Matsuyama, Japan

Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku island of Japan. It is located on the northeastern portion of the Dōgo Plain. The city is known for hot springs (onsen) and is home to Dōgo Onsen, the oldest hot spring bath house in Japan. A second favorite tourist spot is Matsuyama Castle. Eight of the eighty-eight temples in the Shikoku Pilgrimage are in Matsuyama.

Matsuyma Castle is 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. 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.

Things to See & Do

* Akiyama Brothers Birthplace
* Bansuiso - French-style building
* Dōgo Park & Yuzuki Castle Ruins
* Isaniwa Shrine
* Matsuyama Castle

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Yen (JPY)
Language - Japanese
Population - 516,700 approx
Land Area - 428.86 km2
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus nine hours
International Country Telephone Code - 81

Travel Links - Matsuyama Airport receives nonstop service from major airports such as Tokyo Haneda, Nagoya Komaki, Osaka Itami and Fukuoka, as well as from Okinawa. There are also direct flights to and from Seoul and Shanghai.

Matsuyama is on the JR Yosan Line. From the mainland, take the San'yo Shinkansen to Okayama, and transfer to the Shiokaze Limited Express, which will get you to Matsuyama in about three hours.

Highway buses connect Matsuyama with the rest of Shikoku, as well as with other major cities in Japan. The following buses are operated by JR Shikoku Bus and affiliated JR bus companies.