1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's great mountain castles, proudly standing approximately 132 meters above sea level atop Mt. Katsuyama near the Matsuyama city center. Construction of the castle began in 1602 under the supervision of Kato Yoshiaki and took over 20 years to complete. The castle's main keep, towering at the summit, provides 360-degree panoramic views over Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Noteworthy features include the only surviving watchtower-style double turret in Japan and climbing stone walls. Almost all of Matsuyama Castle's grounds have been converted into Shiroyama Park, one of Matsuyama's main urban parks. In the Horinouchi area of Shiroyama Park, which was once the third bailey of Matsuyama Castle and housed the domain's offices and samurai residences, now features a number of open fields. Shiroyama Park has also been recognized as one of Japan's top 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing (1989) and one of Japan's top 100 historical parks (2006).

Matsuyama 790-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama 790-0842 Ehime Prefecture

Okaido, Matsuyama 790-0004 Ehime Prefecture

1 Chome Dogomachi, Matsuyama 790-0843 Ehime Prefecture

This is the nearest station to Dogo Onsen on the Iyotetsu Railway city tram. The eye-catching, Western-style station building is a restored version of the original building constructed in 1911 that was completed in 1986. The building looks especially great when it is lit up at night. In addition to a coffee shop inside the station building, there is also a place called Hojoen located in front of the station that features the Botchan Mechanical Clock and foot baths.

1-3-20, Matsuyama 791-0000 Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama 790-8587 Ehime Prefecture

2-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama 790-0852 Ehime Prefecture

Ishiteji Temple, the 51st temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is believed to have been founded around 670 AD. Many of the temple's buildings are designated National Important Cultural Properties, including the Nio-mon Gate (which is also a National Treasure). In front of the five halls on the temple grounds is the Five Buddha Stone that is said to bestow the power of Buddha upon visitors when they touch it, and there is also the Kariteimo Hall that enshrines the Kishimojin deity, who is said to bless you with children if you take home a stone from around the hall. The temple is said to grant a variety of wishes. The temple's Treasure Museum exhibits have about 100 items on permanent display, one of which is the Jewel Stone from the "Legend of the Rebirth of Emon Saburo," which is said to be the origin of the Shikoku Pilgrimage tradition. In addition, there is a three-storied pagoda that stands 24.1m high and is located in the center of the temple grounds.

3-3-7 Ichibancho, Matsuyama 790-0001 Ehime Prefecture

Bansuisou is a property that was built in 1922 by Count Hisamatsu Sadakoto, a descendant of the former lord of Matsuyama. The architect, Kigo Shichiro, was influenced by the Count's long stay in France and meticulously studied Western architecture to create this beautiful French-style building. It was a popular gathering place for distinguished guests from various fields and was always visited by members of the imperial family when they came to the prefecture. The building has been preserved in its original state since its construction, making it a valuable architectural treasure. In 1985, it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Ehime Prefecture and, in November 2011, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The building itself is a work of art, and the first floor is currently rented out for use for various events and exhibitions.

Dogokoen, Matsuyama 790-0857 Ehime Prefecture

173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama 790-0838 Ehime Prefecture

5 Marunochi, Matsuyama 790-0008 Ehime Prefecture

Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama 790-0842 Ehime Prefecture

Dogo's shopping district is known as Dogo Haikara-dori and is an L-shaped covered arcade that connects Dogo Onsen Station and the Dogo Onsen Honkan. Running for about 250 meters, the street is lined with approximately 60 shops, including souvenir shops and restaurants, and is a popular spot for tourists to go shopping and enjoy Dogo's gourmet scene. The street has a historical charm that dates back over a century to when it was renovated and turned into a shopping area. The old-fashioned atmosphere and architecture add a unique allure to the place. Around 8 PM, you can often see travelers strolling around in yukata (casual light kimono), adding to the atmosphere. The area gets quite busy in the evenings as it becomes imbued with hot spring culture ambiance. In 2016, it was selected as one of 30 Distinguished Shopping Streets by the national government.

2-3-6 Kachimachi, Matsuyama 790-0801 Ehime Prefecture

Otemachi Otemachi Ekimae, Matsuyama 790-0067 Ehime Prefecture