A variety of museums can be found in Matsuyama. The city is especially rich in literary talent and history. The 20th century in particular saw Matsuyama rise to prominence in Japan's literary realm. Three important writers were either born in the city, or chose it as home for themselves and their characters.
The first is a poet, Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), born and raised in Matsuyama. Shiki was an advocate of modernizing the old Japanese poetic forms, and he eventually introduced modern forms of Haiku and Tanka for this purpose.
The second major figure in Matsuyama's literary trio is Natsume Soseki (1987-1916), a prolific Meiji Period novelist and friend of Shiki. He is best known for a novel entitled "Botchan", set in Matsuyama and featuring locations around the city. "Botchan" follows the life of a young teacher who moves to Matsuyama as Meiji Period reforms sweep the country. The novel was written in 1906 and is now often read as part of the Japanese school curriculum. As a result of the novel's wide readership, Matsuyama and its sights are well known across Japan.
Western interior of Bansuiso
Finally, there is Shiba Ryotaro, a novelist born in 1923, who often wrote about the Edo and Meiji Periods. One of his later novels entitled "Saka no Ue no Kumo", or "Clouds Over the Hill", features Matsuyama City and includes both Shiki and Soseki as characters.
Shiki, Soseki and Ryotaro are fondly regarded by the residents of Matsuyama and visitors to the city today can find museums and monuments remembering them and commemorating their works. Here are several places of interest in Matsuyama, some of which are related to the city's famed literary trio:
Shiki Memorial Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November to April) Closed: Tuesdays Admission: 400 yen
This museum commemorates the life of Masaoka Shiki and celebrates his works through displays of letters, manuscripts, books and other belongings. The museum also showcases some exhibits about the culture and history of Matsuyama and about "Botchan", the novel written by Shiki's friend Natsume Soseki. A fair amount of English signs make the museum accessible to foreign visitors.
Shikido
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:40) Closed: No closing days Admission: 50 yen
Shikido is a replica of Masaoka Shiki's former home which exhibits photographs, writings and items belonging to him. Visitors can see the desk which Shiki used to work at. Shikido stands on the grounds of a temple. One of the oldest extant "Botchan" steam trams is put on display just next to the Shikido.
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 18:30 (entry until 18:00) Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday) Admission: 400 yen
This museum is devoted to the novel "Saka no Ue no Kumo" by Shiba Ryotaro. It is housed in an intriguingly attractive, triangular building designed by renowned architect Ando Tadao, which can make a visit worth even to those unfamiliar with the novel. On display are explanations about the novel's plot, characters and locations, including maps and pictures of Edo Period Matsuyama. An English pamphlet and audio guide (100 yen) are available.
Bansuiso
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) Admission: 300 yen
Bansuiso is an elegant French style building constructed in 1922 by a descendant of Matsuyama's feudal lord lineage, after he had returned from military studies in France. The building is now open to the public, and visitors can see its interior, which is built to closely follow Western architecture of that time.
Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art
Hours: 9:40 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30) Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday or the first Monday of the month), Dec 29 to Jan 3 Admission: 310 yen (permanent collection)
The Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art displays a sizable collection of art pieces by both Ehime Prefecture's citizens and European artists, including paintings, posters, drawings and Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings). In addition, the museum periodically hosts temporary exhibitions of art of various themes.
Itami Juzo Museum
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30) Closed: Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a holiday), New Year holidays Admission: 800 yen
This museum is devoted to film maker Itami Juzo who is best known for his movies "Tampopo" and "The Funeral". On exhibit are props that demonstrate Juzo's film-making methods, posters of his movies, as well as visual clips and scripts of his more famous works. The museum also features a small, tasteful central garden, which visitors can appreciate whilst taking a break at the in-house cafe. Unfortunately, there is close to no English information available at the museum.
Getting there and around
Shiki Memorial Museum
The museum stands a few steps from Dogo Onsen tram station, the terminus of three tram lines. From JR Matsuyama Station, take tram line 5 (20 minutes, 180 yen). From Matsuyama-shi Station, take tram line 3 (15 minutes, 180 yen).
Shikido
Shikido is a five minute walk south of Matsuyama-shi Station, on the grounds of Seishu Temple.
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum
The museum is located in the city center at the foot of Matsuyama Castle, a two minute walk from Okaido tram stop. Okaido can be reached by tram line 5 from JR Matsuyama Station (10 minutes, 180 yen) or by tram line 2 or 3 from Matsuyama-shi Station (5 minutes, 180 yen).
Bansuiso
Bansuiso is a five minute walk uphill northwest of the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum.
Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art
The museum is located at the southwestern foot of Matsuyama Castle. It is a five minute walk from Manamihoribata tram stop, which is served by all five of Matsuyama's tram lines.
Itami Juzo Museum
The Itami Juzo Museum is located at a slight distance away from the city center. Take the Iyotetsu Railways from Matsuyama-shi Station and alight at Iyotachibana Station (four minutes, 180 yen). From Iyotachibana Station, it is a 20 minute walk to the museum.
Set in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Dogo Miyu offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 4-star ryokan offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is situated 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units feature a wardrobe. Dogo Miyu offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Miyukiji Temple is 1.4 km from the accommodation, while Matsuyama castle is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Dogo Miyu.
Open from 2015, Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo offers female only and mixed dormitory rooms with free WiFi. Dogo Onsen Station is a 4-minute walk away. Each bunk bed in the dormitory rooms come with a curtain to secure your privacy. Bathroom facilities and toilets are shared with other guests. Guests can cook their own meals in the shared kitchen with free-use kitchenware and seasonings. There is also a bar on the ground floor. There is no laundry facility on site, however, guests can take a 10-minute stroll to a nearby public coin launderette. The nearest super market is a 5-minute walk away, while the nearest convenience store is just a 2-minute walk from Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo. The property is a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Tourist Port. Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute train ride away.
Situated in Matsuyama and with Joshin-ji Temple reachable within 500 metres, Kowakuen Haruka features a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All rooms at the ryokan come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. All rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature city views. At Kowakuen Haruka the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Kowakuen Haruka offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the ryokan, while Miyukiji Temple is a 17-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Kowakuen Haruka.
Featuring 1-star accommodation, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama, 100 metres from Botchan Train Museum and less than 1 km from Yasaka Temple. The property is located 1.8 km from Ishitegawa Park, 2.2 km from Aeon Style Shopping Centre Matsuyama and 1.8 km from Matsuyama castle. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Matsuyama Civic Center. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at the guest house also have free WiFi. At 3LDK Denchi all rooms have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Matsuyama Station. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from 3LDK Denchi.
Situated in the popular Dogo Hot Spring area, Onsen Ryokan Dougoya provides traditional Japanese-style accommodation with natural a hot spring bath and a lovely garden. Free WiFi is available in guest rooms. The ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from famous Dogo Hot Spring Bathhouse. It is a 8-minute walk from Dogo Onsen tram stop, which is an 18-minute ride away from JR Matsuyama Station. Iconic Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute tram and a 5-minute lift ride away. Each room at Dogoya is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. Private rooms feature a low table and seating cushions. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. Two 24-hour shower rooms are available on site. Free toiletries and free towel rental are available in the hot spring bath and shower. Private use of public hot spring bath is available during limited hours. Guests can relax in the common room with a flat-screen TV. Free luggage storage and a free safety deposit box to store valuables is available.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring is set in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Yasaka Temple and 60 metres from Okaido Shopping Street. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Botchan Train Museum, Matsuyama Civic Center and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring.
Set in Matsuyama and with Joshin-ji Temple reachable within 600 metres, Yamatoya Honten offers a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. The ryokan provides some units that feature a safety deposit box, and all rooms include a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. Guests at Yamatoya Honten can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from Yamatoya Honten, while Miyukiji Temple is a 19-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from the ryokan.
Situated 600 metres from Botchan Train Museum, Comfort Hotel Matsuyama offers 3-star accommodation in Matsuyama and has free bikes. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Comfort Hotel Matsuyama rooms include bed linen and towels. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Comfort Hotel Matsuyama include Matsuyama Civic Center, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 7 km from the hotel.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS is situated in Matsuyama, 300 metres from Botchan Train Museum and 600 metres from Matsuyama Civic Center. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The hotel has a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS the rooms include bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS include The Museum of Art, Ehime, Matsuyama Station and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from the hotel.
Featuring 4-star accommodation, DogoYaya is situated in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple and 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine. With a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms at DogoYaya are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. A buffet, ? la carte or Asian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Staff at the accommodation are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Miyukiji Temple is 1.3 km from DogoYaya, while Matsuyama castle is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from the hotel.
