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Matsuyama Castle

愛媛県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Matsuyama Castle, located in the center of Matsuyama City, is a famous castle known for being impregnable.

Matsuyama Castle is a flatland castle built on the summit of Mt. Katsuyama in the center of Matsuyama City. The first lord, Kato Yoshiaki, who was known as a master castle builder, spent a quarter of a century building the castle from 1602. Matsuyama Castle is famous for its defensive mechanisms throughout the castle, and is renowned as an impregnable fortress.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Certified as a Japanese Night View Heritage Site

Did you know that Matsuyama Castle, which is lit up at night and filled with a fantastic charm, has actually been certified as a Japanese Night View Heritage Site? It is illuminated by full-color LED lighting from sunset to 11 pm every day, and is definitely worth seeing if you come to Matsuyama. The view from the Matsuyama Castle observation deck is also good during the day, but at night you can see the night view of Matsuyama city, making it a place you'll want to visit both in the morning and at night.

Point 2

Take a Break and Enjoy Snacks and Sweets at the Honmaru Square

At the "Honmaru Square" inside Matsuyama Castle, there are shops where you can enjoy unique Matsuyama snacks and sweets. For snacks, there are "Jakoten Udon" made with Matsuyama's specialty Jakoten, and "Bocchan Gozen" where you can also enjoy Tai-meshi, which is perfect for lunch. For sweets, there are "Bocchan Dango" and "Mikan Jelly" available, so why not take a break and rest your tired body?

Point 3

Irresistible Stone Walls for Ishigaki Enthusiasts

Matsuyama Castle has rare and valuable stone walls called "climbing stone walls," which are unique throughout Japan. Among the 12 remaining castles, only Hikone Castle and Matsuyama Castle have them. They were a defense mechanism used to prevent enemies from invading from the mountainside. In addition, there are various types of stone walls, such as the beautiful curved fan slope, the 14-meter-high folding screen, and even stone walls shaped like "Bocchan Dango." It might be interesting to search for your favorite type of stone wall.

Point 4

Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing in Spring

Matsuyama Castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, bustling with visitors. While there are many Somei Yoshino cherry trees, there are also about 200 other varieties planted, including early-blooming Tsubaki Kan cherry trees, late-blooming Ooshima cherry trees, Botan cherry trees, and Shiogama cherry trees, allowing for a long period of cherry blossom viewing. The sight of the fully bloomed cherry blossoms decorating the castle tower, which was built before the Edo period, is a must-see, so why not visit in the spring season?

Required time

Recommended to Allocate 1.5-2 Hours

First, there are two ways to access Matsuyama Castle: by foot or by lift/ropeway. If you choose to go by foot, it will take about 30-50 minutes round trip, while taking the lift/ropeway will take about 30 minutes round trip including wait time. There are many attractions inside the castle tower, so it's recommended to allocate about 30 minutes to fully enjoy it. There is also a Honmaru Square inside the castle, so if you want to fully appreciate the castle, it's recommended to allocate about 1.5-2 hours for sightseeing with peace of mind.

History

Learn about History at a Castle Built in the Edo Period

Matsuyama Castle was built by a warrior named Kato Yoshiaki, who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was so active in the Battle of Zuihokaku in 1583, which was called the turning point of the world, that he was known as one of the "Seven Spears of Zuihokaku." He also became the model for the castle's mascot, "Yoshiaki-kun." Inside the castle, you can learn about the history of Matsuyama Castle and Kato Yoshiaki, so while you're here, why not take the opportunity to learn some history?

Basic Information

	Address	1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790-0008
	Business Hours	The opening hours are as follows: Monday: 9:00-16:30, Tuesday: 9:00-16:30, Wednesday: 9:00-16:30, Thursday: 9:00-16:30, Friday: 9:00-16:30, Saturday: 9:00-16:30, Sunday: 9:00-16:30.
	TEL	089-921-4873
	Web Site	https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/

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