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Matsuyama

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24
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10
Eat
6
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8
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5

24 places match

  1. See

    Akiyama Brothers Birthplace

    秋山兄弟生誕地 Akiyama Kyōdai Seitanchi

    Born to a lower class branch of the Matsuyama samurai clan, these two brothers became military heroes of Japan. Yoshifuru, the eldest, is credited as the father of the Japanese cavalry, while Saneyuki excelled in naval tactics. Yoshifuru traveled to France to study cavalry techniques in 1887. After serving in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) he established a cavalry division which debuted in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). After holding numerous posts of prestige, he was promoted to General in 1916 and finally retired to become a junior high school principal in Matsuyama. A childhood friend of Shiki, Saneyuki shared his friend's love of the written word, and the two studied literature at Tokyo University. However, at the behest of his brother, Saneyuki embarked on a military career. He was sent to America to study naval tactics, and had on-the-job training during the Spanish-American War (1898). After returning to Japan, he became the foremost strategist of the Russo-Japanese War, leading to a major victory at the battle of Tsushima.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed 28 Dec-3 Jan¥200

  2. See

    Bansuiso

    萬翠荘

    This French-style building was constructed in 1922 for the former lord of Matsuyama Castle, Hisamatsu Sadakoto (久松定謨). After having lived and studied in France, Hisamatsu became enamored with the romantic architectural style, and hired Kigo Shichirō (木子七郎) to build his villa. This Taishō Era estate was the venue of many parties for the elite in its heyday, and the Emperor made it a point to visit whenever he was in the area. It is boused as an annex of the Museum of Art. The first floor's gallery changes throughout the year and is free, while the collection on the second floor showcases ink paintings by Shiki, Sōseki, and other Ehime residents.

    Tue-Sun 09:40-18:00, closed 29 Dec-5 Jan¥100 adults, ¥50 children

  3. See

    Botchan Gizmo Clock

    坊っちゃんカラクリ時計

    Admirers of the aforementioned Botchan may enjoy watching the Gizmo Clock beside Dōgo Onsen Station at the mouth of the shopping arcade when it chimes every hour and half hour. Botchan Karakuri Tokei was completed in 1994 to commemorate the 100th year of the last reconstruction of Dōgo Bathhouse, and the animatronics that emerge during the musical interlude depict special scenes from the novel.

    Chimes between 08:00-21:00Free

  4. See

    Dōgo Park & Yuzuki Castle Ruins

    道後公園・湯築城

    From mid-March through April, the typically peaceful Dōgo Park is overwhelmed by inebriated locals and hawking vendors who come to take part in the most ancient of activities, hanami, or viewing of sakura (cherry blossoms). An oval shaped patch of green in the overdeveloped Dōgo neighborhood, Dōgo Kōen is an important part of Matsuyama's identity because it harbors the ruins of Yuzuki Castle. Yuzuki-jō was the residence of the Kōno Clan (河野), who ruled Iyo Province (伊予, now Ehime) from the 13th to the late 16th century, when war lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) sent an army to Shikoku to conquer and unify Japan. The excavation of the 30,000-m² site took over 14 years, but the castle, gardens, and residences were all recovered. Within the recreated homes, mannequins silently act out the daily lives of the elite during that time, drinking tea and writing renga (poems composed by a group). There is also a library and a volunteer English-speaking guide can show visitors around with advance reservations.

    Dōgo Park: 24 hours, Yuzuki Castle Ruins: Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, closed 29 Dec-3 JanFree

  5. See

    Enmyōji

    円明寺

    #53. Also built in the 8th century, the dō style of this temple was rebuilt in 1633.

    Free

  6. See

    Isaniwa Shrine

    伊佐爾波神社 Isaniwa Jinja

    Sitting upon Dōgo Hill and accessible by car or climbing 135 stone steps, this important cultural asset is one of three great examples of Shinto Hachiman-zukuri (God of War) architecture in Japan. It was promised by the lord of Matsuyama Castle, Matsudaira Sadanaga (松平定長), if the gods awarded him victory in the 1667 Edo Castle Yabusame (horseback archery) competition. The outer walls are modeled after the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto, while the inner sanctum (the oldest part of the shrine) is designed in various Shinto styles of the 17th century. Memorials honoring the warlords who fought against the Kamakura battalion are guarded by stalwart dogs who watch over the four deities adorning the four corners of the vermilion structure. There are exhibitions of feudal era armor (including Matsudaira's helmet) and swords (Tachi Mei, a mid-Kamakura era piece crafted by the famous Kuniyuki Rai).

    24 hoursFree

  7. See

    Ishiteji

    石手寺

    #51. This is one of the most impressive of the 88 temples in the pilgrimage, housing a variety of statues, haiku stones, and treasures scattered about the grounds. Some of its more interesting aspects are the Deva Hall with its murals of gods, the belfry, and the giant stone statue of Kōbō Daishi — whose head, if you can touch it, will absolve you of making the entire pilgrimage. Founded in 728 and part of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, Ishiteji embodies one of the most moving of Buddhist legends of greed, sorrow, repentance, and reincarnation. Smoke from the incense of pilgrims making their prayers fill the inner sanctum. Ishiteji celebrates the New Year like no other temple in Matsuyama.

    24 hoursFree

  8. See

    Iyo Kasuri Folk Craft Museum

    伊予かすり会館

    Learn about the process of making Iyo's signature cloth and then create some of your own. Reservations necessary.

    Closed · opens 8:10 am¥50 adults, ¥40 children

  9. See

    Jōruriji

    浄瑠璃寺

    #46. Created in 708, this temple houses one of Gyoki's Yakushinyorai statue, the first of its kind and the guardian of knowledge and art.

    Free

  10. See

    Kōshinan Historic Park

    庚申庵史跡庭園

    This small teahouse was built in 1790 as a gift to Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶) by his friend Kurita Chodō (栗田樗堂), from one poet to another. The design was inspired by Matsuo Bashō's idyllic hut and the name comes from the sexagenary cycle of the year. It has been restored to its former beauty. When the fujidana wisteria are in bloom, Kōshinan Shiseki Teien is truly a sight to behold. It is free to tour, but reserving the rooms is also possible.

    Thu-Tue 10:00-18:00Free

  11. See

    Matsuyama Castle

    松山城

    Situated on the 130-m-tall Katsuyama Hill in the center of the city, this sprawling fortress is one of three remaining multi-wing, flat hilltop Japanese castles. It was constructed by the feudal lord Katō Yoshiaki (加藤嘉明) over the course of 25 years, completed in 1627. Four of its eight strategic gates are designated national cultural treasures, and with the wealth of historical artifacts within its majestic walls — swords and armor belonging to the three occupying families, calligraphy and official documents from the feudal era (English available) — Matsuyama-jō is well worth the hike. The castle is accessible by hiking a wooded trail, but the ropeway (¥500 roundtrip) can be boarded at the east entrance.

    09:00-17:00, closed 29 Dec¥500 adults, ¥150 children

  12. See

    Matsuyama Central Park

    松山総合公園

    Curiously styled as a European fortress wall and atop a hill high enough to parallel the castle, Matsuyama Sōgō Kōen provides a panoramic view of Matsuyama and features a playground for children.

    24 hoursFree

  13. See

    Museum of Art, Ehime

    愛媛県美術館

    Ehimeken Bijutsukan is a surprisingly discreet 10,300-m² facility in Shiroyama Park (at the base of the castle and surrounded by a moat) and houses a permanent collection from Ehime natives such as Takubo Kyōji (mixed media sculptor) and Oki Kangaku (ink painter) as well as temporary exhibits from all over the globe. There is a rental gallery where Ehime residents can display their pieces, along with free workshops, a library, and a café.

    Tue-Sun 09:40-18:00, closed Dec 29-Jan 3¥300 adults, ¥200 students

  14. See

    Ninomaru Historical Garden

    二ノ丸史跡庭園

    Located southwest of the castle on the hillside, Ninomaru Shiseki Teien is another excellent point for viewing the city. The ruins of the Matsuyama Clan estate are preserved and celebrated in a romantic mixture of contemporary fountain designs and ancient garden aesthetics. Viewable from the castle's donjon, mystical Takigi Nō (nocturnal plays by bonfire) performances take place here throughout the year, and families enjoy picnics in its quiet serenity. Many cultural events (tea ceremonies, doll exhibitions, drum performances, etc.) are hosted here.

    Closed · opens 9 am¥100 adults, ¥50 children

  15. See

    Russian Soldiers' Cemetery

    ロシヤ人墓地

    During the Russo-Japanese War, a number of Russian soldiers ended up in prison camps in Matsuyama. Not viewed as criminals but rather as warriors who loved another nation, these prisoners are said to have had a relatively easy life here. To this day, volunteers of the community respectfully tend to their tombs, which are in the center of a sacred circle of temples and shrines.

    24 hoursFree

  16. See

    Sairinji

    西林寺

    #48. Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師) struck the ground with his stick and created a pond here; his 11-headed Kannon also stands here.

    Free

  17. See

    Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

    坂の上の雲ミュージアム

    The name means "The Cloud Over an Upward Slope", and refers to the title of a book written by Shiba Ryōtarō (司馬 遼太郎) depicting the struggles Japanese people encountered as they rebuilt their country after the Meiji Revolution and the conflict with Russia. This impressive building, designed by well-known architect Ando Tadao (安藤忠雄), tells the stories of the aforementioned Akiyama Brothers and Masaoka Shiki. The ¥400 admission may be a little steep for non-Japanese readers as there is absolutely no English inside, but the Meiji Karakuri Theatre (moving 'stick' figures) is quite entertaining.

    Tue-Sun 09:40-18:00, closed first Tue each month and Dec 29-Jan 3¥400 adults, ¥200 students

  18. See

    Shiki Commemorative Museum

    子規記念博物館

    Located in the Dōgo area, the Shiki Kinen Hakubutsukan has a large collection of literature, artwork, and special exhibits about the life of Shiki.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00¥400 adults, ¥320 students

  19. See

    Shikidō

    子規堂

    The main rooms of the house where Shiki spent the first 17 years of his life were replicated and set up in Shōjuji near the center of the city. The desk and artifacts from his childhood are displayed as he would have had them. The facility is complete with literary and artistic works discovered after his death, pictures, and even some monuments dedicated to other renowned haiku poets.

    Closed · opens 8:30 am¥50

  20. See

    Taizanji

    太山寺

    #52. An 11-headed Kannon and Shitenno god statues reside here.

    Free

  21. See

    Tobe Zoo

    とべ動物園

    It's south of Matsuyama. Tobe Dobutsuen is the destination for viewing over 190 species of animals, particularly "Peace" the polar bear. Though more spacious than its previous grounds and the silhouette animal footprints leading to the entrance are endearing, the zoo may leave much to be desired for those not used to Japanese zoological standards.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, closed Dec 29-Jan 1¥300 adults, ¥100 children

  22. See

    Yasakaji

    八坂寺

    #47. Built in 701, this temple has the first Amida Nyorai deity statue.

    Free

  23. See

    Hantaji

    繁多寺

    #50. Another Yakushinyorai statue is worshipped here.

    Free

  24. See

    Jōdoji

    浄土寺

    #49. Jōdo was built in the 700s by Emyo Shonin.

    Free