Spring at Matsuyama Castle (Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan)

Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's three major hilltop castles (built on a mountainside), stands alongside Tsuyama Castle and Himeji Castle as a must-visit spot in Ehime Prefecture. Since the Edo period, Matsuyama Castle has been well-preserved, and within the castle, you can see various representations of the first feudal lord, Kato Yoshiaki, from large statues to small figurines. I chose to take the single-person cable car up the mountain. The weather was great, with a gentle breeze. From afar, I could see the gray castle walls and pink cherry blossoms. As the cable car slowly ascended, my view and mood expanded. After getting off the cable car, you need to walk a bit to reach the outer plaza of the castle corner. Tourists love to take photos with the cute large figurine of [Kiyomasa-kun]! Matsuyama Castle is also a famous spot in Japan for cherry blossom viewing in spring and maple leaf viewing in autumn. The romantic cherry blossoms in spring, paired with the majestic ancient castle, give a sense of time travel, as if you might encounter Kiyomasa-kun around any corner... The castle's stone walls and main keep have stood firm from ancient times to the present, guarding Matsuyama and serving as a symbol of Ehime Prefecture's spirit. From the main keep, you can overlook Matsuyama City, and the elevated view is truly refreshing. If you visit Ehime Prefecture, taking a stroll around Matsuyama Castle and meeting Kiyomasa-kun is a wonderful experience.