Matsuyama Castle (松山城, Matsuyamajō) is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. There are about 200 cherry trees on the castle grounds, making this a lovely cherry blossom spot typically around late March to early April each year.
Matsuyama Castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. In 1635, the castle got assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the nation ruling Tokugawa, and it remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one had been destroyed by lightning.
Matsuyama Castle provides an excellent example of a feudal castle. The main circle of defense (Honmaru) is located on the top of the hill, accessible through multiple, well defended gates. The main keep is one of only a few in the country that boast multiple wings. The complex also includes a secondary keep and multiple turrets, giving Matsuyama Castle a grand appearance and making it interesting to explore. Inside the castle, some exhibits offer information on Matsuyama's history and the feudal period.
In spite of the castle's steep hilltop location, a ropeway and a chairlift make it easily accessible. Riding the single-chair chairlift is a pleasant and popular way to ascend Mount Katsuyama. Alternatively, it is possible to climb up the hill in about 15 minutes from the base of the ropeway station or from the Ninomaru Garden.
The Ninomaru Garden lies at the southern base of Mount Katsuyama and comprises the former site of the second circle of defense (Ninomaru). More comfortably accessible from the city than the main circle of defense (Honmaru) at the top of the mountain, the Ninomaru served as the site of the castle palace where the lord's residence and offices were located.
None of the palace buildings survive today. Instead, the Ninomaru has been converted into a park that preserves the floor plan and layout of the former castle palace with elevated foundations, green spaces and ponds.
Getting there and around
Matsuyama Castle stands on a steep hill in the center of Matsuyama and can be accessed by ropeway or chairlift. The closest tram stop to the ropeway and chairlift station is "Okaido" in front of the covered arcade, from where it is a five minute walk to the lower ropeway station.
Okaido can be reached by tram line 5 from JR Matsuyama Station in ten minutes or by tram line 2 or 3 from Matsuyama-shi Station in five minutes.
How to get to and around Matsuyama
Hours and Fees
Matsuyama Castle Keep
Hours
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
Admission
Ninomaru Park
Hours
Closed
Admission
Ropeway & Chairlift
Hours
Chairlift: 8:30 to 17:00 (around the year)
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Matsuyama
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Cinnamon Guesthouse DogoCinnamon Guesthouse Dogo is situated in the Dogo Hot Spring district of Matsuyama, 1.7 km from Miyukiji Temple, 2.3 km from Ishitegawa Park and 2.7 km from Matsuyama castle. It is located 1.2 km from Matsuyama Shrine and provides a shared kitchen. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Joshin-ji Temple is less than 1 km away. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Okaido Shopping Street is 2.9 km from the guest house, while Yasaka Temple is 2.9 km away. Matsuyama Airport is 10 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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CHAHARU Hanare Dogo YumekuraSituated within less than 1 km of Joshin-ji Temple and a 13-minute walk of Matsuyama Shrine, CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Matsuyama. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The ryokan offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with slippers, a hair dryer and bidet. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Miyukiji Temple is 1.6 km from the ryokan, while Ishitegawa Park is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura.View on Booking.com -
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Kowakuen HarukaSituated in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Kowakuen Haruka offers accommodation with an open-air bath, private parking and a garden. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The accommodation features a hot spring bath, public bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. All units at the ryokan come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. Units have a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature garden views. At the ryokan, the units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Buffet and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fruits are available each morning. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at the ryokan. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from Kowakuen Haruka, while Miyukiji Temple is a 17-minute walk from the property. Matsuyama Airport is 10 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Vista MatsuyamaHotel Vista Matsuyama is set in Matsuyama, within 1.6 km of Matsuyama castle and less than 1 km of Matsuyama Civic Center. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated 300 metres from Okaido Shopping Street. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All rooms have a wardrobe. American and Asian breakfast options are available each morning at Hotel Vista Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yasaka Temple, Botchan Train Museum and Ishitegawa Park. Matsuyama Airport is 8 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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DogoYayaDogoYaya features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Dogo Hot Spring district of Matsuyama. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms have a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at DogoYaya. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Joshin-ji Temple, Matsuyama Shrine and Miyukiji Temple. Matsuyama Airport is 10 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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FunayaBoasting a 390-year history, Funaya offers hot-spring baths, a beautiful Japanese garden and a sauna. Just 200 metres from Dogo-Onsen Train Station, it provides traditional rooms with futon bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors. Each air-conditioned Japanese-room at Funaya Ryokan comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge and tea maker. The en suite bathroom has a bathtub and slippers. Isaniwa Shrine and Dogo Park are a 5-minute walk away, and Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum is a 10-minute walk. Matsuyama Castle is about 3 km away. The hotel is a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Train Station and a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport. On-site parking is free. Guests can relax and unwind with a massage, or enjoy with footbath within the hotel’s peaceful garden. Free wired internet access is provided in the lobby. Japanese cuisine is served at Aoigoke Restaurant, and tea and coffee can be enjoyed at Garden Terrace Komorebi.View on Booking.com -
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Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot SpringDormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring features rooms in Matsuyama near Matsuyama Civic Center and The Museum of Art, Ehime. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. The rooms feature a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the hotel. Popular points of interest near Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring include Yasaka Temple, Okaido Shopping Street and Botchan Train Museum. Matsuyama Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel MatsuyamaDaiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama offers accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Botchan Train Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms at the japanese-style business hotel feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, Yasaka Temple and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8.5 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama.View on Booking.com -
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REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELSFeaturing 4-star accommodation, REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS is situated in Matsuyama, 300 metres from Botchan Train Museum and 600 metres from Matsuyama Civic Center. The property is around 1.1 km from Okaido Shopping Street, 2 km from Matsuyama castle and 2.6 km from Ishitegawa Park. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, all rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms are fitted with a seating area. The units will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Museum of Art, Ehime, Matsuyama Station and Yasaka Temple. Matsuyama Airport is 6 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Dogo Prince HotelLocated just 1.5 km from Joshin-ji Temple, Dogo Prince Hotel features accommodation in Matsuyama with access to an open-air bath, a garden, as well as a lift. This 3-star ryokan provides a spa experience, with its hot spring bath and hot tub. The ryokan features private parking, a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. At the ryokan, units are equipped with a wardrobe. All units include a kettle, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while some rooms will provide you with a balcony. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop, bar and lounge. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. An indoor play area is also available for guests at the ryokan. Matsuyama Shrine is 1.7 km from Dogo Prince Hotel, while Ishitegawa Park is 2 km away. Matsuyama Airport is 10 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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