Things to do in Matsuyama

10 activities, venues and outings in Matsuyama, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Dōgo Onsen Honkan
道後温泉本館
Grab your towel and go bathing! Dōgo Onsen is the oldest and most famous onsen in Japan, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. Quite a few legends surround these waters. One says that the springs of Dōgo were discovered when, during the age of the gods, a heron placed his injured leg into hot water streaming out of a rock and was miraculously healed. Another claims that when an ill god bathed in the hot spring, the god recovered and danced for joy. The heron motif is everywhere inside the building. Tama no ishi or Yudama, the round rock from which the healing waters sprang, is the source of the symbol for Dōgo, though it looks more like a chestnut to some. There are two types of baths in the honkan for both men and women.; In January 2019, renovation works started on the Dogo Onsen Honkan during which the bath house is closed partially over the period of seven years. During the first of two phases of the renovation works, two small baths on the first floor remain open to visitors (one for each gender), while the rest of the building, including the rest areas on the second and third floors, gets closed. Some parts of the building will be covered up by scaffolding; however, some of the building's sides (the front and north sides during the first phase of the renovations) will intentionally be kept free of scaffolding to reduce the impact on tourism.
Do
Ehime Children's Castle
えひめこどもの城 Kodomo no Jō
This vast playground (350,000 m²) consists of five play zones with slides, roller coasters and even workshops for cooking and crafts. Great for families and couples.
Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, closed Dec 29-Jan 1¥300 adults, ¥100 children
Do
Matsuyama Putt Golf
パットゴルフ松山コース
A family-friendly mini-golf course just outside of Matsuyama. Managed by a Canadian expat and his wife.
Mon-Fri 12:30-20:00, Sat Sun 10:00-20:30¥1000 (3 games)
Do
Zazen Meditation
坐禅
Zazen, "seated meditation", is a form of Buddhist meditation used to empty the mind and simply exist in the moment. Try it out for some travel stress relief.
Closed · opens 7 amFree
Do Not mapped
Haiku Monument Tour
俳碑めぐり
Many well-known haiku writers came from or have made pilgrimages to Matsuyama, giving it the title "Town of Haiku" (俳句の里). As you tour the city, you'll find dozens of stones engraved with timeless verses. Haiku no Ro features a number of these stones. Some of the haiku artists on display are Takahama Kyoshi (高浜虚子), Ishida Hakyō (石田波郷) and Yanagihara Kyokudō (柳原極堂).
24 hoursFree
Do Not mapped
Kami no Yu 1F
神の湯
The "Bath of the Gods" is a simple public style bath in a pseudo-Mediterranean setting. Towels and soap are not provided but can be cheaply rented at the front. Includes access to the Exhibition Room and Botchan's Rooms.
Closed · opens 6 amAdults ¥400, children ¥150
Do Not mapped
Kami no Yu 2F
神の湯
Bathers can use the lounge, wear a Dōgo yukata, and have tea with sembei (rice cracker) for 60 minutes. Includes access to the Exhibition Room and Botchan's Rooms.
Closed · opens 6 amAdults ¥800, children ¥400
Do Not mapped
Koto Lessons
箏レッスン
Taught by volunteers. The koto (stringed musical instrument) and picks are provided, but reservations are required.
Tue-Sun 09:00-17:30Free
Do Not mapped
Tama no Yu 2F
霊の湯
The "Bath of the Spirits" 60-minute course includes use of Kami no Yu, lounge, a yukata, snacks, towel, the two aforementioned rooms and a 15 minute Yushinden tour.
Closed · opens 6 amAdults ¥1200, children ¥600
Do Not mapped
Tama no Yu Private Room 3F
霊の湯
This course is 80 minutes. The room is private, and the provided yukata has a heron design. Botchan dango (rice dumplings) are served.
Closed · opens 6 amAdults ¥1500, children ¥750

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Matsuyama (CC BY-SA 4.0).