• Dogo Onsen Honkan - Dogo Onsen Honkan (道後温泉本館, Dōgo Onsen Honkan) stands as the emblem and primary attraction of Dogo Onsen. This charming bathhouse, constructed in 1894 during the Meiji Period, features a wooden interior that is a labyrinth of stairways, passages, and rooms, typically bustling with staff and guests. It is believed to have inspired the award-winning animated film “Spirited Away” by Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli.

The Honkan offers two gender-separated, traditional public baths made of stone. The main bath on the first floor is known as Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods), while the smaller yet more prestigious Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits) is located on the second floor. Large communal tatami rooms on the second floor and smaller private rooms on the third floor provide bathers with space to relax and enjoy a snack. Four different admission plans offer visitors varying levels of access to the Honkan’s facilities (see details below under “Hours and Fees”).

• Dogo Onsengai - Dogo Onsen (道後温泉, Dōgo Onsen) is one of Japan’s oldest and most renowned hot springs, situated to the east of central Matsuyama. The area is a favorite among tourists for its stunning bathhouse and numerous ryokan. Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan’s most esteemed guests, including the Imperial Family.

The main highlight in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse dating back to 1894. The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages, and rooms, all bustling with bathers and staff. It is said to have inspired Miyazaki’s popular animated film “Spirited Away”.

• Matsuyama Castle - Matsuyama Castle (松山城, Matsuyamajō) is one of Japan’s twelve “original castles”, meaning castles that have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most intricate and fascinating castles in the country. Located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center, it offers visitors a panoramic view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Approximately 200 cherry trees on the castle grounds make it a beautiful cherry blossom spot, typically from late March to early April each year.

Matsuyama Castle was built between 1602 and 1628. In 1635, the castle was assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the ruling Tokugawa, and it remained in their possession until the end of the feudal era. The current three-story castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five-story one was destroyed by lightning.

• Ishiteji - Ishiteji (石手寺), located near Dogo Onsen to the northeast of Matsuyama’s city center, is the city’s most renowned temple. It is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Pilgrims dressed in white are a common sight at this large temple.

Ishiteji’s name literally means “stone hand temple”, referring to a local legend in which an aristocrat held a stone tightly in his hand on his deathbed after unsuccessfully seeking the priest Kobo Daishi, and was later reborn with the stone still in the baby’s hand.

• Isaniwa Shrine - Isaniwa Shrine is a popular Shinto shrine in Matsuyama. Many emperors have been enshrined here. Most of the buildings have been designated as important cultural properties. The temple is notable for its corridors and angles, featuring interesting paintings with calligraphy and animals on the walls. If you have visited Ishiteji Temple, this is a must-visit place.
• Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden - The Ninomaru Historical Garden is truly a sight to behold. It was built on the site where the Matsuyama Castle palace buildings once stood. The garden has a small fee of 100 yen, which is well worth it. The beautiful gardens allow you to wander through a natural setting and enjoy yourself. Be sure not to miss anything and visit every waterfall there. It’s best to visit the garden on sunny days.
• Bansuiso - Bansuiso is one of Japan’s hidden gems, as it can be difficult to find if you don’t know where it is. It is a large villa built in the Gothic French style, located where the castle begins but completely hidden by trees and tall buildings. Many areas of the mansion have been opened to the public to appreciate the art and architecture of the villa. It also features a lovely garden where you can relax freely.
• Okaido Shopping Street - Okaido Shopping Street is located about half a kilometer eastwards before turning northwards and continuing for another 600 meters towards the tram stop. A wide variety of shops can be found here, including chain stores, cosmetic retailers, fashion boutiques, jewelry outlets, cafés, and restaurants. You can find everything here, from cough medicine to beer. It’s a great place to shop.
• Botchan Train Museum - 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.
• Ehime Museum of Art - The Ehime Prefectural Museum is within walking distance from Matsuyama Castle and overlooks a wide area of lawns and trees. The large glass facade reflects the castle on its hills and looks quite stylish. The Japanese art pieces inside the museum are fascinating. There are also some exhibitions in the museum. Anyone with even a slight interest in architecture should visit this museum.
• Ehime Children’s Castle - The Ehime Children’s Castle is located 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 lives up 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.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Matsuyama
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Matsuyama!

Matsuyama, with the tranquil and beautiful Seto Inland Sea to the west and the mountains to the east, boasts a pleasant climate–mild thoughout the year with little rainfall. With its abundance of cultural offerings, Matsuyama features both the convenience of a city and the slow pace of the countryside.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that’s best for you!

Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.