While having read Sōseki's novels or Shiki's haiku is by no means essential to enjoy most of these sites, it will probably represent the difference between whether you find them evocative pieces of history or just a pleasant collection of Meiji-era buildings.
Akiyama Brothers Birthplace (秋山兄弟生誕地 Akiyama Kyōdai Seitanchi), 2-3-6 Kachimachi, ☎ +81 089-943-2747, . Tu-Su 10AM-5PM, closed 12/28-01/03. Born to a lower class branch of the Matsuyama samurai clan, these two brothers became military heroes of Japan. Yoshifuru, the eldest, is credited as the father of the Japanese cavalry, while Saneyuki excelled in naval tactics. Yoshifuru traveled to France to study cavalry techniques in 1887. After serving in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) he established a cavalry division which debuted in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). After holding numerous posts of prestige, he was promoted to General in 1916 and finally retired to become a junior high school principal in Matsuyama. A childhood friend of Shiki, Saneyuki shared his friend's love of the written word, and the two studied literature at Tokyo University. However, at the behest of his brother, Saneyuki embarked on a military career. He was sent to America to study naval tactics, and had on-the-job training during the Spanish-American War (1898). After returning to Japan, he became the foremost strategist of the Russo-Japanese War, leading to a major victory on Tsushima.¥200. �
Bansuiso, nestled against Katsuyama Mountain
Bansuiso (萬翠荘), 3-3-7 Ichibanchō, ☎ +81 089-921-3711. Tu-Su 9:40AM-6PM, closed 12/29-01/05. This French-style building was constructed in 1922 for the former lord of Matsuyama Castle, Hisamatsu Sadakoto (久松定謨). After having lived and studied in France, Hisamatsu became enamored with the romantic architectural style, and hired Kigo Shichirō (木子七郎) to build his villa. This Taishō Era estate was the venue of many parties for the elite in its heyday, and the Emperor himself made it a point to visit whenever he was in the area. Currently, it is used as the Museum of Art's annex. The first floor's gallery changes throughout the year and is free, while the collection on the second floor showcases ink paintings by Shiki, Sōseki, and other Ehime residents.¥100 adults, ¥50 children. �
Botchan Gizmo Clock (坊っちゃんカラクリ時計), Dōgo Yunomachi Hōjōen, ☎ +81 089-948-6557. Chimes between 8AM-9PM. Admirers of the aforementioned Botchan may enjoy watching the Gizmo Clock located beside Dōgo Onsen Station at the mouth of the shopping arcade when it chimes every hour and half hour. Botchan Karakuri Tokei was completed in 1994 to commemorate the 100th year of the last reconstruction of Dōgo Bathhouse, and the animatronics that emerge during the musical interlude depict special scenes from the novel.Free. �
Dōgo Park & Yuzuki Castle Ruins (道後公園・湯築城), Dōgo Park, ☎ +81 089-941-1480, . Dōgo Park: 24 hours, Yuzuki Castle Ruins: Tu-Su 9AM-5PM, closed 12/29-01/03. From mid-March through April, the typically peaceful Dōgo Park is overwhelmed by inebriated locals and hawking vendors who come to take part in the most ancient of activities, hanami, or viewing of sakura (cherry blossoms). An oval shaped patch of green in the overdeveloped Dōgo neighborhood, Dōgo Kōen is an important part of Matsuyama's identity because it harbors the ruins of Yuzuki Castle. Yuzuki-jō was the residence of the Kōno Clan (河野), who ruled Iyo Province (伊予, now Ehime) from the 13th to the late 16th century, when war lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) sent an army to Shikoku to conquer and unify Japan. The excavation of the 30,000 square meter site took over 14 years, but the castle, gardens, and residences were all recovered. Within the recreated homes, mannequins silently act out the daily lives of the elite during that time, drinking tea and writing renga (poems composed by a group). There is also a library and a volunteer English-speaking guide can show visitors around with advance reservations.Free. �
Isaniwa Shrine (伊佐爾波神社 Isaniwa Jinja), 173 Sakuratani, ☎ +81 089-947-7447, . 24 hours. Sitting upon Dōgo Hill and accessible by car or climbing 135 stone steps, this important cultural asset is one of three great examples of Shinto Hachiman-zukuri (God of War) architecture in Japan. It was promised by the lord of Matsuyama Castle, Matsudaira Sadanaga (松平定長), if the gods awarded him victory in the 1667 Edo Castle Yabusame (horseback archery) competition. The outer walls are modeled after the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto, while the inner sanctum (the oldest part of the shrine) is designed in various Shinto styles of the 17th century. Memorials honoring the warlords who fought against the Kamakura battalion are guarded by stalwart dogs who watch over the four deities adorning the four corners of the vermilion structure. There are exhibitions of feudal era armor (including Matsudaira's helmet) and swords (Tachi Mei, a mid-Kamakura era piece crafted by the famous Kuniyuki Rai).Free. �
Iyo Kasuri Folk Craft Museum (伊予かすり会館), 1165 Kumanodai (Near Kinuyama), ☎ +81 089-922-0405, . 8:10AM-4:50PM. Learn about the process of making Iyo's signature cloth and then create some of your own. Reservations necessary.¥50 adults, ¥40 children. �
Kōshinan Historic Park (庚申庵史跡庭園), 2-6-7 Misakechō, ☎ +81 089-915-2204. Th-Tu 10AM-6PM. This small teahouse was built in 1790 as a gift to Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶) by his friend Kurita Chodō (栗田樗堂), from one poet to another. The design was inspired by Matsuo Bashō's idyllic hut and the name comes from the sexagenary cycle of the year. Recently restored to its former beauty, when the fujidana wisteria are in bloom, Kōshinan Shiseki Teien is truly a sight to behold. It is free to tour, but reserving the rooms is also possible.Free. �
Matsuyama Castle (松山城), 1 Marunouchi, ☎ +81 089-921-4873, . 9AM-5PM, closed 12/29. Situated on the 130m tall Katsuyama Hill in the center of the city, this sprawling fortress is one of three multi-wing, flat hilltop castles remaining in Japan. It was constructed by the feudal lord Katō Yoshiaki (加藤嘉明) over the course of 25 years, completed in 1627. Four of its eight strategic gates are designated national cultural treasures, and with the wealth of historical artifacts within its majestic walls ? swords and armor belonging to the three occupying families, calligraphy and official documents from the feudal era (English available) ? Matsuyama-jō is well worth the hike. The castle is accessible by hiking a wooded trail, but the ropeway (�500 roundtrip) can be boarded at the east entrance.¥500 adults, ¥150 children. �
The other castle on the grounds of Matsuyama Central Park
Matsuyama Central Park (松山総合公園), 1-1633-2 Asahigaoka, ☎ +81 089-923-9439. 24 hours. Curiously styled as a European fortress wall and atop a hill high enough to parallel the castle, Matsuyama Sōgō Kōen provides a panoramic view of Matsuyama and features a playground for children.Free. �
Museum of Art, Ehime (愛媛県美術館), Horinouchi, ☎ +81 089-932-0010, . Tu-Su 9:40AM-6PM, closed Dec 29-Jan 3. Ehimeken Bijutsukan is a surprisingly discreet 10,300 square meter facility located in Shiroyama Park (at the base of the castle and surrounded by a moat) and houses a permanent collection from Ehime natives such as Takubo Kyōji (mixed media sculptor) and Kangaku Oki (ink painter) as well as temporary exhibits from all over the globe. There is a rental gallery where Ehime residents can display their pieces, along with free workshops, a library, and a café.¥300 adults, ¥200 students. �
Ninomaru Historical Garden (二ノ丸史跡庭園), 5 Marunouchi, ☎ +81 089-921-2000, . 9AM-4:40PM, closed Dec 29. Located southwest of the castle on the hillside, Ninomaru Shiseki Teien is another excellent point for viewing the city. The ruins of the Matsuyama Clan estate are preserved and celebrated in a romantic mixture of contemporary fountain designs and ancient garden aesthetics. Viewable from the castle's donjon, mystical Takigi Nō (nocturnal plays by bonfire) performances take place here throughout the year, and families enjoy picnics in its quiet serenity. Many cultural events (tea ceremonies, doll exhibitions, drum performances, etc.) are hosted here.¥100 adults, ¥50 children. �
Russian Soldiers' Cemetery (ロシヤ人墓地), 1-525 Miyuki. 24 hours. During the Russo-Japanese War, a number of Russian soldiers ended up in prison camps in Matsuyama. Not viewed as criminals but rather as warriors who loved another nation, these prisoners are said to have had a relatively easy life here. To this day, volunteers of the community respectfully tend to their tombs, which are in the center of a sacred circle of temples and shrines.Free. �
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum (坂の上の雲ミュージアム), 20-3 Ichibanchō, ☎ +81 089-915-2600, . Tu-Su 9:40AM-6PM, closed first Tu each month and Dec 29-Jan 3. The name means "The Cloud Over an Upward Slope", and refers to the title of a book written by Shiba Ryōtarō (司馬 遼太郎) depicting the struggles Japanese people encountered as they rebuilt their country after the Meiji Revolution and the conflict with Russia. This impressive building, designed by well-known architect Ando Tadao (安藤忠雄), tells the stories of the aforementioned Akiyama Brothers and Masaoka Shiki. The �400 admission may be a little steep for non-Japanese readers as there is absolutely no English inside, but the Meiji Karakuri Theatre (moving 'stick' figures) is quite entertaining.¥400 adults, ¥200 students. �
Botchan Ressha is a common sight in the downtown area.
Shiki Commemorative Museum (子規記念博物館), 1-30 Dōgo Kōen, ☎ +81 089-931-5566, . Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Located in the Dōgo area, the Shiki Kinen Hakubutsukan has a large collection of literature, artwork, and special exhibits about the life of Shiki.¥400 adults, ¥320 students. �
Shikidō (子規堂), 16-3 Suehiromachi, ☎ +81 089-945-0400. 8:30AM-5PM. The main rooms of the house where Shiki spent the first 17 years of his life were replicated and set up in Shōjuji near the center of the city. The desk and artifacts from his childhood are displayed as he would have had them. The facility is complete with literary and artistic works discovered after his death, pictures, and even some monuments dedicated to other renowned haiku poets.¥50. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Matsuyama
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Matsuyama - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Matsuyama hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Matsuyama Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
