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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Matsuyama sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled in the heart of Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a plethora of unique experiences worth exploring.
Whether you want to dive into the city’s fascinating history or immerse yourself in its natural wonders, Matsuyama has something for everyone.
So pack your suitcases and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, because Matsuyama is waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Matsuyama:
1. Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is a 17th-century castle located in Matsuyama, Japan. It is one of the twelve original castles in Japan that still exist.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds, climb the steep stairs to the main keep, and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Inside the castle, there are exhibits on the history of the castle and the samurai who once lived there.
Don’t miss: The cherry blossom season is a particularly beautiful time to visit Matsuyama Castle. Additionally, the nightly light-up of the castle and surrounding cherry blossom trees is a spectacular sight.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steep stairs to climb.
2. Dogo Onsen
A historic hot spring bathhouse in Matsuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Soak in the healing mineral waters and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the building.
Don’t miss: Watching the traditional performances held in the bathhouse’s main hall.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and dress appropriately for the baths (towels and robes can be rented on site).
Also, try the local specialty snack of steamed buns filled with red bean paste called “Botchan-dango.
3. Ishite-ji Temple
Ishite-ji Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple located in Matsuyama, Japan.
It is one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and is famous for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grounds of Ishite-ji Temple and admire the traditional Japanese buildings and intricate wooden carvings. The main hall is particularly impressive, with its impressive roof adorned with hundreds of miniature Buddha statues.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Nio-mon Gate, which is guarded by two fierce-looking statues, and the Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Don’t forget to also check out the stunning rock garden, which is said to represent the flow of a river.
Insider travel tips: – Ishite-ji Temple is most beautiful in the autumn months, when the leaves on the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold.
4. Shiki Memorial Museum
Shiki Memorial Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and works of Masaoka Shiki, a renowned Japanese poet and literary critic.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of Shiki’s personal belongings, including letters, manuscripts, and other artifacts. The museum also features a period room that showcases the traditional architecture of the region where Shiki was born.
In addition, visitors can learn about haiku, a form of Japanese poetry that Shiki helped to popularize, through various exhibits and displays.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s garden, which includes a cherry blossom tree planted by Shiki himself. The garden is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting on a weekday when there are fewer visitors, giving you more time and space to enjoy the exhibits.
The museum also offers English-language audio guides, perfect for non-Japanese speakers who want to learn more about Shiki and his contributions to Japanese literature.
5. Botchan Train
The Botchan Train is a sightseeing train in Matsuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: While riding the Botchan Train, visitors can enjoy the scenery of Matsuyama and see some of the city’s notable landmarks and views.
The train’s interior is also designed to resemble the train from the novel “Botchan” by Natsume Soseki.
Don’t miss: The Botchan Train stops at a few important sights in Matsuyama, including Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and Ishite-ji temple.
Insider travel tips: – The Botchan Train is especially popular during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn (October to November).
6. Matsuyama City Station
Matsuyama City Station is a railway station in Matsuyama, the largest city on the island of Shikoku in Japan.
What to see or do: The station is a popular tourist spot due to its unique architecture and historical significance. Visitors can admire the station’s distinctive design, which features a large glass dome that dominates the central concourse.
The station is also a gateway to Matsuyama Castle, which can be accessed via a scenic tram ride.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a stroll around nearby Okaido Street, a bustling shopping district lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should consider purchasing an Iyakei Discount Ticket, which allows for unlimited travel on local Iyotetsu trains and buses throughout the city.
Additionally, be sure to try a steaming bowl of local specialty dish, botchan dango, a sweet and chewy treat made of rice flour.
7. Matsuyama Municipal Aquarium
A public aquarium located in the city of Matsuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Observe a variety of marine creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, manta rays, and penguins. Attend the daily dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as the feeding demonstrations.
Don’t miss: The giant aquarium tank, which houses a wide range of fish species, including sunfish and tuna.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure good views during the shows. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, as the indoor areas can get chilly.
If you are a fan of marine biology, consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the aquarium’s operations.
8. Taisan-ji Temple
Taisan-ji is a beautiful temple located in Matsuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander around the temple grounds and take in the stunning scenery, including the serene Japanese garden and the temple buildings themselves.
The main hall, which dates back to 1668, is a particularly impressive sight.
Don’t miss: The temple’s famous pagoda, which was built in 1199 and is one of the oldest surviving pagodas in Japan. It’s a stunning piece of architecture and definitely worth seeing.
Insider travel tips: Take some time to explore the nearby town of Matsuyama, which is known for its hot springs and relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the temple from the town – it’s a challenging but rewarding climb with incredible views along the way.
9. Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum is a historical museum dedicated to the popular Japanese novel of the same name, written by Ryotaro Shiba.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits showcasing the lives of the novel’s characters and the cultural and historical background of the Meiji Restoration era.
The museum boasts a collection of more than 15,000 items related to the novel and the era in which it is set.
Don’t miss: The museum features a replica of the Meiji-era study of the novel’s protagonist, Akiyama Yoshifuru. Visitors can also watch a short film about the life of Akiyama Yoshifuru and his contributions to Japan’s modernization.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to take your time and fully immerse yourself in the historical context of the museum. Audio guides are available in English and Chinese for those who want to learn more about the exhibits.
The museum also has a rooftop garden with a stunning view of the city, so take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
10. Ninomaru Historical Garden
Ninomaru Historical Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Matsuyama Castle’s inner citadel.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the garden’s winding paths, admire the various flora and fauna, and take in the stunning views of Matsuyama city.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Horaijima Island, a small island in the middle of the garden’s pond that is said to resemble the mythical “Island of the Immortals”.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during peak cherry blossom season (late March to early April) for a breathtaking display of pink blooms in the garden.
11. Bansuisou Villa
Bansuisou Villa is a traditional Japanese villa in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful Japanese architecture and garden, which includes a pond, stone lanterns, and a teahouse.
Don’t miss: The villa’s stunning interior, with its intricate woodwork and sliding paper doors. The view of Matsuyama Castle from the garden is also not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the autumn to see the changing colors of the garden, and if possible, book a tea ceremony at the teahouse to fully experience Japanese culture.
12. Bocchan Ressha
A retro train in Matsuyama city that takes you on a scenic tour.
What to see or do: Enjoy the scenic views of Matsuyama city while riding the vintage-style train, listening to live music and tasting local delicacies.
Don’t miss: Taking photos with the train conductor in his traditional uniform and purchasing local souvenirs from the onboard gift shop.
Insider travel tips: Try to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on the train. Bring cash as credit cards are not accepted onboard.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty, Botchan dango, a sweet rice dumpling that comes in three different colors and flavors.
13. Okaido Shopping Street
Okaido Shopping Street is the main shopping district of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The shopping street stretches for about 1.
5 kilometers and is lined with an array of stores and shops – from traditional Japanese confectionery and handicraft stores to trendy fashion boutiques and department stores.
Visitors can shop for souvenirs, sample local snacks, and browse through a variety of goods, including traditional Japanese fabrics and pottery.
Don’t miss: The street is famous for its annual Matsuyama Autumn Festival, a traditional festival featuring a lively parade with a colorful array of floats and performances.
Insider travel tips: Okaido is conveniently located in the center of Matsuyama, with easy access from the city’s streetcar network. The street is busiest on weekends and during festivals, so visitors can avoid the crowds by visiting on weekdays.
Be mindful of the heat in the summer, as the street can get hot and crowded during peak tourist season.
14. Meiji Restoration Memorial Museum
The Meiji Restoration Memorial Museum is a historical museum located in Matsuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits that showcase the history of the Meiji Restoration, which was a major event in Japanese history.
The museum houses various artifacts, documents, and artworks related to the Meiji Restoration period and its key figures.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the beautifully restored historical building that houses the museum.
The building is one of the few remaining examples of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period and is itself a historical treasure.
Insider travel tips: – The museum provides English audio guides for non-Japanese speaking visitors.