The 22 best sights in Matsuyama

It’s an especially magical spot during sakura (cherry blossom) season. The castle grounds are surrounded by blooming cherry trees, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels straight out of a postcard. Whether you're into history, nature, or photography, this place has something special to offer. After exploring, there’s also a charming little ice cream shop nearby that’s perfect for a sweet break. Their local flavors are refreshing and delicious — a nice treat to enjoy while taking in the scenery.

This was a terrific castle visit. Great access to all areas for the public and lots of English signage to explain in good detail what we are looking at. Splendid views of the area from the top of the castle. Loved the chairlift ride up the hill., even though there were no safety bars! Children over six are allowed on the chairlift but there is also a gondola if you have less risk appetite for your children!

Nice castle if you’re interested in these historic buildings and you have a day in Matsuyama. The chair lift up was the highlight for me. Lots of steep stairs and ladders so be careful and they have slippers to use if you like but I find they make it harder to go up/down stairs. Great views from the castle onto the city.

An amazing castle, a lot of history and so interesting how it was designed, a lot of information and detail inside, the steps are extremely steep so anyone with walking difficults or issues with heights should avoid going inside. Even though there will be a get in and get out feeling, try to take it in, imagine what it would have been like to have been in the castle during the Edo period. Very interesting to also see the change in fighting style with the introduction of guns.

When you are in Matsuyama this Castle is a must see. However, be aware you will have to climb steep steps. Or you can take the access road to the bottom of the gondola. There is an enclosed gondola that runs every 10 minutes. Or you have a continuous single person chairlift. The chairlift is for the brave at heart.

This castle is one of my favourites in all of Japan. It has incredible 360 views of the city and the balance of catching the chair lift up and pleasant walk down is great. There are loads of cafes and restaurants nearby at the base and it is only a couple of minutes walk from the main street (buses , trams etc). A must see if you're visiting Matsuyama

Excellent castle, very well restored and with lots of information boards. Great views of the city and beyond from the towers. Allow a couple of hours to take in all the information and enjoy the views.

This is a large complex of smaller shrines. If you're in. Matsuyama, you should definitely paid a visit. He'll encounter some pilgrims as this is number 51 of 88 temples to visit in the country. There are also two caves or tunnels that are well worth exploring.

The 51st temple of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temple, and known as the national treasure. Admission to the temple is free. At the entrance leading to the temple compound, be sure to look up to the ceiling to appreciate the amazing ancient wooden structure. There are a lot to see in this temple, many parts of the temple to view and appreciate its beauty in it’s ancient space. We spent an-hour here which is clearly not sufficient to explore and really enjoy this treasure. We also managed to stroll through the underground tunnel - a 160-meter-long cave, there are ancient statues are seen displayed along this cave. At the end of long-cave (from the temple compound) you will meet a n ancient stone statue which act like a door for the long-cave and a modern tarred road. During our visit here, people in their white Japanese pilgrimage attire are seen doing their pilgrimage stops to do their worshipping. There’s another dark ‘cave’ to explore - go in calmly and feel the peacefulness while walking through it. At the other side of the temple, you will huge modern statues of various Buddhas. There’s a museum within this buddhist temple compound which housed more than 1,000 treasures, admission is 200 yen (at point of writing this). When opportunity permits, we will surely come back again to this beautiful treasure.

Pagoda under tarpaulin because it's being restored,the whole site is a mess. Paths are not cared for,most shrines are littered with bags of dead leaves, empty water bottles and you get a general feeling of an unkempt temple. It's supposed to be a National treasure... We found the 160 m tunnel with statues hidden away,no sign posts, quite spooky. Some of the buildings are so rotten that they're held up on plastic craites to stop them collapsing. The only reason to go is because it's number 51 and you are a pilgrim!

Enjoyed rustic, authentic temple. Beautiful quiet, pictures setting

A 700 year old temple with many experiences to try. They have many statues, Bhuddhist-art pieces and interesting buildings. One thing is a dark cave to help you reach a mindfulness state.

It's was a quiet place and all the pilgrim left from the ancient decades was still looking good, It's better place to come and visit for those who like to travel and explores different temple in Japan. It's easy to go in the place cause its just a long the way you just only ride a bus from the train station and stop at ishite temple ¥220.

I came in from the east side and came across lots of stone statues. It’s a bit of a mess in that end with cardboard boxes and everything looking a bit ill-kept. Lots of caves and strong smell of incense. Many little nooks and crannies to explore. Even four cats near the front entrance. No bathrooms.

Dōgo Onsen is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a recorded history of around 3,000 years. I visited on a Saturday around 3:00 PM. Maybe because it was an in-between time, it was relatively quiet, but by around 4:30 PM there was a long line. It might be a good idea to check the crowd situation at the entrance when buying your ticket and choose your plan accordingly. Be sure to walk all the way around the main building. Every angle shows a new charm. 🕊 The White Heron Legend of Dōgo Onsen Long ago, a white heron with an injured leg bathed in the waters of Dōgo Onsen every day. Eventually, its wound healed, and the bird flew away healthy. People who saw this believed that the waters had mysterious healing powers, and that’s how Dōgo Onsen became widely known. The water is quite hot, so it’s difficult to stay in for a long time. There is only one bath, so if you’re expecting a large modern spa, you might be disappointed. However, it’s highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the history, architecture, and the overall atmosphere of the town. The parking lot had plenty of space for RVs as well.

Interesting shopping district with public bath houses hotels available. Many stores sold items from Japanese manufacturers. Towels store was very interesting! Go see the clockworks at the entrance on the hour for a cool show. Train station outside a Starbucks completes the experience.

One of the more historical and older ibsens in Japan, this place has a very traditional feel. Shoes come off before you enter and go into a locker. You can go in for a quick soak or combo it up with some snacks and relaxation on the second floor. Towels are provided for a small rental fee if you didn't bring in your own. I enjoyed my time at this onsen and found the staff very helpful. It does get busier during the day so an early visit is a good idea if you want to enjoy it with fewer people. Very peaceful and serene atmosphere.

This has been on my bucket list for some time now. Happy to say it’s now been accomplished. Went a little after 7:00pm on a Friday to avoid the worst of the crowds. Paid ¥700 as I brought my own onsen towel. You can rent a towel and yukata if you so wish. The bath is historic and has recently undertaken a major renovation so it looks and feels grand.

Great experience at the Dogo Onsen. Even though the space was a bit crowded, it still was a great experience. The changing rooms were clean and well organized, and the bath was beautiful with unique tiles on the wall and a great center fountain where the hot water came out from. Even if you're not interested in entering for an Onsen experience, the building is worth seeing from above.

I arrived at Dōgo Onsen around 7pm and the moment I stepped into the area, I could feel its rich history and charm. The iconic bathhouse was beautifully lit in the evening and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. While I didn’t get to bathe myself due to the long queue, just being there and soaking in the ambiance was memorable. The architecture, the energy, and the tradition all make Dōgo Onsen a must-visit if you're in Matsuyama.

Must do in Matsuyama! I wish I could feel this relaxed every day. The basic plan is so cheap considering the significance of this place, just 700 yen. They have no issue with tattoos, even large ones are completely fine. There's lockers for your stuff, towels for rent, vending machine with drinks, no queue, you can basically walk in from the street. I just wish we came here after and not before cycling the Shimanami Kaido!

I just have a look around and take some quick photos... The Japanese rickshaw- traditional Japanese two-wheeled cart pulled by a person... Kept infront... Nice place for taking a clips to be remembered

Upon arriving at the venue, I was immediately struck by the building's pristine and well-maintained exterior. Its façade hinted at a rich history and promised a journey back in time, setting high expectations for what lay inside. Imagining rooms adorned with artifacts, I was eager to immerse myself in the treasures of yesteryears. However, as I ventured further, I was met with a series of stark, empty rooms. The absence of original furnishings was palpable, leaving spaces that felt more like vacuous echoes rather than hallowed halls of history. Instead of the rich tapestry of items from the past, the rooms were bereft of significant memorabilia, creating a dissonance between the building's exterior promise and its interior reality. A handful of rooms did offer a semblance of the past, displaying photographs from Japanese dramas and historical posters. These glimpses, though intriguing, couldn't compensate for the overall emptiness. In the end, what I had hoped would be a prolonged journey of discovery was reduced to a brief 15-minute tour. The place, while holding traces of its illustrious past, sadly feels like a mere shadow, a shell of its once grand self.

It’s a unique thing to see in Japan and can be toured in about 30 minutes. They don’t have any brochures or signs in other languages though so if you can’t read Japanese you have to use your phone to read signs or you won’t get much out of it

Very outstanding architect in the middle of the forest. This white French style castle is hard to miss even though it’s not a castle. It used to be a house for a very powerful governor who actually was titled in a royal rank. The look of this architect is good enough to attract visitors’ eyes but not recommended to buy a ticket to have a tour inside of it. There is nothing that much to have a look. However when we got there some exhibition was going on the first floor with a theme of gothic. It was pretty interesting to have a look. I guess there’s occasionally this type of free exhibition hosted here.

(+) Beautiful garden area (+) Gazebo has a “othello ” table for people to play. (+) Great location for pictures (+) Unique European architecture (+) Wide variety of events & exhibitions every month (+) Beautiful woodwork & stained glass windows inside. (-) If you’re not interested in the exhibition, or there aren’t any events when you visit, it may not be worth the admission ticket to the house.

It was closed when I visited. But I take a chance to spot outside the building. It was amazing to me with its classical decorations. The surrounding environment is also enjoyable and worth dropping by for a picture.

Historic old European style building. Small and not a lot to see inside, but the building itself is impressive from the outside.

Great Park, totally free, there is a playground area very large. There are a lot of bathrooms and there is maps around indicating where they are. The observatory is great and has a perfect sunset view. The only problem is that in order to access it you must take stairs, which make it less accessible. One great thing it has in its favour is the abscence of hostile architecture (one thing that i notice is very common in Japan unfortunatly). Hope they keep it this way, despite having no people living on the streets.

I’m the spring, Dogo park is the perfect spot for a picnic. There are many cherry trees, lanterns, and food stalls to keep you happy and entertained during the spring. The park can be pretty crowded, but it was rainy when we visited, so we got to experience the area with fewer people. If you’re in the area, make sure to take a walk around the park and enjoy all of the trees!

Went pass this park while walking to Dogo Onsen. There was a lot of people enjoying sakura here, picnic , taking photo and eating from street stalls. There is a observatory here as well with great view of the surrounding areas. Not a must to visit but sakura is just too attractive to ignore haha. Visited 30 Mar 2025

Absolutely gorgeous little park. Lots of birds, turtles and nice scenery to enjoy. We spent some wonderful hours here. Enjoyed watching a guy with a pigeon on a leash (!). Wildlife here seems to be quite the attraction, given the TV teams (!) competing with us amateurs for inner city wildlife and nature shots.

Absolutely beautiful park! It was a welcomed relief from the hot sun! Its not huge but there are stairs.

Spring season, we visited Dogo Onsen and Dogo Park. Its late afternoon already and a lot of tourist, but i find the place so magical, the 100year old dogo onsen building. And the park is so solemn, theres a food booth on the area, where you can buy a food. You need to pay for the parking area. A must visit place..

I really liked this park. Sitting inside the hut shaped structure when it was raining reminded me a lot like Garden of Words Anime and it was very beautiful and green and relaxing. Best time is summers.

Months had passed since the heartbreak, and now I found myself standing at the gates of Isaniwa Shrine. My ex-girlfriend, her cousin, her sister, and I were in Japan for a vacation, a trip that was supposed to bring us closer together. But instead, it became a journey of personal healing for me. Isaniwa Shrine, with its ancient presence and deep spiritual energy, stood as a symbol of strength and serenity. Nestled on the gentle hills of Matsuyama, the shrine’s architecture was magnificent, with its red-painted wooden structures that blended harmoniously into the natural landscape. The stone pathways leading to the main hall felt like steps taken through centuries of history. I could almost feel the weight of tradition and the countless prayers offered here over the centuries. The shrine was dedicated to several deities, including Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū. It had been established over 1,800 years ago, and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect place for reflection. The air felt different here still, yet full of reverence, as if time itself paused at the gates. It had all started when she left me for someone else someone I had helped, supported, and believed in. The betrayal had hurt deeply, but standing here in the serenity of the shrine, I realized I no longer felt that same sharp pain. The anger had faded. I wasn’t angry at her, or him, anymore. I had let go. As I stood there, looking around at the beauty and peace of the temple, I thought about how life can change unexpectedly. I realized that, although it hurt in the past, I truly wanted them both to find happiness. I hoped she and the guy would have the life they were searching for a life filled with joy, love, and fulfillment. The pain of loss had turned into a quiet acceptance, a sense of letting go of the past and wishing them well, even if it wasn’t with me. The peaceful sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant chime of the shrine bell filled me with a calm I had long forgotten. I understood now that healing wasn’t about holding on to old wounds or seeking revenge it was about moving forward with peace in your heart. I didn’t want anyone else to experience the pain I had gone through, but I knew that life had its own way of unfolding. I prayed, not for answers or to go back to what was, but for strength to continue my journey. I prayed for the courage to move forward with an open heart, ready for whatever lay ahead. As I stood in front of the honden (main hall), surrounded by the tranquility of the shrine grounds, I felt a quiet sense of hope. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I was okay now. I had healed. And with that, I took the first steps into a new chapter one of hope, self-love, and acceptance, knowing that sometimes, letting go is the greatest form of love.

A shrine that is located in the area, and it was near my hotel. I went for a visit, completed my prayer, and purchased some charms. There is a parking lot besides the shrine main building up on the hill. There is also a stairway you may take to walk up to the shrine, be very careful thou since it's quite steep and uneven.

Love the stairs up Good for training. 133 steps

Lots of high slope stairs so be careful! But if you enter from the back side with your car it's easier. From the top of the Shrine, you will get a nice view of Dogo Onsen area.

Climb up the steps to reach the shrine. Not much to see in this shrine

(+) Beautifully and conveniently located in the Dogo Onsen area (+) About a 5 minute walk from Dogo Onsen station (Iyotestsu) (+) Vibrant, bold, colorful shrine (+) Shrine has wraparound walkway that offers a 360 degree view of main hall (+) Popular place for Hatsumode (Visiting the shrine for New Year’s) (+) Plenty of souvenirs, good luck charms, and keepsakes available for sale (+) Gorgeous view of the city front the top of the stairs (-) Steps leading up to shrine are uneven and slippery when wet. Descending can be tricky if you’re afraid of heights. Chain link available in center to hold on to, but no rail (-) Staircase not suitable for strollers (baby car) or wheel chairs

Isaniwa Shrine, believed to be more than 1000 years old Shinto shrine. It is one of the three major shrines with Hachiman-zukuri architectural styles and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Just a few minutes walk from the historical Dogo Onsen main building. A 135 stone steps to reach the top :-).

They have decided to invite the exhibition of re-prints of Banksy’s works although the author himself has been asking for years to boycott it! The are also selling the unauthorised merchandise for a lot of money. Shame on you Ehime Museum.

selling unauthorized Banksy"s reproductions in Museum shop and hosting self-proclaimed Banksy exhibition with no artist consent or profit share. museum not respecting copyright rights should be ostracized by comebyers and prosecuted by law.

Depends on the exhibition they have on. Luckily, we saw the Shinro Ohtake. Adults ¥1500.

What a shame! (Mozuミニチュア展) This was my only day in Matsuyama for the Golden Week holidays. I planned on visiting this museum regardless of what the exhibition would be, but this was by far the worst possible exhibition to have organized during a busy tourist season such as GW. I have been a fan of Mozu, I’ve seen his work via the internet and was excited to see it in person, but that excitement waned quite quickly. The hour-long queue should have indicated that once I was in the exhibition space, I would have less time to wait to see the artworks. The opposite was true, the first queue outside merely foreshadowed the experience inside. The exhibition consisted mainly of miniatures, so it was hard to have any large number of people enjoy it at once. Inside the exhibition space, there was more waiting. The organizers should have expected this and mitigated the problem, but their uncreative staging led to an unending line between people waiting to see the work, being briefly amused by the miniatures and taking pictures, and then waiting another 10 minutes to experience the next piece, all the while knowing exactly what to expect, destroying the magic. The nature of the medium, the subjects of the artwork, and the museum’s advertising campaign make parents of small children believe it’s appropriate for them. This is not the case. The two families in front of me with small children had a difficult time, as the queue bored the children and they became restless. As soon as they reached the first miniature set, they were transfixed and would press their face up to the glass, leaving smudges and fingerprints. Their parents had to pull them away to keep the queue moving, but only after a long enough time to delay the viewing for everyone else. This cycle would continue for the rest of my time there. The actual time spent in the exhibition space looking at the artworks up close was dwarfed significantly by the amount of time waiting for them to be available. The museum organizers should respect their patrons’ time. Had they eliminated the empty space and allowed the first part of the exhibition to be held in a smaller space, the experience would have been quicker and I wouldn’t have felt like I wasted my time. I think the exhibition would have worked better if they reversed the flow of foot traffic. The most interesting parts of the exhibition (the miniatures) should be last, because by the time I finished that section, I was too tired to pay interest to the short film and Trick Doodle space. That being said, I don’t believe any of this should diminish the quality and hard word of Mozu. Mozu-san, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry the exhibition was not as fun as you might have hoped. I blame my experience on the organizers and the venue, not your art, which was fun and creative. When I envisioned the exhibition in my head, I thought I would be transported like the aisles of IKEA, or Legoland, but I think the museum was ill-equipped to accommodate your sense of adventure and creativity. If you go on a less busy day, it will be well worth it, but for the hundreds who have come during Golden Week, be prepared to spend more than 3 hours to do everything.

There was only one room of the permanent exhibition open with only about 20 works in it. The two other permanent exhibition rooms were taken over by a temporary exhibition, which I wasn't interested in seeing (and paying more for). The works I saw were nice but not worth the ticket, even though it was affordable (330 yen).

The museum was displaying a fun and creative exhibit while I was in Matsuyama and I am glad I went. The information desk had English-friendly brochures which was incredibly thoughtful for their foreign tourists. They also have an attached coffee shop with lovely views which was a great place to stop and take a break while touring the city. The museum is located near several hotels so it is a great place to stop if you don't want to go far from where you are staying.

Main collection consists of one room with both western and Japanese paintings, as well as one larger area containing multiple Japanese calligraphy wall scrolls. For non-Japanese speakers it might not be the best experience as they will not understand the scrolls and there's little explanation available. For those that do, it is quite interesting.

A good number of Historical collections decorated and organised in a systematic manner... Everything is in Japanese... I found the facilities of using headphones recording in English costing 100 en but I didn’t use it... The design of the building is unique...

It was a wonderful building designed by Tadao Ando. I visited in the morning, and I was able to have a cup of coffee quietly. There was another exhibition going on inside the building. If you want to visit the cafe, you can go into the building and go to the left.

If not a fan of Saka no Ue no Kumo, or not so interested in Japan modern history, you may skip this museum. As a buidling desigend by Tadao Ando, it is typical but not outstanding.

I can’t read Japanese. But the architecture here is something you can’t miss. The whole building is a concrete triangular prism. The centre piece is the long concrete staircase. There is another spectacular installation. Go to 2/F or 3/F. There is a balcony facing Bansuiso. The glass installed below the handrail is styled with ripples. I looked from inside the museum towards Banduiso. The glass looked like a pond with ripples. Above the “pond”, it was Bansuiso and the greenery. I don’t think this is not meticulously planned.

What a nice museum ! so very like Japanese !! Simple and elegant ~~ And the name of the museum means “ a cloud over the hill “ Don’t you think it’s such a charming name? Just the name of it definitely attracts me I was surprised this is a work of Ando Tadao who is one of my favorite world wide famous architecture we didn’t plan to visit this museum however it’s on the way to Bansuiso It’s a very interesting building ,also very early work of Ando Tadao. We didn’t mind to drop by to have a look . There’s a small cafe inside of museum. No charge to have a look and you can have a sip of Japanese tea while you are admiring this museum

Incredible , a museum dedicated to the novel Saka no Ue no Kumo by Ryotaro Shiba. The setting is in the Meiji era, depicts the lives of brothers Yoshifuru and Saneyuki Akiyama, and Shiki Masaoka, who all came from Matsuyama.

you have to know the japanese literature to enjoy the museum

This museum was just a lot of big posters showing various events in Natsume Sozeki's life. It didn't have much else to offer. I was pretty disappointed in the museum. For the price of admission, I was expecting to see more.

The English guide had 21 descriptions of a part of the exhibit. 25,000 poems in such a short life. 500 yen includes audio guide. Spent about 45 minutes. It is worth a visit as it is really well done.

A museum dedicated to a lone literary genius who had a lifelong impact on Japan. I visited this place and bought a complete collection of Japanese haiku and started reading it.

One of the must visit place of Matsuyama, even if you are not a Masaoka Shiki fan. It houses lots of information about Shiki. Besides, it also has an interesting exhibition about the history of Matsuyama. If you are history lover, make sure you visit here. Its very close to Dogo hot spring and also houses a gift shop with lots of book options and other gifts. Highly recommended.

Very nice miseum about he haiku poet. Unfortunately difficult gor people non able to read Japanese, little english tranalation.

An interesting museum with lovely staff. There is some English signage, but I recommend getting the audio guide for an extra 100 yen for the best experience.

Seeing how undeterred Shiki was in the face of his sickness; and the many achievements of his even within his not too long lifetime was inspiring

This old train is a landmark in front of the famous Dogo Station and nearby Dogo Onsen, an old fashion bath house. Must visit for both locations.

You can take this nostalgic train right in the down town to the famous onsen town. The train assistant will make sure you are being entertain while on the train. Do stay put at the end station and witness how they manually turn the train to the oncoming direction so that they are in time for next journey.

Nostalgic feeling, sitting on such a train. The fee is 1300yen/ adult. A great experience, not to be missed. It is located at the Dogo Onsen stop.

Operates only on weekends and holidays, has infrequent schedule. For 1,300Y per ticket, I feel that this attraction is massively overpriced. Actually riding the train isn't very novel unless you speak Japanese so you can understand the conductor talking. If you want to experience the Botchan train, I would recommend waiting at the Dogo Onsen station for it to arrive. You can see it moving around for yourself which is more fun than riding, and it's free.

A very classical and old style train remaining from a long time ago.

The train only runs on weekends and public holidays but still nice to see

Good for photo shooting

Stunning Seaside Views but Limited Amenities Shimontoshi Station offers one of the most breathtaking coastal views in Japan, especially on clear days—the vibrant blue sea against the rustic platform is picture-perfect. If you visit in summer, I highly recommend catching the sunset and stopping by a nearby shaved ice shop (just a short walk away) to enjoy the scenery leisurely. That said, the area is quite remote with few other attractions nearby, and taxis are hard to find. If you’re not driving, plan your trip carefully around the infrequent train schedule to avoid long waits. A nice touch: Staff members guide visitors during peak arrival times (to manage crowds) and even help take photos—they know all the best angles for stunning shots of the sea and trains! Tip: Best for a quick scenic stop rather than a long stay. Bring patience (and a timetable)!

A nice train station by the sea. I came here after visiting the Cat Island at around 5pm. This certainly is a great place for photography, you just need a sunny day and clear skies and you’ve already got the ingredients for some nice shot. A train is scheduled for every hour, not the most convenient but time flies if you are busy taking photos loll

A beautiful sunset and a anime-like setting! One of the best phenomenal photo spots in Shikoku.

Upon my visit to this incredible place, the weather was cloudy and I wasn't sure if it was worth the journey due to the distance and limited train availability. However, I can confidently say that the experience was more than worth it. The scenic views were stunning, but what really made the visit special was the heartwarming presence of the elderly volunteers. They were extremely kind and helpful, taking the time to chat, explain the area, assist with photographs, and provide tips for photographers. As the train arrived, they even waved flags and hands, leaving a lasting positive impression. Despite the small size and lack of amenities, this has become one of my favorite places in Japan due to its immense charm and warmth.

the closest station to the sea in whole Japan. it is placed like 30-40 minutes drive from Matsuyama. it was really pleasant driving the road to the station with the good view on the sea. only for the station, do not expect much. it is just a station. but including the road, it is worth going.

A station next to the sea with superb view, no matter its noon, sunset, sunrise, or the dark. There's a lovely old couple (probably volunteers, unlikely JR staff), guiding tourist on the estimated time arrival of trains, the view, providing some explanation on the station, some guides on how to take pictures. They were extremely friendly, and helpful which mades our days better! There's crowd, since its such a beautiful scenery, so be ready on that. The only downside is the frequency of train was very little, which is understandable since not much commuters uses it.

Its weird I'm reviewing a train station, but it needs to be done, the sunset here was absolutely amazing! I met some japanese people here and we talked alot, I really got to experience something different I wouldn't be able to in Tokyo, I really love that!

Visited Budokan, martial arts facility. Amazing

the park is a great place to watch all kinds of sports or take a jog on one of the designated running paths.

Awesome... how I learn that in Japan, sport stadion is very kids friendly!

Beautiful park, great place to visit.

Fun game, decent food

Awesome view on top of the hill

Good place to exercise!

It was quite good on atmosphere but full of Korean since there are fre ticket here so I moved to main Onsen to feel original environment. Open air bath was quite modern but in door bath was quite traditional with impressive video show on heritage tile wall.

We chose a private room for 90 minutes. It was a beautiful and picturesque place to rest and stretch out after a hot bath, especially since we had just arrived on the overnight ferry.

Went on May 13, 2024 Amazing experience! Would definitely go back. Staff was friendly and informative on helping us with the language barrier using translators. Very affordable for a private onsen. Modern, nice for groups to go if you have a family trip (mixed genders) since they allow you to wear a robe “ Yuchō “ pictured in pink in the water. After you put on the white patterned robe. It was very hard to find a tattoo friendly onsen (I don’t have one myself but a friend in my group had one, gladly this onsen allowed them!) They also allow reservations and we got in right away and we were glad we reserved as they had a fully booked sign for private room for the full day when we arrived. ¥1690 per person plus ¥2040 yen for the private onsen. (¥2200 yen per person then = only like 15 USD!) We were able to stay 90 minutes. You cannot bathe in the private onsen, after you can get shampoo and conditioner in the downstairs bathing room when you are done. When we went down to the public bath you are not supposed to wear the yuchō, but we had the space pretty much to ourselves and the rooms are separated by genders for finishing our bath, there’s also an open air bath too! Relaxing spa experience. Tea sweets were great!

For those seeking a newer onsen experience in Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen Annex is an alternative to the original Dogo Onsen, which is showing signs of aging. Despite being fully booked during the golden week period, I managed to secure a spot through a walk-in request on the day of my visit. The facility boasts new amenities, iconic decor, and a comfortable atmosphere. The onsen itself was pristine and enjoyable, complemented by a delightful post-onsen experience with dessert and tea. I look forward to returning in the future!

It was a good alternative to the Dogo Onsen main building (which was way too busy). I entered around 18.30 on a weekday and there were barely any people in the men's bath. Spacious and plenty of room for the showers, one big indoor pool and one smaller outdoor pool. It has a fairly modern and neat feel to it. Only downside is that the "outdoor" bath isn't very outdoor. It's barely exposed to fresh air, so if enjoying the breeze while bathing is your main goal then this is not the most suitable place.

Very nice onsen complex, a few minutes walk from Dogo Onsen Main Building. Was informed I had to wait 3 hours for the main building, so ventured over to the annex with no queues. Lovely facilities, with an indoor and outdoor onsen on the ground floor, and a large relaxation room on the second floor. Warm and friendly staff serve you tea and local snacks after your onsen experience.

Had a peaceful rest here, private room with public onsen bath. Decoration is decent, less crowded so you can enjoy the little treats and tea after soaking in the onsen.

This mechanical clock performs every 30 mins and many people will be waiting outside for it to perform. It seems that different music will be played during different time slots, it changes around once every 2 hours. Maybe because of the crowd I almost cannot hear any music coming from the clock when it is performing. Another reason could be because it is close to the road, the music is muffled by the engine sound. The music is instrumental so it could easily be overwhelmed by loud noise. Interesting fact: it shares the same name as the steam train that goes between Dogo Onsen station and Matsuyama-shi station. Visited on 30 Mar 2025

We arrived around 7pm but most of the shop is closed or is closing. So not much to do, most of them are souvenirs shop.

A charming blend of tradition and technology! The Botchan Karakuri Clock is not just a timepiece—it's a delightful storytelling experience that brings the spirit of Natsume Sōseki’s world to life every hour. A true gem in Matsuyama.

A must stop on your way to or from Dogo Onsen, the clock has a nice animation every hour and you can enjoy a good foot bath just next to it while waiting for the clock to tick.

Fun attraction. Since it's right next to a few other sights it's worth visiting the hourly (or half hourly) performance. Right next to a nice indoor market

It is one of the local tourist attractions at Dogo Onsen area, though it was a short and cute show of Botchan characters (based on one of the Natsume Soseki’s novels). It might be a worthwhile to catch the-top-of-the-hour show at this little clock tower because it is quick and free!

This spot is a clock with mechanical dolls! Every 1 hour they starts moving. The tower opens the walls and some dolls come out and move! The dolls are local people here in old days. Looks super fancy! Tourists were taking video when I visited. Located just in front of the Tran station! Enjoy!

With many shops shuttered, Okaido is no longer the shopping arcade that I would recommend. It was a much more vibrant scene 2 years ago. Something needs to be done to revitalise the dead street.

Main shopping street! You could have your meals and shopping done in the vicinity. You could also go for onsen at Check-In Matsuyama Hotel at the corner!

Lots of shops and eateries. I was surprised to find a Krispy Cream Donuts, which had several Japanese themed treats. There is also a really good Japanese bakery down by the entrance of the Don Quixote, Boulangerie, recommend checking it out. Their pastries are light and not sugary.

Bright, open and weather proof space. A great place for experiencing local life.

Like any regular shopping street but wider walking path and less rowdy.

Nice meal good coffee I've cream smoothie

Cool area to walk around, lots of good stuff to see. There was some craft msrket going on when I was there.

A small museum inside a Starbucks! No tickets either. Once you go inside the Starbucks, just head straight to the back and you will see it. While small, it is cool to read the history and see some of the historic items!

Inside Starbucks, a small museum, nice to visit if you are around.

It's a museum of sorts. It has one replica locomotive. It's a large back room of the Starbucks. It's a nice looking engine. Some good information about train service in this area back in the 1800s.

Well... I don't know if it's inside the Starbucks so...

Must go thru from Starbucks, only 1 train but very well maintained.

It's a tiny area inside a Starbucks. You can enjoy you coffee while looking at the super cool train.

I spent ages trying to find this place, gave up and then went in to the nearby Starbucks only to find it there. It's a train and some info on the transport system of Matsuyama - so pretty rad for a Starbucks.

Not a big zoo indeed, but it’s quite a variety of animals which can’t be seen in other large zoo. Highly recommend the restaurant next to the elephant , the food is cheap and you can watch the elephant while eating.

The place was nice but looks like not being cared for a long time. There’s a lot of animals and a beautiful overview of the city.

This zoo is pretty cool with a wide selection of exotic animals. It's definitely way bigger than my local zoo in the states. It has lots of information about the animals such as their name, origin, traits and age. It has cute gift shops with lots of souvenirs and decorations. Peace, the polar bear, is definitely the star of the show and the selling point of the zoo. The entry fee was very cheap: ¥500

Animals are kept in tiny cages or tight spaces resembling prisons only for human entertainment. Facilities are also old and worn out. Stresses are introduced to animals and it isn't humane. This zoo is 35 years old and is still built with the design since then. It is heartbreaking to see animals being treated poorly. The zoo should either learn from other zoos and make itself better or shut down and send the animals to better places to end their suffering.

It’s a lovely zoo. You can see animals very close. Some places you can feed the animals.

Although the appearance was a bit dated, the ticket price was only 500yen for an adult, and you could see a wide variety of animal species even polar bear, lions, hippos, rhinos and tigers. Definitely worth visiting, especially with kids.

Nice polar bear. Rich of species.

Nice place

The man working there literally slammed the window shut in my face after he finished talking to the Japanese family in front of me. I went to get a goshuin stamp (they currently don’t hand write them—they only have the copies you glue in yourself). Maybe because I’m not Japanese he thought he couldn’t explain that there were only the paper copies? Even so, there’s no need to be rude!! 😡 I finally pressed the bell after waiting a few minutes and spoke to him in Japanese and he literally DID NOT REPLY to me. I thought maybe he was mute? But then he spoke to say the price, so he was actually just being rude and most probably xenophobic. The shrine itself is nice, and it’s conveniently located at the parking lot, but I would recommend making your offerings and buying omamori at more welcoming shrines. Update: I read other reviews and it seems like Japanese visitors have had similar experiences, so he’s just rude to everyone.

For visit

(Translated by Google) 🏯 History and Origins of Yujinja Shrine 📜 Founding and Deities - Founded: An ancient shrine traditionally dated to the reign of Emperor Keikō (circa 1st century) This shrine is listed in the Heian period Engishiki Shinmeicho (Choice of Shinto Shrines), and is a representative shrine in the Onsen District of Iyo Province. - Main Deities: - Onamuchi-no-Mikoto - Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto These two deities are associated with the origin of hot springs in Japanese mythology. Legend has it that when Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto fell ill, Onamuchi-no-Mikoto guided the hot springs and healed him. 🌋 Earthquakes and Prayers for Hot Springs - Daiei Era (1521-1527): An earthquake buried the hot springs, and the shrine was relocated to Mount Kanmuriyama. - In 1707 (the 4th year of the Hoei era): When an earthquake caused the hot spring water to stop flowing, prayers were offered at Yu Shrine, and the hot springs are said to have flowed again the following year. - This prayer continues to this day as the "Yu Prayer Festival." 🌟 The Wonders of Yu Shrine 🏞️ The Location and Atmosphere - Located a three-minute walk from the Dogo Onsen Main Building, on the slopes of Mount Kanmuriyama. A quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the hot spring town, this shrine is a perfect place to calm your mind. - There are plenty of nearby detours, including the "Sky Walk" and Nakajima Shrine. 🛐 The Fusion of Hot Springs and Faith - The hot springs themselves are considered sacred, and the shrine is deeply rooted in the local people as a place to express gratitude for the blessings of nature. - Kagura dances are offered and prayers are offered for the hot springs to flow whenever the water stops, demonstrating a faith that lives in harmony with nature. (Original) 🏯 湯神社の由緒と歴史 📜 創建と神々 - 創建：景行天皇の御代（1世紀頃）と伝承される古社 平安時代の『延喜式神名帳』にも記載される式内社で、伊予国温泉郡の代表的な神社にゃん。 - 主祭神： - 大己貴命（おおなむちのみこと） - 少彦名命（すくなひこなのみこと） この二神は日本神話で温泉の起源に関わる神々で、少彦名命が病に倒れたとき、大己貴命が湯を導いて癒したという伝承があるにゃ。 🌋 地震と湯の祈り - 大永年間（1521〜1527）：地震で温泉が埋没し、神社は冠山へ遷座。 - 宝永4年（1707年）：地震で湯が止まった際、湯神社で祈願したところ、翌年に湯が再び湧き出したという霊験が伝えられているにゃ。 - この祈願が「湯祈祷祭」として今も続いているにゃん。 🌟 湯神社の素晴らしさ 🏞️ 場所と空気 - 道後温泉本館から徒歩3分、冠山の中腹に鎮座。温泉街の喧騒から離れた静かな場所にあり、心を整えるにゃんスポット。 - 周囲には「空の散歩道」や「中嶋神社」など、ちょっとした寄り道コースも充実。 🛐 温泉と信仰の融合 - 湯そのものを神聖視し、自然の恵みに感謝する場として、地元の人々に深く根付いているにゃ。 - 温泉が止まるたびに神楽を奉納し、湧出を祈願してきたという、自然と共に生きる信仰のかたちが残っているにゃん。

(Translated by Google) Yu Jinja Shrine, nestled on the hillside of Dogo Onsen, is revered by locals as the patron saint of the hot springs. It's said to have been built during the reign of the 12th Emperor Keikyu and later relocated to its current location due to an earthquake. In the past, the hot springs would occasionally stop flowing, but prayers at the shrine would reignite them. This tradition, which continues to this day, includes the Yu Prayer Matsuri and Hatsuko Matsuri, both important local traditions. The shrine is small, but its atmosphere is tranquil. Its red torii gates, wooden steps, and gentle mountain breeze make it a perfect spot for a stroll. Nearby, the miniature Nakashima Shrine is a hidden gem that's often overlooked. A visit here is highly recommended for those who enjoy immersing themselves in local stories and the atmosphere of a shrine. (Original) 位在道後溫泉山坡上的湯神社，是當地人心中的溫泉守護神。據說建於第12代景行天皇時期，後來因地震遷至現址。過去溫泉泉源偶爾會停止湧出，經神社祈禱後又重新湧現，因此延續至今的「湯祈禱祭」與「初子祭」都是當地的重要傳統。 神社規模不大，但氛圍非常安靜，紅色鳥居、木階步道，加上山風吹拂，很適合散步時順路過來參拜。旁邊還有一間迷你的中嵋嶋神社，是個容易被忽略的小亮點。喜歡感受地方故事和神社氛圍的人，很推薦來走一趟。

(Translated by Google) This shrine is located on a hill above Dogo Onsen. It is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Keiko, the 12th emperor of Japan. While there are cases in eastern Japan where the dates are different, it seems to be easier to think of them in western Japan. It appears to be a very old shrine. There is a torii gate on the south side, and a sacred tree at the top of the approach stairs, making it quite impressive. However, there is not much inside the grounds, and it does not have much charm. It can be assumed that the parking lot was once the site of the shrine. (Original) 道後温泉の高台にある神社。伝12代景行天皇の時代に創建とのこと。東日本では時代の付け替えがある場合あるが西日本ではすんなり考えていいかもしれません。かなり古くからある神社みたいです。南側に鳥居あり参道の階段登ると御神木ありかなり立派です。ただ境内はあまりなく風情はあまりない。駐車場の所がかつては敷地だったのだろうと推定できます。

(Translated by Google) It's located right next to the Dogo Onsen Main Building. It's next to the Sky Walk. It may have been a coincidence, but it was empty and may be a hidden gem. It's said that when Dogo Onsen stopped flowing due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, a hot spring prayer was performed at Yujinja Shrine, and the water started flowing again. This ritual is still carried on today as an annual festival. It is enshrined on a small hill next to the Dogo Onsen Main Building, and you can get a panoramic view of the town of Dogo, including the Dogo Onsen Main Building. (Original) 道後温泉本館からすぐ。空の散歩道のお隣にあります。たまたまかも知れませんが、空いていたし穴場かも知れません。地震などの天災によって道後温泉の湧出が止まった際に、湯神社で湯祈祷が行われた結果、再び湧出が始まったと伝わっており、その儀式は今も例祭に姿を変えて引き継がれているそうです。道後温泉本館横の小高い丘に鎮座し、道後温泉本館を始め、道後の町並みを一望することができますよ。

Its a good place for relax your mind, the deer isn't really satisfied me but the sea is gorgeous.

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy the feeling of traveling on a boat at a low price. There are also a lot of Bambis. If you like fishing, you can enjoy fishing and swimming even by yourself 🎵 You should definitely take the excursion boat! ️Bring your lunch box and go. The mood and scenery are great, and best of all, you can enjoy it without spending a lot of money, so if you're still there, you're missing out. (Original) 船に乗って旅気分が安価に楽しめる。バンビも沢山居ます。釣り好きなら釣ったり泳いだり一人でも楽しめます🎵 周遊船は是非乗るべし‼️お弁当持ってGo。 気分も景色も最高やし何よりお金を掛けずに楽しめる、まだの人は損してますよ。

(Translated by Google) The island is only a few minutes away by ferry, but apparently some brave souls even swim across. You can fish, swim and even have a barbecue on the island (there is a shop). But this island is... deer! Deer! Lots of deer! There are deer kept on the island, and you can feed them by purchasing food at the shop. They all flock together in droves, and it's very cute. I made three trips to the shop to buy food. And there are also wild deer. They sometimes make an appearance in front of people, but then quickly run away. Perhaps they come to check on the kept deer. Anyway, they were deer. (Original) フェリーで数分の島ですが、中には泳いで渡る猛者もいるそうです。島では釣りをしたり泳いだり、バーベキューなんかもいいですね（売店有）。しかしこの島は…鹿！　とにかく鹿！　鹿がたくさん！　島で飼育されている鹿がおり、売店で餌を購入すれば餌やりもできます。みんなワーッと群がってきて、とてもかわいらしいですよ。自分なんかは餌を買いに売店を3往復しました。そしてさらに、野生の鹿もいます。たまに人前へと姿を表しては、すぐに逃げます。飼育されている鹿たちの様子を見にきたのでしょうか。とにかく鹿でした。

(Translated by Google) Unrated comment NHK “Kokoro Tabi” September 2022 Autumn Trip 1116th day goal point (Original) 評価外コメント NHK「こころ旅」 2022年9月秋の旅 1116日目ゴール地点

(Translated by Google) The weather was nice too. I took a lot of turtles and went home. (Original) 天気も良くよかった。 亀の手沢山取って帰りました。

(Translated by Google) A leisurely and relaxing island~ (Original) 悠閒自在讓人放鬆的小島～

🦌

It is a niche museum dedicated to a brilliant talent. If you are familiar with japanese movie and pictures, then you will enjoy the museum which documents his life. Museum cafe is quite nice.

If you like the Juzo, the introduction video alone is worth the prize of admission. Unfortunately, Japanese is almost a requirement.

(Translated by Google) A memorial museum to my favorite Juso Itami. I didn't have a chance to go there, but I decided to stop by on my way back from Dogo Onsen. First, we toured the Bentley Continental that welcomed us, followed by a permanent exhibition where you could take photos, and then a special exhibition where you couldn't take photos, but there were so many gems that fans would want to see at least once. (Original) 大好きな伊丹十三氏の記念館。 なかなか機会を得なかったのですが、道後温泉の帰りに立ち寄らせていただきました。 先ずは出迎えてくれるベントレーコンチネンタルを見学し、あとは撮影可能な常設展、その後撮影不可能な企画展と続くわけですが、とにかくファンなら一度は目に収めておきたい逸品ばかりでした。

(Translated by Google) I had only this image of him as a unique actor, but when I visited the museum, I realized he was an incredibly talented, warm-hearted, and humorous person. His pictures and writings are filled with kindness. He's not just an actor, he's a wonderful person too. He really enjoyed life. I was able to enjoy watching his works and laugh as well. The people at the museum and cafe were also very friendly, and it seems like the museum is looked after with love and respect for Itami Juzo, led by Director Miyamoto Nobuko. (Original) 個性的な俳優さん。というイメージだけだったけど、記念館に行ってみて、すごく多才で暖かくユーモアのある素敵な方。絵や文章に優しさがあふれている。 俳優だけではなく、人間としてすごく素晴らしい方。人生を楽しんでいらっしゃったんだなぁ。こちらまで楽しく笑って作品を観ることができました。 記念館、カフェの方も感じよくて、宮本信子館長さんみなさんで伊丹十三さんへの愛というか、敬意を持って守っていらっしゃる記念館でした。

(Translated by Google) The museum is packed with humor and showcases Juzo Itami's genius and sense of humor. It's compact but well worth a visit, and fans will love it. There's a cafe inside the museum, so next time I'd like to spend some time relaxing there. (Original) 伊丹十三のセンスと天才ぶりがユーモアたっぷり紹介されています。コンパクトながら見応えありファンにはたまりません。館内にカフェがあったので次回はそこでくつろぐ時間も持ちたい。

(Translated by Google) I visited the museum for the first time in 10 years. It's about a 20-minute bus ride from Matsuyama City Station, and a 2-minute walk from the Tenzanbashi bus stop. This museum is like a paradise for fans of director Itami. I was the only visitor there for about an hour after it opened. It was lonely. (Original) 10年ぶりに来館。松山市駅からバスで20分ぐらい、天山橋　というバス停から歩いて2分ぐらい。伊丹監督ファンには楽園のような記念館。 お客は開館から1時間ぐらいは自分一人だった。寂しい。

(Translated by Google) The building and chairs were really cute, and it was a cozy experience. The exhibits were enjoyable to look at, and much of it gave me a sense of the wonderful personalities of the people involved, which made me want to watch their films again. The ginger tea served with the cafe was also delicious, and very comforting. (Original) 建物や椅子がとっても可愛いくて、居心地のよい体験ができました。 展示も楽しく見れるボリュームで、素敵な人柄が感じられる内容も多く、改めて映画などを拝聴したいと思いました。 カフェの生姜紅茶と添えられた生姜も美味しく、ほっこりしました。

(+) Local island, easily accessed from Matsuyama-Shi (+) Great place for a day trip (no overnight accommodations) (+) Island is easily covered by bicycle or motorbike (+) Only one major road, so easy to navigate (-) Only 2 mini-markets on the island. Limited hours and limited options. (-) No formal restaurants on the island

Good cycling day trip (or overnight camping for self-reliant types). The island has at least a couple of nice swimming beaches. Do not count on finding ANY stores or restaurants open. Not much happening on a Friday/Saturday in late September; On the west side of the island. I saw more cats than people.

An important tip for foreigners wanting to see the island: You can rent a bicycle to travel around on the island (it's much too big to go on foot. That would take more than an entire day). It's fairly cheap. But you need to ask the staff aboard the ferry about this, there is no reception desk for this on the island itself. Furthermore, I HIGHLY recommend only cycling until the halfway point of the island (check your Google map), and then going back, rather than trying to go all the way around the island. The reason for this is that while the first half is very nice as long as the weather is okay, and consists mostly of straights and downward hills, the second half consists of many, MANY LONG and VERY STEEP upward hills, with a few downward slopes in between, but they are few and far between. The result is that you will be spending most of the second half walking and pushing your bike up the slopes on foot, as they are much to steep to cycle up. I did this, and it took SEVERAL hours, and was EXHAUSTING. NOT fun. Just keep that in mind.

(Translated by Google) The island is beautiful and quiet. If you want a bicycle, you have to go to Yura Port. I went to Tomari and walked for an hour. Rent an electric bike to explore the island area on the other side of the port! It is difficult to ride a regular bike because there are many hills!!!! (Original) 섬은 아름답고 조용합니다. 자전거를 원한다면 유라항으로 가셔야 합니다 저는 토마리로 갔다가 1시간 걸었어요 항구 반대편 섬지역을 돌아보려면 전기 자전거를 빌리세요! 언덕이 많기 때문에 일반 자전거로는 어렵습니다!!!!

(Translated by Google) It was a great experience cycling around the island. It was very hot, but it was worth it. I'll definitely go back if I get the chance. Be sure to rent an electric bike... (Original) 자전거타고 섬 한 바퀴 돌기 아주 좋았습니다. 많이 뜨거웠지만 그만한 가치가 있었습니다. 기회가 되면 반드시 또 갈 것. 꼭 전기자전거로 빌리세요...

(Translated by Google) The sea water is clear and clean. The beach is very beautiful 🏝️❤️🇯🇵 (Original) น้ำทะเลใสสะอาด ชายหาดสวยงามมากๆ 🏝️❤️🇯🇵

(Translated by Google) (Visited 2/5-6/2020) I simply admired the island atmosphere, so when I visited Matsuyama, I stayed overnight from the evening until the next morning. I took a ferry from Takahama Port on the Matsuyama side to the island, to Yura Port on the way there, and to Tomari Port on the way back. The fare was 250 yen, which was as cheap as a local bus. You can rent bicycles on the ferry. This time, I didn't feel like exploring that much, so I bought a regular bicycle for 500 yen. I was told that I could return it at either the Yura Port or Tomari Port ferry. I had imagined the sunset would be beautiful, and I was able to enjoy a very nice, nostalgic view. In the evening, there were people walking their dogs along the coast, and I exchanged a quick greeting with them. (Original) (2020/2/5-6訪問) 単純に島の雰囲気への憧れですが、松山訪問の折に、夕方から翌朝まで軽く一泊させて頂きました。 島までは松山側の高浜港からフェリーで、行きは由良港へ、帰りは別の泊港から帰りました。料金は250円で、路線バス並みの安さでした。 フェリーの中でレンタサイクルを借りることが出来ます。今回、そこまで探検という感じではなかったので、500円で普通の自転車にしました。返却は、由良港・泊港のどちらのフェリーでもＯＫと説明を受けました。 夕陽が奇麗ではないかと事前に想像していましたが、やはりとても素敵なノスタルジックな雰囲気のある景色を味わうことが出来ました。夕方、海岸沿いを犬を連れて散歩されている方などもいらっしゃって、軽く挨拶をしました。