Matsuyama, located in Ehime Prefecture in the Shikoku region, is known for its mild climate and has historically been a hub for many literary figures. This city encapsulates Japan’s historical and cultural charm. This article explores the various attractions of Matsuyama, from an overview of the city to its facilities, culture, and cuisine.

Overview of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama is located in the northern part of Shikoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea, and is an active city with a population of around 510,000. One of Matsuyama’s prominent features is Matsuyama Castle, one of only twelve castles in Japan that retains its Edo-era keep. The city has a long history, thriving as a castle town at the foot of the castle.

Historically and culturally, the scenic beauty of Matsuyama and the Dogo Hot Springs were celebrated in the Man’yōshū, a famous collection of poems from the late 7th century. Matsuyama also played a significant role as a cultural hub, producing many famous literary figures, including the poet Masaoka Shiki.

Matsuyama is a city rich in culture and the arts, known for its unique culinary traditions like five-colored somen noodles and tai-meshi (sea bream rice), Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle with its numerous cultural heritage sites, the Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum, and the Prefectural Art Museum which houses works by Monet and Cézanne. The city also boasts new attractions such as the Kururin Ferris Wheel and the Bokutchan Karakuri Clock.

Additionally, Matsuyama is the birthplace of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is home to many temples and cultural treasures. As the capital of Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama offers a full range of public services, commercial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare options. The city is dotted with parks and green spaces, offering a balance between nature and urban living. Key areas of the city, such as Dogo, Matsuyama Station, and Ōkaidō, each have their own unique charm and vibrancy.

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Climate of Matsuyama

Matsuyama has a mild Seto Inland Sea climate, with hot and humid summers and relatively mild winters with few cold days. Rainfall and snowfall are generally low, though occasional chilly days can occur. Spring and autumn are comfortable and stable. Matsuyama is less prone to typhoons compared to southern regions like Kochi and Tokushima, but it can still be affected, especially from summer to autumn, so weather vigilance is necessary.

Transportation Infrastructure

Matsuyama is a key transportation hub, with both Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Port providing access to domestic and international destinations. From Matsuyama Airport, direct flights are available to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, offering a convenient transportation network for business and leisure travelers. International flights to Seoul and Busan operate daily, though flights to Shanghai and Taipei have been suspended as of the writing of this article.

Matsuyama does not have a Shinkansen line, so travelers must transfer at Okayama Station to board a limited express train. However, there are many long-distance buses connecting Matsuyama to other major cities in Japan.
Additionally, the city is actively enhancing its transportation infrastructure and public transportation services, ensuring a convenient and reliable transport environment for both residents and visitors. The city has an extensive tram and bus network, with trams being especially popular among tourists, as they offer a convenient way to explore the city’s attractions.

Security Information

Matsuyama, the city with the largest population in the Shikoku region, has an excellent security environment, and residents can live with peace of mind. The city has three police stations (Matsuyama West, Matsuyama South, Matsuyama East), and numerous police boxes are spread across the city to ensure the safety of citizens 24/7.
Additionally, communication among citizens is very active, with local crime prevention activities regularly taking place, and information about suspicious individuals is continuously updated on the Matsuyama city website. Due to these efforts, Matsuyama can be considered a safe and comfortable place to live.

Main Commercial Facilities

Matsuyama offers a variety of commercial facilities where you can enjoy shopping and dining. Many local specialty stores also attract tourists.

Some of the major commercial facilities include:

• Emifull MISAKI:

• The largest commercial facility in Shikoku, a large shopping mall with over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

• Fuji Grand Matsuyama:

• An urban-style mall opened in 1989, with brand shops, a food court, a supermarket, and a children’s play area.

• Iyotetsu Takashimaya:

• A beloved department store directly connected to Matsuyama Station, with a large Ferris wheel on the rooftop serving as the city’s symbol.
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• Matsuyama Mitsukoshi:

• A long-established department store located on the city’s main thoroughfare, known for selling local souvenirs from Ehime and Shikoku.
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• AEL Matsuyama:

• A newly opened commercial facility in the city center, featuring a select shop on the first floor and a large gym on the second.

Moreover, the Dogo area has many traditional souvenir shops and restaurants using local ingredients, making it a must-visit spot for tourists.

Main Medical Institutions

Matsuyama has a variety of medical facilities, including university hospitals. There are also multilingual medical institutions, making it easy for foreign residents to receive healthcare. Notable hospitals include Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Ehime Cooperative Hospital, Matsuyama City Hospital, and Ehime University Hospital.

Main Educational Institutions

Matsuyama offers a comprehensive range of educational institutions from kindergarten to university, serving a wide range of age groups. Particularly notable is Ehime University, the largest comprehensive university in the Shikoku region, attracting many students. The Matsuyama Educational Training Center provides training for educators and research on school education.

Tourist Attractions in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture, is home to many popular and bustling tourist attractions.
Among these, Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle stand out. Particularly, Dogo Onsen is known as the oldest hot spring in Japan, with a long history and tradition that draws many tourists. Dogo Onsen is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki and has many legendary stories, such as the tale of the white heron. In 1994, the main building of Dogo Onsen was designated as an important cultural property of the country. One of the biggest attractions of Dogo Onsen is that it remains an active public bathhouse rather than being turned into a museum. It was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009.

There are many ryokan (traditional inns) and hotels around Dogo Onsen offering various accommodation options for visitors.

Additionally, Matsuyama Castle, located at the summit of Shiroyama (Katsuyama) 132 meters above sea level in the city center, is another must-visit tourist site. The castle is recognized as a Japanese Nightscape Heritage, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty both during the day and at night.

・Giant Ferris Wheel “Kururin”

Located on the rooftop of the “Iyo Tetsu Takashimaya” shopping complex in the center of Matsuyama.
A landmark of the city, this Ferris wheel offers a great combination of shopping and sightseeing.
At a height of about 85m (including the building), it offers a stunning view of Matsuyama city, Matsuyama Castle, and the Seto Inland Sea.

・Botchan Train

A tourist train inspired by Natsume Sōseki’s novel “Botchan”.
The retro-style carriages allow you to leisurely explore the center of Matsuyama, and it is a popular spot for photos.

・Isaniwa Shrine

A shrine with a history of over 1000 years, located near Dōgo Onsen.
It features a rare “Hachiman-zukuri” style of architecture and is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Hachiman-zukuri Shrines, alongside Iwashimizu Hachimangū in Kyoto and Usa Jingu in Ōita.
It is a popular spot for those wishing to pray for love or health.

・Sakanoe no Kumo Museum

A museum based on Shiba Ryōtarō’s novel “Sakanoe no Kumo”.
It provides insight into modern history and figures, and its modern architecture, designed by Tadao Ando, is worth seeing.

Located on the site of the birthplace of poet Shōzaburō Shiki.
Through his life and works, visitors can learn about Matsuyama’s culture.
It’s a great place to visit for those interested in haiku and tanka.

・Dōgo Park

A park created on the site of a subsidiary castle of Matsuyama Castle.
You can enjoy seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
It also features an archaeological museum, making it a great stop during a visit to the Dōgo area.

・Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art

Located at the foot of Matsuyama Castle, this museum is a key cultural institution in Ehime, showcasing a wide range of art from both Japan and abroad.
In addition to works by local artists such as Ishizaki Kōyō and Kōno Tōsei, the museum also holds Western paintings by Monet and Cézanne.

・Dōgo Gyaman Glass Art Museum

This museum displays “gyaman” glass crafts produced during the Edo to Meiji periods.
It showcases delicate and beautiful Japanese glass collections, with a highlight being the garden’s night-time illuminations.

As mentioned above, in addition to Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, there are many other tourist attractions in Matsuyama where visitors can enjoy culture and the arts. In particular, the Ehime Prefectural Art Museum and the Matsuyama Shiki Memorial Museum are the best places to deeply understand the local culture and history.

Food Culture

Matsuyama has a rich food culture rooted in its natural environment and long history.

Ehime Prefecture, where Matsuyama is located, is famous for its citrus fruits, particularly mandarins. Over 30 varieties of citrus fruits are cultivated within the prefecture. In Matsuyama, you can enjoy a variety of mandarin-based sweets such as refreshing mandarin gelato, ice cream, and jelly, all with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

The nationally famous “Pon Juice”

At Matsuyama Airport, there is a faucet that dispenses Pon Juice when turned on, turning a city legend into reality.

At Matsuyama Castle, you can also enjoy citrus-based sweets. The “Castle Mountain Café” near the entrance of the castle offers a unique treat, the “Ultimate Iyo-Kan Soft”, a soft-serve ice cream topped with mandarin fruit jelly, which can only be found here.

Additionally, Ehime Prefecture, located along the Seto Inland Sea, is blessed with abundant seafood. One of the region’s famous local dishes is “Tai Meshi”, a dish from the Hojo area in the northern part of Matsuyama, where a whole tai (sea bream) is cooked together with rice, giving the dish a rich and savory flavor.

Another local food, “Jako Ten”, is a deep-fried fish cake made from minced small fish like sardines. It is a common and essential dish found in the kitchens of Ehime.

Matsuyama’s “Five-Color Somen” is a traditional specialty produced in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. The somen from Matsuyama, known as “Five-Color Somen”, is characterized by its colorful appearance and smooth, high-quality noodles.
Each color of the somen is made using natural food ingredients:

• White: Traditional somen, with no added color.
• Red: Naturally colored with plum or red shiso extract.
• Green: A refreshing color from matcha or green seaweed.
• Yellow: Colored with pumpkin or gardenia.
• Brown or Black: Colored with soba flour or sesame seeds.

B-Class Gourmet in Ehime Prefecture

Ehime is also home to many delightful B-class gourmet dishes.
“Matsuyama Sushi” is a chirashi sushi made with small fish such as ribbon fish or goby, caught in the Seto Inland Sea, and mixed with a sweet vinegar dressing.

Next is the beloved “Mitsu-hama Yaki”. This is a savory pancake with a thin batter and filling of udon or soba noodles, often made with beef. While pork is common in the Kansai region’s okonomiyaki, the harmony of beef fat and beef gives it a different, yet exquisite taste.

Udon is also popular in Ehime, and “Nabe Yaki Udon” is a soul food of the prefecture. A particularly famous shop, “Nabe Yaki Udon Asahi”, has been serving delicious udon in an aluminum pot since 1947, with a sweet broth made from dried bonito and kelp, loved by the locals.

Matsuyama has a diverse food culture. Particularly, in the Dogo area, there are many restaurants offering dishes using local ingredients and popular regional meals, making it a true paradise for food-loving foreign tourists.

Regional Characteristics and Culture

Matsuyama is known not only as a city of literature but also for its rich natural environment and historical landscapes.
Matsuyama is the birthplace of haiku poet Masaoka Shiki, the city where Natsume Soseki lived, and a place deeply connected with many literary figures and works. The abundance of museums reflects the literary heritage of the region. Additionally, the retro-style Bocchan Train, which excites not only railway fans but anyone who appreciates history, and traditional handicrafts like Iyo Kasuri textiles and bamboo crafts, are part of Matsuyama’s heritage, rooted in a culture that cherishes its history.

Matsuyama is blessed with abundant natural beauty, including the Shigenobu and Ishite rivers flowing into the Seto Inland Sea, the Takana mountain range, and the beautiful islands of the Kutsuna Islands, which are a part of the region’s rich natural resources.

In particular, the Takana Mountains and the Kutsuna Islands, which consist of nine inhabited islands and over twenty uninhabited islands, symbolize the diversity of Matsuyama’s regional resources. Each island is not large but is surrounded by vast seas. From high vantage points, one can enjoy breathtaking views where the sea and mountains meet. Here, you can feel the unique history and culture developed through human connection to the sea, the warmth of human interaction, and the abundant gifts of nature.

Introduction to Stores Selling Foreign Ingredients

Matsuyama has several stores that specialize in foreign ingredients. Here are some examples:

• Sleep Sunday Salon

• Sleep Sunday Salon offers a variety of domestic and international ingredients and seasonings, including products from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries, along with Japanese-made specialty seasonings. The store also sells Fair Trade products, and there is a rental space available for workshops. Although the workshops are not yet fully operational, the owner has expressed plans to hold workshops on spices and fermented dishes. This is an excellent place to experience international flavors.

• Asakura

• Asakura is a store specializing in importing and selling Italian ingredients. They regularly hold workshops on how to use olive oil and other ingredients to enhance the flavors of various dishes.

• Jupiter

• Jupiter, a coffee and imported food store that opened in November 2023, offers original roasted coffee and a variety of international food products. With a spacious interior filled with products from around the world, shopping here feels like traveling the globe.

• Namaste RARA (Rara)

• Namaste RARA specializes in Nepalese ingredients and spices and serves home-style Nepalese dishes. In addition to food and spices, they also sell Nepalese alcohol.
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• Vietnam Food

• Located in Katsu-yama, Matsuyama, this store offers authentic Vietnamese food and ingredients, including popular dishes like pho and banh mi. They also provide take-out options and offer discounts through LINE orders.

• T-NGON Vietnam Restaurant

• This restaurant, located in the Ōkaidō area, serves Vietnamese dishes like beef pho and bun bo hue. You can also purchase seasonings and specialty ingredients from Vietnam.

Restaurants Serving International Cuisine

Matsuyama offers a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine, perfect for those seeking the taste of their hometown or the feeling of international travel.

• Romania

• Named after Romania, “Romania” is a restaurant where the owner, who has lived in Romania, recommends “Mămăligă,” a beloved traditional Romanian dish.

• Hanoi-Cafe

• Hanoi-Cafe offers a cozy Asian-inspired interior with a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including beef pho, green curry, and rice dishes, along with spring rolls. Their lunch set is reasonably priced and highly recommended. After the meal, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee to transport yourself to Vietnam.
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Introduction to Foreign Communities and Volunteer Organizations

The “Matsuyama International Exchange Center,” affectionately known as “MIC,” aims to create a “harmonious city” where people from diverse backgrounds—regardless of race, nationality, or religion—can live comfortably and enjoyably. Every January, the “Earthlings Festival” is held to deepen the exchange between local citizens and foreign residents. Visitors can experience the cultures, cuisines, and games from around the world. This is the city’s largest international exchange event, supported by volunteers.
Additionally, ongoing events include the “International Exchange Salon” and the “Junior International Exchange Salon.” Support for participating in local community activities also makes it easier for foreigners to engage in the city’s vibrant community life.

Summary

Matsuyama, located in Ehime Prefecture, is a captivating city that blends nature, history, and culture. With convenient transportation and a well-equipped living environment, it is an attractive place for both long-term residents and short-term visitors. The charm of Matsuyama’s urban landscape, culture, and cuisine is sure to leave unforgettable memories.