In Matsuyama, the capital of haiku, material for your poetry is waiting around every corner. Use each of your senses to encapsulate them in haiku.

HAIKU BAR

BAR Category

Enjoy your evenings at a haiku bar. Have fun reminiscing on your day.

Hoyaken

Hoyaken

A home-from-home where people enjoy relaxing. There’s even an old book corner.

2-5-17 Sanbanchō, Matsuyama

Open: 18:00 to 24:00

Closed: Sunday

090-9250-1839090-9250-1839

The Bar CARAVAN

The Bar CARAVAN

The female bartender is a member of a jazz haiku group. It was also used as a shooting location for a haiku drama.

Emzu Building 3F, 2-1-1 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama

Open: Every Tuesday in March, 19:00 to 21:00

Closed: Wednesday to Monday

089-932-8510089-932-8510

WBGO

WBGO

An establishment run by a jazz enthusiast.

Asuka Building B1, 2-1-1 Ichibanchō, Matsuyama

Open: 20:00 to 2:00

Closed: Sunday

089-932-8284089-932-8284

Taste (Japanese confectionery)

BAR Category

Let’s try some of the favorite food of Matsuyama natives and people who visit.

Botchan dango

Since they were mentioned in Sōseki Natsume’s novel “Botchan”, they’ve been a local specialty of Matsuyama. Three balls of mochi, flavoured with matcha, white bean, and red bean, are served on a stick.

Tsuboya Confectionary Store

Tsuboya Confectionary Store

The original shop where Sōseki bought the dango when he visited the onsen.

14-23 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:30 to 22:00

Closed: Tuesday (The day after if Tuesday is a public holiday)

089-921-2227089-921-2227

Tomoedō Honpo

Tomoedō Honpo

Jumbo-sized Botchan dango, enough to fill anyone.

13-7 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 8:00 to 22:00

Closed: Wednesday

089-921-2116089-921-2116

Shirasagidō

Shirasagidō

Chilled Botchan dango are served here. You can buy just one stick if you wish.

12-27 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 8:00 to 22:00

Closed: Open year round

089-921-9031089-921-9031

Utsuboya

Utsuboya

The Botchan dango served at Dōgo Onsen Honkan are made here. You can buy them at Iyotetsu Takashimaya, Matsuyama Mitsukoshi, Matsuyama Airport, Shikoku Kiosk and other outlets.

230 Hiratachō, Matsuyama, Ehime

0120-33-16120120-33-1612

Taruto

A Swiss roll filled with bean paste. In the Edo period, this cake was a favourite of lords of the domain.

Rokujiya

Rokujiya

The taste of cakes made individually by artisans.

14-22 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 21:00

Closed: Open year round

089-943-6060089-943-6060

Ichiroku Honpo

Ichiroku Honpo

When the feudal lord of Matsuyama was serving in Nagasaki, he became fond of the foreign cakes he ate on a Portuguese merchant ship, and he brought the recipe back to Matsuyama.

20-17 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 8:30 to 22:00 (1F: Ichiroku Honpo)

Closed: Open year round

089-921-2116089-921-2116

Shiki’s beloved bread

Shiki Masaoka was a gourmet who loved these buns.

Irohaya

Irohaya

Buns from the Meiji period, which Shiki Masaoka enjoyed, have been recreated.

3-70-2 Shimizumachi, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 6:30 to 20:00

Closed: Open year round

089-947-4885089-947-4885

Oyaki

These cakes were originally offered as alms to pilgrims. Eating oyaki is one of the pleasures of visiting Ishite-ji.

Restaurant Miyoshi

Restaurant Miyoshi

Established in 1869, this restaurant is in front of Ishite-ji Temple. You can enjoy amazake and udon.

3-7-28 Ishite, Matsuyama

Open: 9:00 to 16:30

Closed: Monday

089-977-0500089-977-0500

Taste (Regional cooking)

BAR Category

When Natsume Sōseki came to Matsuyama, Masaoka Shiki’s mother welcomed him with this dish.

Matsuyamazushi

Sushimaru

Sushimaru

An essential dish at any celebration in the region.

Hotel Patio Dōgo 1F, 20-12 Dōgo-Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: Weekdays 7:00 to 14:00 17:00 to 22:30 Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays 7:00 to 22:30

Closed: Open year round

089-932-6157089-932-6157

Sea bream rice

Sea bream rice, Ehime’s local specialty, comes in two forms – with a whole fish cooked with rice, and with sashimi.

Kyōdoryōri Goshiki

Kyōdoryōri Goshiki

The sea bream rice and sea bream sōmen are popular.

3-5-4 Sanbanchō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 11:00 to 23:00 (last order 22:30)

Closed: Open year round

089-933-3838089-933-3838

Gansui

Gansui

Enjoy sea bream with a secret sauce.

3-6-4 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: Day 11:00 to 15:00, Night 17:00 to 20:00

Closed: Wednesday

089-931-8122089-931-8122

Kadoya

Kadoya

Enjoy fillets of sea bream on rice with sauce.

20-24 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: Day 11:00 to 15:00, Night 17:00 to 22:00

Closed: Open year round

089-931-5400089-931-5400

Sight

BAR Category

The seeds of haiku can be found all around town.

Haiku Box

Haiku Box

There are 92 Haiku Boxes around Matsuyama, where you can post your haiku. Every two months, the best Japanese haiku are presented on the Matsuyama City website and in the Ehime Shinbun newspaper. Haiku in foreign languages are selected once a year.

Chōjaganaru Station

Chōjaganaru Station

A famous poem by haikuist Shiki Masaoka has become a Haiku Box. “Matsuyama castle, the keep is higher than the autumn sky” Shiki Masaoka.

Dōgo Onsen sora no sanpō michi

Dōgo Onsen sora no sanpō michi

You can look down on Dōgo Onsen and the town from this hill. It’s a great place to take photos.

The view from the cable car

The view from the cable car

Enjoy riding the cable car or chairlift to the main enclosure of Matsuyama Castle, located at an elevation of 132 m.

Sound

BAR Category

If you listen carefully, the sound resonates in your heart.

The whistle of the Botchan steam train

The whistle of the Botchan steam train

The Botchan train is a replica of the steam trains that ran in the Meiji period. It sounds its whistle at Shieki, Matsuyama City Hall, and Dōgo Station.

The time-keeping drum

The time-keeping drum

The time-keeping drum of Dōgo Onsen Honkan has been beaten continuously from 1894. It’s been chosen as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan. You can hear it at 6 am, noon and 6 pm.

The sounds of the Botchan Karakuri Clock

The sounds of the Botchan Karakuri Clock

The characters of the novel Botchan appear, accompanied by a melody.

The sound of the bells of Shikoku pilgrims

The sound of the bells of Shikoku pilgrims

The bells carried by pilgrims are used to drive off wild animals on the pilgrimage route.

The sound of shrine bells

The sound of shrine bells

Ringing the shrine bell is a greeting to the gods, but it also purifies the spirit of the supplicant.

Touch

BAR Category

Feel the texture of history. What thoughts does it engender?

The stone walls of Matsuyama Castle

The stone walls of Matsuyama Castle

The walls of the castle remain as they were when it was built. Enjoy the look and feel of the real thing, dating back 400 years.

The trail to Matsuyama Castle

The trail to Matsuyama Castle

In the past, warriors trod this path.

Castle gates (Doorless Gate, Hidden Gate)

Castle gates (Doorless Gate, Hidden Gate)

Enjoy the feel of the weather-beaten wooden pillars and doors.

The hallowed soil at Ishite-ji

The hallowed soil at Ishite-ji

Soil from all 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage temples is gathered here. By touching the soil and praying, you can receive the same blessings as if you completed the pilgrimage.

The feel of yukata on your skin

The feel of yukata on your skin

The feel of yukata against your skin after a bath. It’s a relaxing moment.

Touring the foot spas

Touring the foot spas

You take your socks off and soak just your feet in the hot spring. There are seven locations around Dōgo Onsen.

Ishite-ji straw sandals

Ishite-ji straw sandals

It’s said that touching the giant straw sandals heals sore feet.

Ishite-ji washbasin

Ishite-ji washbasin

Cleanse your hands before entering the temple. The cold water also cleanses the mind.

The feel of stone walls

The feel of stone walls

The walls of the castle remain as they were 400 years ago. You can touch the living history.

Scent

BAR Category

Nostalgic, pleasant and healing scents. They seem to evoke something.

Kōshin-an garden

Kōshin-an garden

Kōshin-an was built as a hermitage for haiku poet Kurita Chodō, and today it’s used for tea parties. It’s also famous for its wisteria.

2-6-7 Misakemachi, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 10:00 to 18:00 (10:00 to 17:00 from November 1 to the end of February)

089-915-2204089-915-2204

Bansuisō Villa

Bansuisō Villa

This French-style château was built as a second home for a descendant of the feudal lord of the Matsuyama Domain. An exhibition of roses is held for seven days in May.

3-3-7 Ichibancho, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 18:00

089-921-3711089-921-3711

The scent of cherry blossoms

The scent of cherry blossoms

The season when people flock to Matsuyama Castle, Horinouchi, and Dogo Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Enjoy the drifting scent of blossom.

The scent of citrus blossoms

The scent of citrus blossoms

This is the seasonal scent of the Citrus Kingdom. In May, the sweet aroma of citrus blossom fills the city.

The scent of incense at Ishite-ji Temple

The scent of incense at Ishite-ji Temple

The scent of incense is said to cleanse the spirit.

Events

BAR Category

Beginning with an event inviting the spring, until the light of a solemn ritual. The new face of Matsuyama is also wonderful.

Matsuyama Castle Festival

Matsuyama Castle Festival

A gorgeous daimyō procession and baseball-themed dance take place around the castle.

Matsuyama Castle Moon Festival

Matsuyama Castle Moon Festival

During this period, the cable car operates at night, the castle and cable car gondola are lit up, and there are many fun events.

Ishite-ji lantern festival

Ishite-ji lantern festival

From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, 5,000 lights burn as a prayer for peace.

Matsuyama Autumn Festival

Matsuyama Autumn Festival

Battles between sacred palanquins take place after the bearers issue provocative calls to “Bring it on!”.

Dōgo Onsen Festival

Dōgo Onsen Festival

Various ceremonies and entertainments are held in Dōgo.

Ishite-ji Temple Setsubun Festival

Ishite-ji Temple Setsubun Festival

Many people visit to pray for good health.

Things nearby

BAR Category

These are some of the sights in the city centre around Matsuyama Castle.

Around Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle

Encounter the ‘real’ Japan.

Matsuyama Castle dominates the centre of the city. There’s a 360° view from the castle tower.

1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-4873089-921-4873

Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden

Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden

Don’t miss the water harp. Water drips into a buried jar, creating a melodic echo.

This is the site of the fortified Ninomaru Palace where the feudal lord lived. Today, it’s a historical garden.

5 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-2000089-921-2000

Bansuisō Villa

Bansuisō Villa

An exotic space in the lap of the castle hill

This French-style château was built as a second home for Count Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of the feudal lord of the Matsuyama Domain.

3-3-7 Ichibanchō, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-3711089-921-3711

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Matsuyama also has its modern buildings

This museum focuses on the heroes of “Clouds Above the Hill”, a novel about the emergence of Japan as a modern nation.

1-3-20 Matsuyama

089-915-2600089-915-2600

Matsuyama Ropeway shopping district

Matsuyama Ropeway shopping district

Streets packed with the produce of Matsuyama.

The street leads up to the cable car station for Matsuyama Castle. There are many souvenir shops.

3 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime
Shinonome Shrine

Shinonome Shrine

The dramatic space of the shrine

It’s the ancestral shrine of the domain, located next to the trail to Matsuyama Castle.

73-1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-8938089-921-8938

Ōkaidō Shopping Arcade

Ōkaidō Shopping Arcade

This covered arcade is the commercial heart of Matsuyama.

Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Around Dogo

Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. This spot has stirred the imagination of countless visitors.

Dōgo Onsen Honkan

Dōgo Onsen Honkan

Just the sight of it sets the imagination working.

This public bath rebuilt in the Meiji period was awarded the highest rating of three stars in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide.

5-6 Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-5141089-921-5141

Tama no Ishi

Tama no Ishi

Dōgo’s spiritual places.

It’s said that if you pour water on the stone, your wishes will come true.

Next to Dōgo Onsen Honkan, 5-6 Dōgo-Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-921-5141089-921-5141

Botchan steam train

Botchan steam train

Listen for the squeal of the wheels on the rails.

This diesel train is a replica of the steam trains of the Meiji period, which also appear in the novel “Botchan”.

Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0012

089-948-3323089-948-3323

Dōgo Arcade

Dōgo Arcade

The sound of geta. Strolling in yukata

Crowds of visitors wearing yukata stroll down this street, redolent of the Meiji period.

Yunomachi, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime
Dōgo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins)

Dōgo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins)

Paths through the park that changes with the seasons

The park is the site of a medieval castle, and its moats retain their original appearance. It’s a place of rest for visitors and citizens alike.

Dōgo Kōen, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-941-1480089-941-1480

Shiki Memorial Museum

Shiki Memorial Museum

A space that brings you closer to haiku

The museum holds nearly 60,000 items relating to the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki.

1-30 Dōgo Kōen, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-931-5566089-931-5566

Isaniwa Shrine

Isaniwa Shrine

What’s at the top of the long stone stairs?

This is one of only three examples of Hachiman shrine architecture in Japan. Climb the long stairs and enjoy views far over the whole city.

173 Sakuradanichō, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-947-7447089-947-7447

Hōgon-ji Temple

Hōgon-ji Temple

Climb Shōninzaka to a peaceful corner of the onsen town

This is said to be the birthplace of the Buddhist ascetic Ippen Shōnin.

5-4 Yuzukichō, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-946-2418089-946-2418

Enman-ji Temple

Enman-ji Temple

Good luck charms for love Omusubi dama

Said to protect Dōgo against fire, recently it’s also said that prayers are effective in preventing marital infidelity.

4-49 Yuzukichō, Dōgo, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-946-1774089-946-1774

Ishite-ji Temple

Ishite-ji Temple

The scent of incense invites you into the world of the pilgrimage.

This temple is associated with the legendary Emon Saburō, said to be the originator of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

2-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-977-0870089-977-0870

Antique kimono KiruKiru

Antique kimono KiruKiru

Get dolled up in ‘Japanese’

Have an expert dress you in a kimono or yukata. You can also hire the necessary footwear.

Dōgo Onsen Station 2F, 1-10-12 Dōgomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 

089-945-2652089-945-2652

Around Matsuyama’s Stations

If you have a little time, why not find your own favorite spot?

JR Matsuyama Station

JR Matsuyama Station

People come and go. There’s always some drama taking place at the station.

It’s the gateway to Matsuyama.

1 Minamiedo, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-943-5101089-943-5101

Matsuyama Shieki Station

Matsuyama Shieki Station

The new face of Matsuyama

This is the Iyotetsu station. The plaza in front of the station is the stop for trams to Dōgo Onsen, buses and taxis.

5 Minatomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime
Hanazono Dōri

Hanazono Dōri

Try gazing at the castle moat

This street runs from Matsuyama Shieki Station to Minamihoribata. In winter, you can enjoy the illuminations.

Hanazonomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime
Shikidō

Shikidō

An odd little space in the centre of town

This museum recreates the house where Masaoka Shiki lived until the age of 17.

In the grounds of Shojuji Temple, 16-3 Suehiromachi, Matsuyama, Ehime

089-945-0400089-945-0400

Shiroyama Park

Shiroyama Park

Relax while gazing up at Matsuyama Castle

Expansive lawns spread out below the castle. It’s a popular recreation spot for the people of Matsuyama.

Restaurant, café and shopping

BAR Category

Enjoy the various flavours of Matsuyama.

Café

If you’re tired of walking, have a little break in a café.

Starbucks Coffee Matsuyama Iyotetsu Kaikan Bldg branch

Starbucks Coffee Matsuyama Iyotetsu Kaikan Bldg branch

Coffee time watching the trains through the window.

Iyotetsu Kaikan Building, 3-1-1 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: (Monday to Friday) 7:30 to 22:00 Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays 8:00 to 22:00

Closed: Irregular days off

089-387-8515089-387-8515

Flying Scotsman Ōkaidō Branch

Flying Scotsman Ōkaidō Branch

The breakfast and pancakes are popular.

Kubotoyo Building 1F, 2-5-9 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 8:30 to 23:30

Closed: Year round

089-915-5522089-915-5522

Amanda Coffee’s Ōkaidō Branch

Amanda Coffee’s Ōkaidō Branch

As well as coffee, desserts and lunch are also available.

Amanda Building, 2-4-1 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 1:00

Closed: Year round

089-913-0012089-913-0012

10 Factory

10 Factory

An orange-themed café

A stylish mandarin bar worthy of Ehime, the Citrus Kingdom. Gelato is also available.

3-2-25 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 10:00 to 19:00

Closed: Year round

089-968-2031089-968-2031

Café BC

Café BC

A nostalgic coffee shop with the atmosphere of the Shōwa period.

2-2-20 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 22:00 (Thursday and Sunday, 9:00 to 19:00)

Closed: Year round

089-945-9296089-945-9296

Souvenirs

Looking for souvenirs is one of the pleasures of travel. There are many souvenirs of Matsuyama to choose from.

Minatoya Hime Daruma dolls and Japanese sundries

Minatoya Hime Daruma dolls and Japanese sundries

Folk crafts including Hime Daruma and toys unique to Matsuyama. The egg and butter mochi is also popular.

3-8-1 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:30 to 17:30

Closed: Year round

089-932-5784089-932-5784

Iori Matsuyama Branch

Iori Matsuyama Branch

High quality towels from Imabari, Japan’s leading towel maker.

3-2-45 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 19:00

Closed: Year round

089-993-7557089-993-7557

Ehime Tourist Product Centre

Ehime Tourist Product Centre

Offers souvenirs of Ehime such as taruto and Botchan dango.

Okazaki Sangyō Building 1F, 3-6-1 Ōkaidō, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 9:00 to 18:00

Closed: Wednesday

089-943-0501089-943-0501

Matsuyama Mitsukoshi

Matsuyama Mitsukoshi

One of Matsuyama’s venerable old department stores.

3-1-1 Ichibancho, Matsuyama, Ehime

Open: 10:00 to 19:00

Closed: Monday

089-945-3111089-945-3111