Matsuyama, Japan

Matsuyama, Japan, refers to Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island, facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is the prefectural capital of Ehime and the most populous city in the Shikoku region. Matsuyama has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: History and Culture - Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan's most beautiful original castles and one of Japan's three major interconnected flatland-mountain castles. It was built between 1602 and 1628. You can take a cable car or lift to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama City. Inside the castle, there are exhibits about the history of Matsuyama and the feudal period.  - Dogo Onsen: One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, with a thousand-year history. It is the model for the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film *Spirited Away*. There is also a royal bathhouse here, and a free footbath next to it.  - Isaniwa Shrine: A 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan, this is one of Japan's three major Hachiman-zukuri style shrines, with a thousand-year history. The long staircase, paired with the sunset, creates a beautiful scene, so it is recommended to visit in the evening. - Enman-ji Temple: A famous temple for finding love in Japan, with many cute little monk statues. Although small, the temple has a spiritual atmosphere. Natural Scenery - Shimonada Station: A beautiful, unmanned station by the sea. You can take the same train line featured in *Spirited Away* to get here. Enjoy the beautiful sea view and send postcards.  - Mezutsu Station: Famous for being the location where Rika and Kanji broke up in the final scene of *Tokyo Love Story*. Even today, many people come here and tie white handkerchiefs like Rika did.  Culture, Art, and Others - Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum: Designed by Tadao Ando, this museum uses geometric shapes and fair-faced concrete. Its theme is based on Ryotaro Shiba's novel of the same name.  - Bansuiso Villa: A European-style building next to the Aishotei, where Natsume Soseki once lived. It is now a café.  - Takashimaya Ferris Wheel: Located near Matsuyama Station, you can ride the Ferris wheel to enjoy the city view of Matsuyama, especially the romantic night view.