Matsuyama Castle (R, Matsuyamajō) is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. There are about 200 cherry trees on the castle grounds, making this a lovely cherry blossom spot typically around late March to early April each year.
Matsuyama Castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. In 1635, the castle got assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the nation ruling Tokugawa, and it remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one had been destroyed by lightning.
Matsuyama Castle provides an excellent example of a feudal castle. The main circle of defense (Honmaru) is located on the top of the hill, accessible through multiple, well defended gates. The main keep is one of only a few in the country that boast multiple wings. The complex also includes a secondary keep and multiple turrets, giving Matsuyama Castle a grand appearance and making it interesting to explore. Inside the castle, some exhibits offer information on Matsuyama's history and the feudal period.
In spite of the castle's steep hilltop location, a ropeway and a chairlift make it easily accessible. Riding the single-chair chairlift is a pleasant and popular way to ascend Mount Katsuyama. Alternatively, it is possible to climb up the hill in about 15 minutes from the base of the ropeway station or from the Ninomaru Garden.
The Ninomaru Garden lies at the southern base of Mount Katsuyama and comprises the former site of the second circle of defense (Ninomaru). More comfortably accessible from the city than the main circle of defense (Honmaru) at the top of the mountain, the Ninomaru served as the site of the castle palace where the lord's residence and offices were located.
None of the palace buildings survive today. Instead, the Ninomaru has been converted into a park that preserves the floor plan and layout of the former castle palace with elevated foundations, green spaces and ponds.
Getting there and around
Matsuyama Castle stands on a steep hill in the center of Matsuyama and can be accessed by ropeway or chairlift. The closest tram stop to the ropeway and chairlift station is "Okaido" in front of the covered arcade, from where it is a five minute walk to the lower ropeway station.
Okaido can be reached by tram line 5 from JR Matsuyama Station in ten minutes or by tram line 2 or 3 from Matsuyama-shi Station in five minutes.
How to get to and around Matsuyama
Hours and Fees
Matsuyama Castle Keep
Hours
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
Admission
Ninomaru Park
Hours
Closed
Admission
Ropeway & Chairlift
Hours
Chairlift: 8:30 to 17:00 (all year round)
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Matsuyama
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Kowakuen HarukaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kowakuen Haruka in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony with garden or city views, ensuring a relaxing stay.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and a beautifully maintained garden. Additional facilities include a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi, catering to all needs.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Asian cuisine with a buffet breakfast featuring local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits. Dinner is available for guests to enjoy in a welcoming ambience.Prime Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the ryokan is situated in a hot spring area. Nearby attractions include Joshin-ji Temple (6-minute walk), Matsuyama Shrine (less than 1 km), and Matsuyama Castle (2.4 km). Highly rated for excellent service and convenient location. -
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Yamatoya HontenView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yamatoya Honten in Matsuyama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, free toiletries, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and public bath. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, coffee shop, full-day security, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Japanese cuisine at its restaurant and bar. Breakfast is highly praised by guests, and the attentive staff provide excellent service support.Local Attractions
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the property is near Joshin-ji Temple (6-minute walk), Matsuyama Shrine (less than 1 km), and Miyukiji Temple (19-minute walk). The surrounding area features a hot spring area. -
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Yamatoya BessoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yamatoya Besso in Matsuyama offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden or city views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and work desk.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa and wellness centre, open-air bath, and sun terrace. Additional amenities include a hot tub, lounge, and public bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast and dinner, highly praised by guests. A 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.Local Attractions
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, Yamatoya Besso is near Joshin-ji Temple (6-minute walk), Matsuyama Shrine (less than 1 km), and other attractions. The surrounding hot spring area enhances the relaxing atmosphere. -
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Cinnamon Guesthouse DogoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo in Matsuyama offers adults-only accommodation with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Each room features a tatami floor and a seating area, ensuring a relaxing stay.Convenient Facilities
Guests can utilise the shared kitchen and enjoy amenities such as a shared bathroom and a seating area. The property also provides a quiet street view, enhancing the overall comfort.Prime Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the guest house is near Joshin-ji Temple (less than 1 km), Matsuyama Shrine (14-minute walk), and Miyukiji Temple (1.7 km). The surrounding area includes a hot spring area, offering additional relaxation options.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests, the property is praised for its attentive host, convenient location, and excellent staff and service support. -
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FunayaBoasting a 390-year history, Funaya offers hot-spring baths, a beautiful Japanese garden and a sauna. Just 200 metres from Dogo-Onsen Train Station, it provides traditional rooms with futon bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors. Each air-conditioned Japanese-room at Funaya Ryokan comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge and tea maker. The en suite bathroom has a bathtub and slippers. Isaniwa Shrine and Dogo Park are a 5-minute walk away, and Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum is a 10-minute walk. Matsuyama Castle is about 3 km away. The hotel is a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Train Station and a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport. On-site parking is free. Guests can relax and unwind with a massage, or enjoy with footbath within the hotelfs peaceful garden. Free wired internet access is provided in the lobby. Japanese cuisine is served at Aoigoke Restaurant, and tea and coffee can be enjoyed at Garden Terrace Komorebi.View on Booking.com -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel MatsuyamaDaiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama offers accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Botchan Train Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms at the japanese-style business hotel feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, Yasaka Temple and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8.5 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama.View on Booking.com -
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DogoYayaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
DogoYaya in Matsuyama offers 4-star comfort with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a bidet, hairdryer, yukata, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Paid on-site private parking is available.Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast features local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits. Guests appreciate the variety and quality.Prime Location
Located 10 km from Matsuyama Airport, the hotel is near Joshin-ji Temple (5-minute walk), Matsuyama Shrine (800 metres), and a hot spring area. Highly rated for its excellent service and convenient location. -
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Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot SpringView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring in Matsuyama offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. Each room includes a bidet, refrigerator, and wardrobe.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and restaurant. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located in the hot spring area, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Yasaka Temple and near Okaido Shopping Street. Matsuyama Castle is 1.7 km away. The airport is 8 km from the property.Guest Favorites
Guests appreciate the convenient location, delicious buffet breakfast, and nearby shops. -
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Hotel Vista MatsuyamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Vista Matsuyama in Matsuyama offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage. Additional services include a breakfast buffet with American and Asian options, local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits.Prime Location
Located 8 km from Matsuyama Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Okaido Shopping Street and Yasaka Temple. Nearby attractions include Matsuyama Castle and Aeon Style Shopping Centre Matsuyama. The surrounding area features a hot spring area.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, sightseeing opportunities, and excellent public transport options. -
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REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELSView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS in Matsuyama offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, bidets, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can unwind in the sauna or steam room, enjoy the public bath, and stay active in the fitness centre. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and a child-friendly buffet.Prime Location
Located 6 km from Matsuyama Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Botchan Train Museum (3-minute walk), Matsuyama Civic Center (600 metres), and Matsuyama Castle (2 km). The surrounding hot spring area enhances the stay.Guest Services
The hotel provides bike hire, luggage storage, and paid off-site parking. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and multilingual staff speak Japanese.
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