Hoyaken

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

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.

WBGO

An establishment run by a jazz enthusiast.

Tsuboya Confectionary Store

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

Tomoedō Honpo

Jumbo-sized Botchan dango, enough to fill anyone.

Shirasagidō

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

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.

Rokujiya

The taste of cakes made individually by artisans.

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.

Irohaya

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

Restaurant Miyoshi

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

Sushimaru

An essential dish at any celebration in the region.

Kyōdoryōri Goshiki

The sea bream rice and sea bream sōmen are popular.

Gansui

Enjoy sea bream with a secret sauce.

Kadoya

Enjoy fillets of sea bream on rice with sauce.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the past, warriors trod this path.

Castle gates (Doorless Gate, Hidden Gate)

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

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 against your skin after a bath. It’s a relaxing moment.

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

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

Ishite-ji washbasin

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

The feel of stone walls

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

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.

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.

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

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 is said to cleanse the spirit.

Matsuyama Castle Festival

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

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

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

Matsuyama Autumn Festival

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

Dōgo Onsen Festival

Various ceremonies and entertainments are held in Dōgo.

Ishite-ji Temple Setsubun Festival

Many people visit to pray for good health.

Matsuyama Castle

Encounter the ‘real’ Japan.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shinonome Shrine

The dramatic space of the shrine

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

Ōkaidō Shopping Arcade

This covered arcade is the commercial heart of Matsuyama.

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.

Tama no Ishi

Dōgo’s spiritual places.

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

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”.

Dōgo Arcade

The sound of geta. Strolling in yukata

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

JR Matsuyama Station

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

It’s the gateway to Matsuyama.

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.

Hanazono Dōri

Try gazing at the castle moat

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

Shikidō

An odd little space in the centre of town

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

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.

Charlie’s Vegetable

Enjoy lots of vegetables from farms in the suburbs.

Honebutomikaku

Ramen with a rich, pork-base soup.

Sobakichi

Tempura soba and a wide range of other dishes.

Starbucks Coffee Matsuyama Iyotetsu Kaikan Bldg branch

Coffee time watching the trains through the window.

Flying Scotsman Ōkaidō Branch

The breakfast and pancakes are popular.

Amanda Coffee’s Ōkaidō Branch

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

10 Factory

An orange-themed café

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

Café BC

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

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.

Iori Matsuyama Branch

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

Ehime Tourist Product Centre

Offers souvenirs of Ehime such as taruto and Botchan dango.

Matsuyama Mitsukoshi

One of Matsuyama’s venerable old department stores.

Rōkemmantō Takeuchi Ōkaidō Branch

Steamed bread with a history going back 80 years.

Higiriyaki Ōkaidō Branch

Cakes filled with plenty of adzuki beans.