An introduction to sightseeing in Matsuyama city, Ehime prefecture

The video（松山市魅力発信映像 観光名所・施設） was created by "Ii, kagen. Matsuyama" (いい、加減。まつやま). It is a promotional video that introduces popular sightseeing spots in Matsuyama city, Ehime prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region (四国地方, Shikoku chihou).

Matsuyama city is home to what is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan- "Dogo Onsen."
The city is dotted with many other sightseeing destinations as well; such as Matsuyama castle which is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring.

In this article and video we would like to introduce you to some popular travel destinations and famous tourist attractions in Matsuyama.
We will also talk about the various sightseeing spots introduced in the video via aerial photography.
Matsuyama's beautiful scenery can be enjoyed not only during the daytime, but also at night when the city is lit up.

What kind of sightseeing spots does Matsuyama have?

Photo：Matsuyama city

Matsuyama city is located in the northern Shikoku area, in Ehime prefecture.
This region has a warm climate with very little rain, making it a very comfortable place to live.
The population (based on data from January 2019) is roughly 514,900.

If you’re travelling by plane, the nearest airport is Matsuyama airport (松山空港, Matsuyamakuukou).
If you’re travelling by boat, the nearest port is Matsuyama Tourist Port (松山観光港, Matsuyama kankoukou) and if travelling by train, the city is easily accessible through JR Matsuyama station (松山駅, Matsuyamaeki).
The tourist spots are all within close proximity to one another making it a convenient and popular city to travel around by public transport.

Dogo Onsen- The sightseeing location that represents what Matsuyama is all about

Photo：Dogo Onsen

One of the symbols of Matsuyama city "Dogo Onsen", thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, is featured in the opening scenes of the video.
Famous figures such as Natsume Souseki and Masaoka Shiki are known to have visited this hot spring.

The unique and picturesque wooden three-story building has been renovated multiple times and as one of the first public bathhouses in Japan is an important cultural asset.
If you take a day trip to Matsuyama we highly recommend you give it a visit!

More sightseeing in Matsuyama - The history and culture of Matsuyama

Photo：Bocchan Karakuri Clock

12 seconds into the video you can see the Bocchan Karakuri Clock (坊っちゃんカラクリ時計, Bocchan karakuridokei), a character from the famous Natsume Souseki novel Bocchan comes out from inside the clock accompanied by music once every hour.
Right next to the clock is an area where you can relax and soak your feet in warm water directly from the Dogo Onsen hot springs.
Another popular way to enjoy sightseeing around Dogo Onsen Station (道後温泉駅, Dougo onsen eki) is by rickshaw.

Why not take a ride on the adorable Bocchan Ressha, a restored steam train that departs from Dogo Onsen Station? You can see this in the video at 0:17.
Currently on display at Sakanouenokumo Museum are Meiji period exhibits like the Ryotaro Shiba (遼太郎司馬)and Masaoka Shiki exhibits.
The undressed concrete building, designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is a piece of art in itself.

At 0:36 in the video you can take a look at the stunning Ehime Martial Arts Stadium (愛媛県武道館, Ehimeken budoukan), a beautiful wooden structure built from Ehime's locally grown timber.
This magnificent building is as grand as the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
You can enjoy a variety of amusements at Matsuyama Central Park (松山中央公園, Matsuyama chuuoukouen) which houses Botchan Stadium (坊っちゃんスタジアム, Botchan sutajiamu), a tennis court, a pool and a large sporting area.

The Matsuyama Shiki Memorial Museum (松山市立子規記念博物館, Matsuyamashiritsu shikikinen hakubutsukan) tells the story of famous haiku poet Masaoka Shiki and contains many other historic pieces of Matsuyama's literature as well.
Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historic Site (松山城二之丸史跡庭園,Matsuyamajou ninomaru shisekikouen), which is also referred to as “Lovers Sanctuary”(恋人の聖地, Koibito no seichi), is a garden designed to recreate that of the Matsuyama feudal lord's residence and is popular with couples.
It is also popular as a pre-wedding photography spot.

Finally, from 0:53, they introduce Matsuyama Castle, a sightseeing spot you can't afford to miss on your trip to Ehime prefecture.
As one of only 12 castles in Japan built before the Edo period (in 1603), this castle and castle tower are a must-see for history buffs and castle fans alike.
There is also a brilliant view from the castle tower which overlooks the city out onto the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, Setonaikai), and the castle is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring.

Matsuyama sightseeing introduction summed up

You can see all of the sightseeing destinations mentioned in this article in the video "Matsuyama city sightseeing spots and attractions."
From hot springs and historic landmarks to cultural facilities such as museums and exhibitions, please use our video as inspiration for your next trip to Matsuyama!
We hope after watching our video you are eager to visit!

【Official Website】Matsuyama City Hall
https://www.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp/multilingual.html

【Official Website】Matsuyama tourist information site
https://en.matsuyama-sightseeing.com/