Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan (Ehime Prefecture) is a city filled with the scent of citrus and a slow-paced, soothing atmosphere, with both a hot spring district steeped in a thousand years of history and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night travel guide for you:

Day 1: City History and a Thousand-Year-Old Hot Spring

• Morning: Head to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s twelve original surviving castle keeps. Taking the unique single-seat chairlift up the mountain is highly recommended, with views overlooking the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

• Afternoon: Stroll through the city and check out the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum (designed by Tadao Ando, with beautiful light and shadow) and the French-style Western mansion Bansuiso next door. Then have a glass of Ehime citrus juice at the Natsume Soseki Café.

• Evening: Head to Dogo Onsen and soak at Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs and the inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. In the evening, explore the lively hot spring shopping street.

Day 2: Seto Inland Sea Cycling and Stunning Coastline

• Morning: Head to Imabari City and begin a Shimanami Kaido cycling experience. Cross sea bridges along the way and weave between islands—the sea breeze and blue sky are incredibly soothing.

• Afternoon: Cycle to the observation deck at Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, or head to Omishima to visit the ancient Oyamazumi Shrine.
• Dusk: Take the JR Yosan Line to Shimonada Station, known as “the station closest to the sea in Japan,” and wait at the end of the platform for a breathtaking sunset.

Day 3: Retro Streets and Slow Island Living

• Morning: Head to Uchiko Town to experience its beautifully preserved traditional streets from the Edo to Meiji periods. The white walls and wooden townhouses are full of character, and there are relatively few tourists.

• Afternoon: If time allows, return to the city and ride the retro Botchan Train, or go to Gogoshima Island, rent a bicycle, and cycle around the island while enjoying the citrus groves and blue sea.

Must-Visit Attractions

Matsuyama’s sights cover history, nature, and art. Here are the top core spots most worth visiting:

• Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan’s twelve original surviving castle keeps. You can take a ropeway or chairlift up the mountain and overlook the entire city and the Seto Inland Sea.

• Dogo Onsen Honkan: One of Japan’s three ancient hot springs and the inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. Its retro wooden architecture has an especially atmospheric feel.

• Shimonada Station: Known as “the station closest to the sea,” with tracks stretching straight toward the Iyo-nada Sea. It is an excellent sacred spot for watching the sunset.

• Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum: Designed by Tadao Ando, where exposed concrete architecture intertwines with light and shadow, making it highly photogenic.

Must-Try Foods and Specialty Restaurants

When visiting Matsuyama, you absolutely should not miss fresh sea bream rice and the citrus desserts found all over the city. Here are some well-reviewed local restaurants:

• Matsuyama Sea Bream Rice: A local specialty. Clay-pot freshly cooked sea bream rice is recommended, enjoyed in two ways: as is, and then as ochazuke.

• Akika Main Store: Known for its signature Matsuyama sea bream rice set meal; the sashimi mixed with egg-yolk sauce is the highlight.
• Dogo Shichifukujin: Located on the Dogo Onsen shopping street, specializing in sea bream dishes and convenient for dining after a hot spring soak.
• Handmade Udon Tsuru: A well-regarded local udon shop, with pleasantly chewy noodles and a fresh, savory broth.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Accommodation Recommendations:
  • Dogo Onsen Area: If you want an in-depth experience of hot spring culture, staying at a hotel or ryokan near Dogo Onsen is recommended. After soaking, you can go straight out to explore the shopping street.

• Matsuyama City Center (near Matsuyama Station/Okaido): Convenient transportation, suitable for self-driving or getting around by tram, with more dining and shopping options.

• Transportation Guide:
  • Long-Distance Transportation: There are direct flights from within China (such as Shanghai) to Matsuyama Airport; you can also take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Okayama, then transfer to a JR limited express to Matsuyama.
  • Local Transportation: Buying a 1-day tram pass is recommended and offers good value. For suburban destinations such as Shimonada Station, be sure to check the JR Yosan Line timetable in advance, as services are infrequent.
  • Shimanami Kaido: You can rent a bicycle from Imabari Station; the route has well-developed cycling paths and rest stops along the way.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Transportation to Shimonada Station: Trains are very infrequent, so be sure to check the timetable on the official JR website in advance to avoid missing your train and getting stranded by the sea.
• Hot Spring Choices: Dogo Onsen Honkan is crowded and its basic bath is relatively small. If you prefer a more private experience, choose a hotel with a private bath, such as Dogo Miyu, or Kisuke no Yu in the city.

• Citrus Souvenirs: Ehime has many citrus products, but “citrus daifuku” contains a whole citrus fruit and can taste somewhat bitter, so buy with caution. Orange juice from a tap can be tried at the airport and souvenir shops, and it is very sweet and refreshing.