Matsuyama & Setouchi Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

Dogo Onsen (道後温泉, Dōgo Onsen) is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, located to the east of central Matsuyama. The area is popular with tourists for its beautiful bath house and many ryokan. Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan's most prestigious guests, the Imperial Family. The main attraction in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away".

Matsuyama Castle (松山城, Matsuyamajō) is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. There are about 200 cherry trees on the castle grounds, making this a lovely cherry blossom spot typically around late March to early April each year. Matsuyama Castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. In 1635, the castle got assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the nation ruling Tokugawa, and it remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one had been destroyed by lightning.

Ishiteji (石手寺), located near Dogo Onsen to the northeast of Matsuyama's city center, is the city's most famous temple. It is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Pilgrims dressed in white are a frequent sight at this large temple. Ishiteji's name literally means "stone hand temple", referring to a local legend in which an aristocrat had held a stone tightly in his hand at his death bed after seeking the priest Kobo Daishi to no avail, and was later reborn with the stone still held in the baby's hand.

Isaniwa shrine is a popular Shinto shrine in Matsuyama. Many emperors have been enshrined at this place. Most of the buildings here have been designated as important cultural properties. The temple is about the corridors and angles. The corridors have interesting paintings which feature calligraphy and animals on the walls. If you have visited Ishiteji temple, it is a must-visit place.

The Ninomaru Historical garden is truly a thing of beauty. It was built at the place where the Matsuyama castle palace buildings once stood. The garden ha a small fee of 100 yen which is worth it. The beautiful gardens allow you to wander through a natural setting and enjoy yourself. You shouldn’t miss a thing there

Bansuiso is one of the hidden gems of Japan because if you didn’t know where it was, you can never find it. It is quite a large villa built in the Gothic French-style. It is present where the castle starts but is completely hidden by trees and tall buildings. Many areas of the mansion have been opened to the public to appreciate the art and architecture behind the villa. It also has a nice garden where you can hang out freely.

The Botchan Train is a popular attraction running between Matsuyama Station and Dogo. This train is designed to resemble old-fashioned locomotives, and its tiny engine and carriages offer a charming, picturesque experience for both locals and visitors. The train operates only on weekends and holidays. the fare is 1,300 yen for adults and 650 yen for children (one way)

The Ehime Prefectural museum stands within walking distance from the Matsuyama castle and overlooks a wide area of lawns and trees. The large glass plate reflects the castle on its hills and looks quite stylish. The Japanese and art pieces inside the museum look quite fascinating. There are also some expositions in the museum. So anyone has a slight bit of interest in architecture should visit this museum.

The Ehime Children’s castle is present on the forest top next to the Tobe Zoo and the Ehime Prefectural Sports Complex. The name of the place in Japanese translates to ‘the children’s playground’ and it holds true to its name as there is everything here for children to enjoy. Apart from the 300 yen entrance fee, everything is free. The view of Matsuyama from the castle top is quite fascinating.