What Makes Matsuyama Worth Visiting?

Matsuyama offers the perfect blend of tradition, history, and slow-paced charm. It’s a compact yet culturally rich city where you can stroll between a historic castle, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, and literary landmarks—all within a short tram ride.
Here’s what makes Matsuyama truly special:

• 🏯 Matsuyama Castle: One of only 12 original castles left in Japan, perched high above the city.
• ♨️ Dogo Onsen: A 1,000-year-old hot spring experience just a short ride away.
• 📚 Botchan Connections: The setting of Natsume Soseki’s famous novel adds a literary layer to the town.
• 🚋 Streetcar City: Easy-to-use trams connect major sights, giving visitors a retro travel experience.

I spent a weekend here and loved how I could visit a castle in the morning, soak in a hot spring in the afternoon, and walk through a literary-themed arcade at night. Everything felt close—and cozy.

Is Matsuyama Castle Original?

Yes—Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, known as genzon tenshu (現存天守). While many Japanese castles were rebuilt in modern materials, the main keep of Matsuyama Castle was reconstructed in 1854 using traditional wooden architecture, and has remained intact ever since.
Originally constructed in 1603 by feudal lord Kato Yoshiaki, the castle has endured fires, war, and natural disasters. Today, you can walk through the same wooden interiors, steep staircases, and stone corridors that samurai once used over 150 years ago. In addition to the central keep, many of the gates, turrets, and stone walls from the Edo period also survive, making the entire mountaintop compound a rare and valuable historical site.

How to Reach Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle sits atop Mount Katsuyama, but getting there is easier than you might expect. Visitors can choose between a relaxing ride or a scenic hike:

Ropeway & Lift (Recommended)

• From Okaido Station (on the Iyotetsu streetcar line), it’s a 5-minute walk to the Ropeway Station.
• The ropeway or chair lift takes you halfway up the mountain.
• From there, it’s about a 10-minute uphill walk to reach the main keep.

👉 The ropeway runs every 10 minutes, and the chair lift operates continuously.
👉 Combo tickets for round-trip rides and castle entry are available at the base station.

Hiking Route

Feeling adventurous? You can also hike up the well-marked trails from the base of the mountain.

• Takes about 20–30 minutes depending on pace.
• Great way to enjoy the natural setting and stone walls.

I took the ropeway up and walked back down through the forest path—it was quiet, shady, and full of birdsong. A perfect mix of comfort and nature!

Castle Highlights & Viewpoints

Once you reach the top, you’ll find that Matsuyama Castle is more than just a single tower—it’s a full-fledged fortress with multiple attractions:

Main Keep (Tenshu)

The three-story wooden keep offers 360° panoramic views of Matsuyama city, the Seto Inland Sea, and even distant mountain ranges on clear days. Inside, you’ll see:

• Samurai weapons and armor displays
• Wooden floors, steep staircases, and original construction
• A rooftop observation deck with open air access

Inner Compound & Walls

• Wander through massive stone walls and gates preserved from the Edo period.
• Several turrets (yagura) are still intact and accessible.

Viewpoints

• Best view is from the top of the main keep, but the courtyard below offers equally scenic photo spots—especially in spring with cherry blossoms or autumn with colorful leaves.

Visit to Matsuyama Castle

I visited Matsuyama Castle on a sunny spring morning, taking the ropeway up from Okaido. The ride was short but scenic—you get a great view of the town and castle walls rising through the trees.

Once I reached the top, I was surprised by how much of the castle remains: real wooden gates, steep steps, even old turret buildings. Inside the main keep, I climbed all the way to the top floor where the windows opened to sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

The stairs were steeper than I expected, but I loved the creaking floorboards and the cool shadows inside. There were samurai helmets and armor on display, and a staff member explained that some of the beams were original.

After exploring, I sat on a bench near the courtyard, sipping a bottle of mikan juice I’d bought from a stall. Sakura petals were floating in the breeze. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause and smile for no reason.

Q&A – Matsuyama Castle Tips