Easy Travel in JapanMatsuyama
Shikoku's largest city — an original castle, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, and the setting of a beloved novel.
Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture. It’s also known in literature as the setting of Natsume Soseki’s novel “Botchan,” which describes the city during the Meiji Restoration and remains part of Japan’s school curriculum today.
Where to go
Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original (non-reconstructed) castles, sits on a hilltop with views over the city and out to the Seto Inland Sea. On the northeastern edge of the city, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, centered on the historic Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse alongside newer facilities. From Matsuyama, it’s easy to continue on to the smaller nearby towns of Uchiko, Ozu, and Uwajima.
Good to know
Matsuyama Airport connects the city by air, with tram and bus links to JR Matsuyama Station for onward travel by train or bus across Shikoku.
Useful services for this trip
Train Tickets
Book shinkansen and local rail tickets in advance and skip the station ticket-counter queue.
Bus Tickets
Book highway, overnight, and tour buses across Japan — an affordable way to reach cities and sights that trains skip.
Airport Transfers
Book a fixed-price transfer from Haneda or Narita so arrival day is one less thing to figure out.
eSIM & Wi-Fi
Stay connected in Japan with an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi, without hunting for a local SIM shop.