring a popular time to visit Matsuyama Castle and parks; expect pleasant walking weather and some weekend crowds.
Hot, humid weather with high temperatures in July–August; beach and island activities are popular, but also be aware of the rainy season (tsuyu) in June and typhoon risks from August to October.
Crisper weather and colorful foliage from October to November — comfortable for hiking and castle views with fewer tourists than spring.
Winters are mild compared with northern Japan, with occasional cold snaps; fewer tourists and lower prices, though some mountain trails may have snow at higher elevations.
Matsuyama at Night
Hiking in Matsuyama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in western Japan (about 1,982 m) offering challenging hikes, dramatic ridgelines, and alpine views; a day trip or overnight for serious hikers with proper equipment.
Expansive karst landscapes and highland trails offering panoramic vistas and cooler temperatures in summer; ideal for scenic hikes and photography.
Easier walks and short hikes around the castle hill and Dogo Park suitable for casual walkers, families, and seasonal foliage viewing.
Airports
How to reach Matsuyama by plane.
The main local airport with frequent domestic flights to Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka, Fukuoka, and other cities; easy transfer to the city center by bus or taxi in about 15–30 minutes.
Across the Seto Inland Sea on Kagawa Prefecture — reachable by bus and ferry/road connections; an option for alternative domestic flights.
Larger airports within a few hours by train/ferry and highway; viable alternatives for international connections via larger hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like much of rural Japan, Matsuyama has a significant elderly population, reflected in local community life and services.
Ehime University and other institutions bring a resident student population that livens parts of the city with cafés and affordable eateries.
Established local families, small business owners, and fishing communities contribute to the city’s cultural and economic character.
Many visitors are from elsewhere in Japan, especially during peak seasons for cherry blossoms, summer beaches, and autumn foliage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular across Japan; local amateur and school games draw community support, and watching a game or visiting a local stadium is a common pastime.
Local and regional soccer teams, including Ehime FC, enjoy fan followings and matches that can be attended during the season.
Cycling is extremely popular thanks to the Shimanami Kaido routes and coastal roads — both recreational and competitive cycling events take place in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Matsuyama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside major restaurants; tempura, vegetable dishes, and tofu preparations are common. Always ask if dashi (fish stock) is used — many soups and sauces contain it. Use the phrase 'Dashi wa sakana desu ka?' to ask if dashi includes fish.
More challenging than vegetarian: vegan dining is possible at some cafés and larger restaurants but requires asking about fish-based stocks, bonito flakes, and hidden sauces. Carry a short Japanese note explaining dietary restrictions for clearer communication.
Soy sauce and some tempura/breading contain gluten. Sashimi and plain steamed rice are safe choices; for full meals, ask about ingredients or stick to naturally gluten-free options.