Visit Matsuyama, Japan

On the northwestern corner of Shikoku Island lies its largest and most interesting city, Matsuyama.

Boasting an impressive castle, the excellent hot spring resort of Dogo and lying within easy reach of the island's highest mountain, Ishizuchi-san (1,982 m), Matsuyama has attractions enough for everyone.

The town has grown up gradually around the castle (constructed in 1602 on Katsuyama Hill in the town centre) and though the centre is modern, having been largely destroyed during the war, and is now expanding rapidly, it retains the relaxed atmosphere of a much smaller town.

Around Matsuyama

A 30-minute bus ride from the Shieki-mae Station takes you to the ports of Matsuyama and Takahama, from where numerous ferry and hydrofoil services run toward the mainland, including the quick one-hour hydrofoil over to Hiroshima.

Just outside of the main town is the Dogo Onsen Spa area, where we often recommend our clients stay to experience a proper Japanese-style resort. As well as a number of splendid traditional onsen bath houses, Dogo is a home to a beautiful shrine, the Isaniwa-jinja, and a small but interesting art gallery.

Get to Dogo by tram from Matsuyama town centre.