- Why Matsuyama Castle Stands Out: A Deep Dive into Its Rare Multi-Tower Design and Striking Beauty
- Explore why Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's rarest original castles, known for its multi-tower design, historical depth, and breathtaking views.
Beyond the Castle Walls: An In-Depth Guide to Matsuyama Castle
Located in the heart of Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama Castle is one of the twelve original castles still standing in Japan. It is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for its commanding presence and stunning panoramic views. Built atop a 132-meter-high hill, the castle can be admired from nearly every corner of the city, truly serving as a symbol of Matsuyama.
But Matsuyama Castle’s appeal extends beyond its impressive main keep and scenic views. From its gardens, parks, and shopping streets at the base to its magical nighttime illuminations, there’s so much more to explore beyond the castle itself.
In this article, we’ll guide first-time visitors through the must-see highlights of Matsuyama Castle.
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is one of the twelve surviving original castles in Japan and is particularly famous for its rare connected keep (renritsu-shiki tenshu) structure. Construction began in 1602 under the orders of Kato Yoshiaki and was preserved by the Matsudaira clan throughout the Edo period.
- Business hours
- February - July, September - November 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- August 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
- December - January 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Regular holiday
- 3rd Wednesday of December
- Telephone number
- +081-89-921-4873
- Official site
- https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/
- Parking
- Matsuyama Castle Parking (Paid, 2 minutes walk to Ropeway Station)
- How to visit
- From Ropeway/Lift Boarding Station "Shinonomeguchi" to the summit.
- Via the hiking trail"Matsuyama Castle Walking Course" to the summit.
- Address
- 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790 - 0008
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥520 |
| Child (Elementary School) | ¥160 |
| Category | Round - Trip Ticket | One - Way Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥520 | ¥270 |
| Child | ¥260 | ¥140 |
- Matsuyama Castle Brochure (PDF)
Behold the Series of Turrets! The Power and Beauty of Matsuyama Castle’s Original Keep
Standing at the heart of Matsuyama Castle is the main keep, one of the twelve original keeps in Japan. Over 400 years since its construction, its imposing structure continues to awe visitors.
Inside, you’ll be struck by the powerful wooden beams and columns. You can also observe wartime features like stone-dropping holes and narrow windows designed for defense. Unlike museums, entering this authentic fortress gives you the real sensation of stepping into a stronghold built for battle.
Exhibits inside the keep detail the history of Matsuyama Castle and display swords and armor, allowing you to immerse yourself in the life of samurai warriors. Visiting the main keep is the highlight of any Matsuyama Castle tour, offering an unparalleled experience of history, tension, and architectural beauty.
While much of Matsuyama Castle is free to explore, access to the main keep requires an admission fee.
Read more about Matsuyama Castle Main Keep
Breathtaking Views from the Top of the Keep! Panoramic Scenery Over Matsuyama City and the Sea
Climbing to the top floor of the keep rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view unique to Matsuyama Castle. You can see the entire city of Matsuyama, the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, even the distant Ishizuchi Mountain Range.
The expansive view from Honmaru Square and the continuous urban landscape beyond showcases Matsuyama Castle’s strategic mountaintop location.
Honmaru Square: The Perfect Spot to Relax with Stunning Views and Local Treats
Just below the keep, Honmaru Square offers an open space with spectacular views. At an elevation of 132 meters, you can overlook the cityscape of Matsuyama below and gaze out at the Seto Inland Sea and the Ishizuchi Mountains.
The square also features attractions like the famous “Mikan Juice Tap,” local snack stands, and souvenir shops, making it a perfect rest stop before or after your castle tour.
The towering stone walls supporting the castle and the majestic keep rising above you are also breathtaking. Each direction offers a different view, so take time to find your very own “special seat” at Matsuyama Castle.
Ingenious Gate Systems: A Journey Through the Castle’s Defensive Wisdom
One of the highlights of the ascent to Matsuyama Castle is the clever placement of its many gates. Particularly notable are the Tonashimon (Gate Without Doors) and Kakuremon (Hidden Gate), each designed with unique structures to thwart enemies.
Trapping Invaders with Strategic Gate Layouts
True to its name, the Tonashimon has no doors and was designed to manipulate enemy movement.
Tonashimon Gate
Enemies would enter through what appears to be an open gate and then encounter the sturdy Tsutsuimon Gate, assuming they were nearing the keep. Here, they would face resistance from defending soldiers. Meanwhile, hidden troops would emerge from the Kakuremon Gate, strategically placed to deliver a surprise attack from behind.
Kakuremon Gate
The castle’s design ensured that invaders were lured into a trap and attacked from both front and rear, exemplifying the sophisticated defense strategies of the time.
Walking through these gates, you can truly feel that the castle was more than a beautiful structure; it was a formidable fortress built for war. Each gate lets you step back in time and experience the strategic genius behind Matsuyama Castle’s design.
The Imposing Beauty of Matsuyama Castle’s Stone Walls and Turrets
On your way to the Honmaru, the towering 17-meter-high stone walls will immediately catch your eye. Their massive scale and the ingenious use of the natural terrain speak volumes about the castle’s defensive prowess and architectural excellence.
Beyond these walls, you’ll find the remaining yagura (turrets) like the Inui Yagura and Ushitora Yagura encircling the Honmaru. These turrets, once vital defensive structures, feature arrow slits and stone-drop holes that offer a glimpse into the castle’s wartime strategies.
You can also observe various stone-laying techniques like Nozurazumi (random piling) and Uchikomihagi (tightly packed hewn stones), revealing the skills of craftsmen and the historical backdrop of the castle. Other remnants like musha-bashiri (warrior paths) and old wells enhance the experience, offering new discoveries with every step.
Experience the castle’s unparalleled combination of beauty and defense as you walk its grounds.
Ninomaru Historical Garden: From Daimyo Residence to Lovers’ Sanctuary
At the foot of Katsuyama, where the Honmaru is located, the Ninomaru Historical Garden was established on the former site of the daimyo’s residence. This serene strolling-style garden features ponds and lawns, with beautifully maintained pathways that allow visitors to appreciate the expansive scale and dignity of the entire Matsuyama Castle complex.
In 2013, the Ninomaru Historical Garden was also designated as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary.” It’s a popular destination for couples, known for romantic tales such as a love story between a Russian POW and a Japanese nurse during the Russo-Japanese War. Today, more than 700 couples visit the garden annually for wedding photos, making it a historical yet modern romantic spot.
Sannomaru and Shiroyama Park: Relaxation with Castle Views in the Heart of the City
The Horiuchi District, corresponding to the Sannomaru area, is home to the expansive Shiroyama Park. It blends seamlessly into everyday life for locals while preserving the historical atmosphere of Matsuyama Castle. The park features open lawns, playgrounds, and an outdoor stage, providing a relaxing space for both tourists and locals.
Once lined with samurai residences, the area has been redeveloped into a park where visitors can enjoy nature year-round. The Sakura Plaza, in particular, becomes a breathtaking spectacle of cherry blossoms in spring, offering one of the best views of Matsuyama Castle framed by delicate pink blooms.
Illuminations: Matsuyama Castle Bathed in Dreamlike Light
Matsuyama Castle is also famed for its stunning illuminations. The complex keep, bathed in light, floats majestically against the night sky, offering a fantastical view quite different from its imposing daytime appearance.
The silhouette of the castle glowing softly in the quiet night feels almost like a scene from a storybook. Recognized as part of Japan’s Nightscape Heritage, the illumination of Matsuyama Castle is a sight not to be missed.
Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street: A Stroll Through Local Culture
Leading to the ropeway station for Matsuyama Castle, this atmospheric shopping street stretches about 500 meters and is lined with long-established local shops, specialty stores, cafes, and restaurants.
Here, you can find shops selling Ehime specialties and restaurants offering local cuisine, perfect for a meal or shopping before or after your castle visit. Most establishments have a cozy atmosphere where you can relax and savor your food at leisure.
For lunch, we recommend visiting the renowned restaurant “Gansui Honten” in the shopping street, where you can enjoy Uwajima-style tai-meshi, a beloved Ehime specialty, in a serene, traditional Japanese setting.
Read more about Gansui Honten
Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street offers the perfect blend of dining and shopping experiences. When you descend the lift from the castle, the street is right there, allowing you to savor local flavors after enjoying the historical tour.
Accessing the Castle: Ropeway, Lift, or Foot—Enjoy the Journey
The journey to Matsuyama Castle is a delightful part of the sightseeing experience. Katsuyama, the hill on which the castle stands, rises to an elevation of 132 meters. You have three main options to reach the Honmaru: ropeway, lift, or on foot, allowing you to choose the best route for your style.
Among these, the ropeway and lift routes are particularly popular. The ropeway station is a short walk from Okaido Station or the Okaido bus stop, located along the Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street. The ropeway takes about 3 minutes to reach the summit station, while the lift takes about 6 minutes. The lift, in particular, offers a refreshing open-air ride and a wonderful view of Matsuyama City on the descent—highly recommended for your return trip.
From the summit station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Honmaru Square and the main keep. The path features a gentle slope and well-maintained stone steps, along with highlights like the towering 17-meter stone walls and strategic gates, allowing you to experience the castle’s defensive ingenuity as you ascend.
For those who want a more natural hike, a footpath from the base is also available. Walking through the wooded trail, you’ll gradually glimpse the castle peeking through the trees, making the moment you reach the summit all the more rewarding.
Reaching the castle is part of its allure. No matter which route you choose, a unique experience and stunning scenery await.
View from the Ropeway Ascent
View from the Lift Descent
Efficiently Explore Matsuyama Castle: Recommended Sightseeing Course
We’ve introduced many highlights of Matsuyama Castle so far. Based on their locations, here’s a recommended sightseeing course that balances history, panoramic views, and leisurely strolls.
- Take the Ropeway or Lift to the Summit
- About a 5-minute walk from Okaido Station or bus stop to the boarding station “Shinonomeguchi” on Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street. The ropeway takes around 3 minutes and the lift about 6 minutes. The ropeway offers comfort, while the lift provides an exhilarating view.
- Walk to Honmaru Square and Experience Defensive Structures
- From the summit station “Chojagahira,” it’s about a 15-minute walk to Honmaru Square and the keep. Along the way, encounter the impressive 17-meter stone walls, Tonashimon and Kakuremon gates, and more, offering a tangible experience of the castle’s defensive strategies.
- Explore the Rare Connected Keep and Enjoy the Panoramic View
- Inside the keep, learn about the castle’s history and view displays of armor and swords. The top floor offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Matsuyama City, the Seto Inland Sea, and even the distant Ishizuchi Mountains on clear days.
- Stroll and Dine at Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street
- After descending, explore the shopping street. Enjoy local cuisine like tai-meshi and fresh mikan juice while savoring the relaxed atmosphere.
- Conclude with a Leisurely Walk Through Ninomaru Historical Garden and Shiroyama Park
- End your visit by exploring the tranquil Ninomaru Historical Garden and the expansive Shiroyama Park. Take in the seasonal beauty and historical ambiance at your own pace.
For a clearer idea of the locations of the Honmaru area highlights mentioned, refer to the map below.
If you want to know more about the main keep, check out the detailed article below.
Read more about The Connected Keep of Matsuyama Castle
For a closer look at the recommended sightseeing course through the Honmaru area, see the article below.
Read more about Strolling Through Matsuyama Castle
History × Scenic Beauty × City Strolls: Matsuyama Castle Offers More Than You Imagine
Standing majestically atop Katsuyama for over 400 years, Matsuyama Castle continues to watch over the city with dignity and grace.
From the breathtaking panoramic views atop the keep and enjoying local specialties like mikan soft-serve ice cream at Honmaru Square, to admiring the intricate stonework crafted by ancient artisans, and the magical illuminations that light up the night—the castle seamlessly blends historical significance with modern sightseeing pleasures.
Walking through the strategically designed gates from Tonashimon to Kakuremon allows you to experience the footsteps of samurai warriors. Meanwhile, Ninomaru Historical Garden serves as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary,” nurturing modern-day romances. Down in the Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture lovingly preserved by the locals.
The rarity of an original keep, the beauty of its connected structure, and the multifaceted appeal beyond just being a “castle”—Matsuyama Castle promises a fulfilling experience for history enthusiasts, scenery seekers, city wanderers, couples, and families alike.
Another highlight is its accessibility. Although perched atop a mountain, Matsuyama Castle is located right in the center of Matsuyama City. It’s also conveniently situated between Matsuyama Station and the famous Dogo Onsen, making it easy to combine visits.
As one of Ehime Prefecture’s premier tourist destinations and a treasured cultural heritage site of Japan, Matsuyama Castle is truly worth a visit. Experience the timeless beauty of Japan and the warm hospitality unique to Ehime, all wrapped in the gentle climate of the Seto Inland Sea.
