During our 3-day, 2-night stay in Matsuyama City, Ehime, Shikoku, we visited Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and one of the 12 original castle keeps. Around noon, we left the Tsubakikan Hotel and drove to Toyoko INN Matsuyama Ichibancho. After parking and unloading our luggage at Toyoko INN, we temporarily stored our belongings at the front desk since we would be staying there that night. Traveling light, we set off on foot toward Matsuyama Castle.
It took us about 10 minutes to walk from Toyoko INN Matsuyama Ichibancho to the base of Matsuyama Castle. Upon arrival, we entered a building where we could either take an aerial ropeway or a single-seat lift chair to ascend the mountain. Inside the building, there was an introduction to Matsuyama Castle.
The samurai armor on display at Matsuyama Castle was red, and an exhibit highlighted that it is one of the 12 surviving original castle keeps, showcasing its excellent preservation.
Naturally, we bought tickets for the single-seat lift chair. Having taken similar lifts many times in Japan, we weren’t nervous at all. We enjoyed the scenic views, and it wasn’t uncomfortably hot even in summer.
After the lift ride, there was still a short uphill walk to the castle. The tall stone walls of Matsuyama Castle stood impressively, showcasing its strategic design as a fortress. The steep slopes made it clear how challenging it must have been to build such walls in the past.
As we continued, we passed through several gates, which made the path feel like a maze. Midway, the breathtaking views began to unfold. The elevation and location of Matsuyama Castle were truly outstanding.
We reached a broader area near the Horiuchi Park, where the observation deck provided expansive views of Matsuyama City, stretching to the sea and mountains. From there, we could also see the castle keep (Tenshukaku). To enter the keep, we purchased additional tickets.
The first gate we encountered was the “Ichinomon.” Its slightly inclined design required climbing stairs to reach.
Inside, we removed our shoes and wore the slippers provided by the staff before ascending the wooden stairs, which were quite steep.
Following the designated route inside the keep, we saw numerous displays of samurai armor, swords, and historical artifacts. Visitors could even hold a samurai sword to feel its weight.
The castle also featured paintings, documents, and various historical items on display. Some wooden windows could be opened for ventilation, while others had small openings for shooting arrows or firing guns—ingeniously designed for defense.
At the topmost part of the keep, the windows on three sides offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Takashimaya Department Store, the Ferris wheel, the sea, and distant mountains.
The commanding view from this vantage point was truly remarkable. The castle’s family crest at the highest point was a reminder of its historical significance and the meticulous preservation efforts.
After descending the keep, we stopped by the shop and rest area to enjoy ice cream—a refreshing treat in the hot weather. The air-conditioned break was much appreciated.
Finally, we took the lift chair back down the mountain. Some visitors even used umbrellas for shade while riding the chair, demonstrating their ingenuity. The wind was mild, and some tourists chose to walk down via nearby trails, having purchased one-way tickets. After a quick restroom break at the ropeway station, we continued to our next destination, the Bansuiso Villa.
Matsuyama Castle
Website:https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/
Address:Marunouchi 1, Matsuyama City, Ehime
Phone:089-921-4873
Hours:9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*August: Until 5:30 p.m. December/January: Until 4:30 p.m.
Map:
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