The Matsuyama "Dansemble"! Introducing Matsuyama Castle Through an Entertaining Dance Performance! This video, titled "(Matsuyama City Official PR Video) Matsuyama Castle 'Dansemble'" (【松山市公式PR動画】 松山城 「段サンブル」) was created by "Matsuyama City Official Sightseeing PR Channel - matsuyama-sightseeing" (【松山市公式】観光PRチャンネル - matsuyama-sightseeing). The video opens with Matsuyama Castle's mascot "Yoshiaki-kun" (よしあきくん) and then proceeds to introduce the castle itself starting with the castle keep from 0:03. From 0:09 in the video you can see the ropeway that takes visitors to the mountaintop station "Chojaganaru" (長者ヶ平). Other spots around the castle are also introduced, including the Japanese armor experience corner, the gates Tonashimon (戸無門), Kakuremon (隠門), Taikomon (太鼓門), and Ichinomon (一ノ門), as well as Kotenshu (小天守) and Honmaru Hiroba (本丸広場). Matsuyama Castle staff and visitors give a tour of each area whilst performing a comical and entertaining dance. More About the History and Highlights of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama Castle is located in Matsuyama City (松山市, matsuyamashi), Ehime Prefecture and also goes by the names Kinki-jo (金亀城) and Katsuyama-jo (勝山城). The name Iyo Matsuyama Castle (伊予松山城, iyomatsuyamajou) is also used to distinguish Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture from the Matsuyama Castle of a different area. Matsuyama Castle was built by Yoshiaki Kato (加藤嘉明) in 1602 after the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い, sekigaharanotatakai) and Gamo Tadatomo (蒲生忠知) later became the first feudal lord of the Matsuyama Domain in Iyo Province. Matsuyama Castle's mascot "Yoshiaki-kun" was named after Yoshiaki Kato. The large castle tower, which is one of twelve castle towers built before the Edo Period (1603 AD - 1868 AD), has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The castle buildings are spread across several areas of the mountain: the Honmaru (本丸, inner bailey) is situated on top of the mountain, Ninomaru (二の丸, outer bailey) and Sannomaru (三の丸, third bailey) at the southwest foot of the mountain, Kitakuruwa (北曲輪) to the north at the foot of the mountain, and Higashikuruwa (東曲輪) to the east, also at the foot of the mountain. From the top of the main tower you can get a spectacular view of the Matsuyama plains (松山平野, matsuyamaheiya) as well as the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, setonaikai). The stone wall or "Noboriishigaki" (登り石垣), which surrounds the Ninomaru and Honmaru castle buildings was designed to protect the castle, and the entire Shiroyama Park area (城山公園, shiroyamakouen), which includes Horinouchi (堀之内) is an important Japanese historic site. Highlights of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Matsuyama Castle light up, Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama Castle came in second on Trip Advisor's list of top Japanese Castles in 2014. It has also been voted as one of the top three hilltop castles in Japan, one of Japan's 100 most famous castles, one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, one of the top 100 historic spots of Japan, and also one of the top 100 historic parks of Japan (in 2006). Matsuyama Castle can be enjoyed during the day but also looks spectacular lit up at night. The beautiful historical garden "Shisekiteien" (史跡庭園) and Horinouchi Park (堀之内公園, horinouchikouen) are fantastic places to enjoy nature and many people visit each year for cherry blossom viewing and birdwatching. Summary of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Cherry blossoms & Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture If you decide to visit Matsuyama Castle, you're likely to be greeted by some of the friendly staff featured in this PR video. If you enjoyed watching the video, consider planning a trip to Matsuyama for some sightseeing! There are many tourist spots in the area surrounding the castle, such as the famous hot spring "Dogo Onsen" (道後温泉). Ichiroku Tart (一六タルト) and mandarin oranges ("mikan" in Japanese) make great souvenirs from this area! ◆Matsuyama Castle｜General Information◆ 【Address】Matsuyama Castle General Office (総合事務所, sougoujimusho), Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama City, Okaido (大街道, ookaidou) 3-2-46 【Access】5 minute walk from Iyotetsu Jonan Line (伊予鉄道城南線, iyotetsudoujounansen) Okaido station. 【Admission Fee】Adults – 520 yen, Children – 160 yen 【Average Time Spent Here】60-90 minutes 【Parking】Available (fee required) 【Telephone】Matsuyama Castle General Office 089-921-4873 【Tripadvisor】Matsuyama Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298230-d320876-Reviews-Matsuyama_Castle-Matsuyama_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

About Shikoku Henro The video "Japan the Beautiful, Shikoku Henro" ([美しき日本] 四国 四国遍路), is about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, also known as Shikoku Henro. Shikoku Henro is a walking route that takes you to the 88 temples of Shikoku Island, in the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. This article takes a look at the charms of this ancient route. The video navigates us through the beautiful landscapes of Shikoku Henro, and the distant view of the mountains, clad in green amongst the blue skies, make viewers feel as if their on the pilgrimage themselves. What is Shikoku Henro? Photo：Kobo Daishi statue Shikoku Henro is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhism monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku Island. Pilgrims are called "ohenro-san." The pilgrimage was practiced exclusively by ascetic monks until the Edo Period when the teaching of Kukai became widely spread across the country due to infrastructure developments, and commoners subsequently traveled to Shikoku Island to trace the path of Kukai and pray for good health. The culture of "osettai" by the Shikoku locals to support the safe journeys of ohenro-san by offering meals and shelter, has been maintained for roughly 300 years. In 2015, Shikoku Henro was added to the Japan Heritage list. The pilgrimage is quite exhausting due to the mountains and valleys, but it gives you a profound spiritual experience. Making the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage Photo：Shikoku Henro You can visit any temple you want, but many people start at Temple 1 and visit them in order. After offering prayers at a temple, pilgrims receive a red seal stamp (known as Goshuin) in their stamp book. The motto to symbolize Shikoku Henro is expressed by the word "dogyo ninin" (Traveling together), which means that a pilgrim traveling alone is accompanied in spirit by the monk Kukai at all times. There exists a custom to visit the mausoleum of Kukai, Koyasan (Mt.Koya) Okunoin Temple in Wakayama Prefecture, after completing the pilgrimage route as well. Tips for Making the Pilgrimage Source :YouTube screenshot Shikoku Henro takes around 50 days on foot. You can take breaks to go sightseeing or enjoy local dishes. Staying at local inns, referred to as "henro-yado," also offers a refreshing experience, allowing you to relax and continue the pilgrimage at your own pace. The video portrays a traveling pilgrim taking steps forward on the route winding through the mountains and valleys. The natural beauty of Shikoku Henro is breathtaking. There is no designated clothing that pilgrims must wear, but they are often clad in white robes and a ceremonial stole, a cone-shaped hat to protect them from the sun and rain, and holding a wooden staff which is said to represent the body of Kukai and support the pilgrim along the way. Wearing the classic pilgrim clothing will help you feel ready for the journey. Summary of Shikoku Henro Experiencing the pilgrimage will lead you to discoveries that lay deep within the depths of Japanese culture and history. Tracing the ancient path of the pilgrimage, you may encounter yet undiscovered gems. Furthermore, the beautiful natural environment and the local custom of selflessly helping and supporting another may also lead to self-discovery and personal growth.

Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime - A Popular Tourist Destination in Japan This video, titled "Beautiful Japan- Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama" ([美しき日本] 愛媛　松山市道後温泉), was produced by N.a. It introduces the public bathhouse, Dogo Onsen, which is said to be the oldest spa resort in Japan, as well as other famous sites in Matsuyama. The focus of the video is the historical public bathhouse Dogo Onsen, which earned three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" and is also the first public bathhouse in Japan designated an Important Cultural Property. The video does a great job at capturing the appeal of the destination that is even mentioned in ancient Japanese mythology. The History of Dogo Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot At Dogo Onsen, the legend of the white egret has been passed down for centuries; legend tells of an egret soaking its injured wings in the hot spring and being cured. The locals who watched observed the miracle tried the hot spring for themselves and discovered its healing powers. Dogo Onsen is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki, Manyoshu, Iyokoku Fudoki, and the Tale of Genji. It is counted as one of the Three Ancient Springs, with the two others are being Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen, and has 3000 years of history. The public bathhouse at Dogo has a restroom and drinking the green tea and confectioneries is provided in the admission fee. Besides Natsume Soseki, Dogo Onsen was a favorite retreat of many notable people, including Masaoka Shiki, a famous poet/author, Prince Shotoku, Issa Kobayashi, Hirobumi Ito (the first prime minister of Japan), and Kyoshi Takahama. You can enjoy traveling back in time by watching the video that tells of the history of Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen's hot spring water is simple alkaline, and it's known as a beauty spring, making it a popular destination for female travelers. Water is pumped directly from the natural hot springs without being reheated or mixed with cold water for controlling the temperature, so you'll feel the non-diluted, refreshing effects of the hot spring almost immediately. The hot spring is said to be effective in treating neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, skin disease, gout and anemia. The Attraction of Dogo Onsen's Main Building Photo：Dogo Onsen The main building of Dogo Onsen is allegedly an inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki's blockbuster Spirited Away. The stunning exterior is a combination of four buildings that were repeatedly expanded and remodeled over a period of 125 years. Full-scale conservation repair work was executed in January 2019. It has three different day-visit baths, known as Sotoyu. The Dogo Onsen Annex: Asuka no Yu features a large resting hall using traditional Ehime handcrafts. The admission fee is 610 Yen (as of November 2019). Two other day-visit baths are in the Dogo Onsen Main Building and the Dogo Onsen Tsubaki no Yu. Four different admission plans provide visitors with varying levels of access in the Main Building, and an English pamphlet provided at the counter will help you understanding the differences. "Shinrokaku," a taiko drum in the main building's tower, is sounded three times a day. You can see it being struck at 1:04 in the video. The sound of Dogo's taiko drum is listed in the government-led project "100 Soundscapes of Japan." All of the guests look up at the tower when it is sounded, providing a picturesque scene. Be sure to take some pictures for your Instagram! Tourist Spots Around Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Photo：Bocchan Train Dogo Onsen is 40-minute drive from Ehime Matsuyama Airport by limousine bus. From JR Dogo Onsen station, it's just a few minutes walking. You may be able to see the "Bocchan" train waiting at the station, a replica of a steam locomotive named after the Natsume Soseki novel "Bocchan". This old-fashioned train appears in the video at 0:30. Matsuyama castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and is one of only 12 castles that features a keep built prior to the Edo period (1603-1868). The Inland Sea and Matsuyama city can be seen from the keep. The castle is introduced at 0:41. Be sure to check it out! Summary of Dogo Onsen Photo：Matsuyama Castle There are many hotels and inns in the Dogo Onsen area, so you can enjoy a relaxing stay while going hot spring hopping. In recent years, Matsuyama has put efforts into art events to capture the attention of travelers looking for something new to experience, which makes the city a year-round destination in Ehime. The video tells of the long history and charms of Dogo Onsen. Perhaps you've come to understand what it is about Dogo onsen that made it loved by so many prominent historical figures. 【Official Website】Dōgo Onsen https://dogo.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Matsuyama City http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp%2F