Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Hot Springs Private Walking Tour

Matsuyama Trip Overview

Matsuyama City is located in the central part of Ehime Prefecture and is the largest city in the Shikoku region. The city has a long history of hot springs, which have been visited by many historical figures, including the Imperial Family.
Matsuyama Castle, built during the Middle Ages, allowed the area to develop as a castle town, becoming the political and economic centre of the region.

The Dogo Onsen Honkan is a symbol of Ehime, with over 3,000 years of history. A wooden structure with an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere, it has been featured in the Michelin Guide.
Matsuyama Castle offers a chance to appreciate the unique castle architecture, as well as a spectacular view of the city and the sea.
In addition to these two major sightseeing spots, you will also visit many other must-see places in Ehime, such as a Japanese garden and a shopping street where you can enjoy local food.

Additional Info

Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Matsuyama, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours

What to Expect When Visiting Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan

Matsuyama City is located in the central part of Ehime Prefecture and is the largest city in the Shikoku region. The city has a long history of hot springs, which have been visited by many historical figures, including the Imperial Family.
Matsuyama Castle, built during the Middle Ages, allowed the area to develop as a castle town, becoming the political and economic centre of the region.

The Dogo Onsen Honkan is a symbol of Ehime, with over 3,000 years of history. A wooden structure with an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere, it has been featured in the Michelin Guide.
Matsuyama Castle offers a chance to appreciate the unique castle architecture, as well as a spectacular view of the city and the sea.
In addition to these two major sightseeing spots, you will also visit many other must-see places in Ehime, such as a Japanese garden and a shopping street where you can enjoy local food.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Dogo Onsen Station, 1 Chome Dogomachi, Matsuyama 790-0843 Ehime Prefecture

Dogo Onsen Station: The terminal station of Matsuyama’s streetcar, and one of the symbols of the city. As you get off at the station, the hot spring resort of Dogo Onsen spreads out before you. The station building is a reconstruction of the old building, built in 1911, with Western-style architecture with a modern touch.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Botchan Karakuri Clock, 6-7 Dōgoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

Botchan Karakuri Clock: A symbol of Dogo Onsen, this clock features mechanical figures that come to life every hour, complete with music. The dolls are modelled after characters from famous Japanese novels set in Matsuyama. While enjoying the footbath which using hot spring water from Dogo Onsen, you can wait for the “Karakuri” to start moving. This is a perfect photo spot.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Isaniwa Shrine, 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama 790-0838 Ehime Prefecture

Isaniwa Shrine: This shrine was built on the site of a palace erected by the emperor and empress on their visit to Dogo Onsen, about 1800 years ago. The vermilion-red main shrine was built 350 years ago, and is one of only three in Japan featuring this architectural style. The 135 steps leading up to the shrine grounds are powerful, and worth a visit.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Dogo Onsen Honkan, 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama 790-0842 Ehime Prefecture

Dogo Onsen Honkan: This building showcases the 3,000 years of history of Dogo Onsen and is a must-visit in Matsuyama! Built about 120 years ago, this is a national important cultural property and is currently undergoing conservation and repair work. It was awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum, 459-1 Dogosagidanicho 山の手ガーデンプレイス, Matsuyama 790-0836 Ehime Prefecture

Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum: This museum houses exhibits on Japanese glass works. There are about 300 pieces of glass on display, ranging from several hundreds of years to about 100 years ago. The garden is also decorated with glass objects and is a highlight of the museum. Here, you can catch a glimpse of Japan’s modern history, one that has developed while incorporating Western technology.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Dogo Haikara Dori, Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama 790-0842 Ehime Prefecture

・Dogo Haikara Street: A shopping street that runs from Dogo Onsen Station to Dogo Onsen Honkan. There are about 60 souvenir shops, restaurants, and other stores lining the street. You can taste “Tai meshi” (sea bream rice), “Jakoten” (fish cake), “Botchan dango” (sweet dumplings), as well as other specialties of Ehime. There are so many wonderful stores that it is hard to choose which one to enter!

Duration: 50 minutes

Stop At: Bansuiso, 3-3-7 Ichibancho, Matsuyama 790-0001 Ehime Prefecture

Bansuiso: A western-style building that was built about 100 years ago. Resembling a work of art unto itself, the entire building is lavishly decorated, an example being the beautiful stained glass windows on the staircase walls, which reflect the thoughts of the builders who lived through turbulent times.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: 10FACTORY, Japan, 〒790-0004 Ehime, Matsuyama, Ōkaidō, 3-chōme−２−２５

10 FACTORY Matsuyama Main Store: A store selling orange-related products, a specialty of Ehime, the largest producer of oranges in Japan. Here, you can buy products such as mandarin juice and gelato, and also gifts such as jams and dried fruits.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Matsuyama Castle, Marunouchi, Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama Castle: Built in the days of the samurai, the castle is one of only 12 remaining in Japan from this period. Built on a mountain 132 metres above sea level, it offers a spectacular view of the city and the Seto Inland Sea in the distance.

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Stop At: Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden, 5 Marunochi, Matsuyama 790-0008 Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historic Site Garden: A Japanese garden with a unique design, it reflects the layout of the former residence of the feudal lord of Matsuyama with plants and running water. This is a famous spot not only with tourists, but also as a place to take commemorative photographs.

Duration: 25 minutes

Stop At: Okaido Shopping Street, Okaido, Matsuyama 790-0004 Ehime Prefecture

Okaido Shopping Street: A shopping street that is surrounded by huge arcades. Said to be the largest shopping street in Shikoku, it is frequented by many people day and night, which creates a lively atmosphere. Take a stroll while enjoying popular local snacks.

Duration: 20 minutes

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