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The Charm of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture is known for having Japan's oldest hot spring and as a setting for literary works.This historic city, facing the Seto Inland Sea, is filled with Japanese traditional culture.Ehime Prefecture is located in the northwest of Japan's Shikoku region and is characterized by its warm climate surrounded by nature.Among the cities in Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama City, the prefectural capital, boasts numerous tourist attractions.
As an international tourism and cultural city, Matsuyama has strong ties with its sister cities,Sacramento in the United States and Freiburg in Germany, as well as its friendship cities,Pyeongtaek in South Korea and Taipei in Taiwan.In recent years, this charming city has attracted many foreign tourists.
The first place to introduce is "Matsuyama Castle".Matsuyama Castle began construction in 1602 and took about a quarter of a century to complete.The castle is located on the summit of Mount Katsuyama (elevation 132 meters).From the top floor of the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsuyama City and the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.Visitors can take a ropeway or lift to the eighth station near the summit or choose to hike up.Matsuyama Castle is characterized by its steep stone walls and four climbing routes.
Matsuyama Castle Official Website: https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/
Additionally, heading south from Matsuyama Castle, you will find Matsuyama City's representative shopping streets, "Okaido" and "Gintengai."These are connected L-shaped arcade streets stretching from Matsuyama City Station to Okaido Tram Stop, allowing you to enjoy shopping without getting wet even on rainy days.The Dogo Shopping Street is lined with individual shops, chain stores, and department stores offering clothing, miscellaneous goods, and dining options.It is perfect for buying souvenirs or taking a break during sightseeing.
Okaido Shopping Street Official Website: https://www.okaido.jp/
Matsuyama Gintengai Shopping Street Official Website: https://gintengai.or.jp/
Popular Tourist Spot: Dogo Onsen
Next, we introduce Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring.The symbol of Dogo Onsen, "Dogo Onsen Honkan," was designated as Japan's first public bathhouse to be recognized as an Important Cultural Property in December 1994.To pass this bathhouse on to the next generation, Matsuyama City began preservation and repair work in January 2019 while keeping it operational.The entire facility reopened in July 2024 after about five and a half years, and the construction was completed in December 2024.
Dogo Onsen Official Website (Available in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean: https://dogo.jp
▶︎ Dogo Onsen Honkan
This is a three-layer wooden structure with a traditional and elegant exterior, and the interior is filled with a classic Japanese atmosphere.The facility has two baths: "Kami no Yu" (Bath of the Gods), a spacious and retro-style bath loved by locals,and "Tama no Yu" (Bath of the Spirits), a more luxurious bath.Additionally, the "Shinrokaku" tower at the top of Dogo Onsen Honkan houses a drum that is struck at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m. daily, symbolizing the beginning and end of the day at Dogo Onsen.
▶︎ Dogo Onsen Annex: Asuka no Yu
Asuka no Yu is an annex of Dogo Onsen that opened in 2017.Its design is inspired by the architectural style of the Asuka period (592–710) and features a beautiful interior that combines "Ehime's traditional crafts" with "cutting-edge art."The facility includes five private rest rooms, each with a unique theme.
▶︎ Dogo Onsen Annex: Tsubaki no Yu
Tsubaki no Yu is another day-trip hot spring facility located in the center of Dogo Shopping Street.It is loved by locals and offers a calm atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the hot springs at their own pace.
Sightseeing Spots Around Dogo Onsen
▶︎ Dogo Shopping Street (Dogo Haikara Street)
The arcade shopping street stretches about 250 meters, connecting Dogo Onsen Honkan and Dogo Onsen Station.It is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy shopping or dining in yukata after refreshing in the hot springs.You can savor local delicacies, purchase specialty products, and make your trip even more memorable.
In addition to being a historic tourist destination,Dogo Onsen is also closely associated with the famous novel Botchan by Japanese literary master Natsume Soseki,making it a sacred place for literature enthusiasts.
Natsume Soseki's novel Botchan was published in 1906.The protagonist, a teacher with a strong sense of justice, is assigned to a middle school in Shikoku,where he experiences various conflicts and interactions with colleagues and students.In the novel, the protagonist frequently visits Dogo Onsen.
▶︎ Dogo Onsen Honkan
The previously mentioned Dogo Onsen Honkan features a "Botchan Room," which displays a bust of Natsume Soseki,hanging scrolls, and photos of people said to be the models for characters in Botchan.
▶︎ Botchan Train
The Botchan Train is a retro train modeled after the steam locomotive that operated from 1888 to 1954.It connects major tourist spots in Matsuyama City. The train's name comes from the novel Botchan, as characters in the story are depicted using the train.
▶︎ Botchan Karakuri Clock
Located in front of Dogo Onsen Station, the "Botchan Karakuri Clock" rises every hour (or every 30 minutes depending on the season)from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., accompanied by music and mechanical dolls representing characters from Botchan.Next to the clock is a popular footbath that uses Dogo Onsen's hot spring water.
Popular Products from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
1. Usuzumi Yokan "Kozakura"
Yokan is a traditional Japanese sweet made from red beans.Not only is it delicious, but its exquisite packaging also makes it an excellent choice as a gift or a travel souvenir.With a long shelf life, you can enjoy it at your own pace.
▶︎ Unique Packaging from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
The packaging is designed by sumi-e (ink painting) artist Hidekichi Shigemoto, who hails from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture.The design features ink paintings of Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and characters such as "Madonna" from the novel Botchan, showcasing the history and culture of Matsuyama.
▶︎ No Additives for Peace of Mind
This product uses natural ingredients and contains no artificial coloring or preservatives, allowing you to enjoy the pure taste of traditional Japanese sweets.Its delicate texture and elegant sweetness make it irresistible.
Product Page: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/froconwear/yokan-kz-sh04-fs/
2. 10FACTORY Ehime Mikan Gift Set
This gift set includes Ehime Prefecture's specialty mikan (mandarin orange) juice and jelly,offering a taste of Ehime's natural blessings and premium quality.
▶︎ Sweet and Juicy "Ehime Mikan"
Made with fresh mikan from Ehime Prefecture.The region's sunny mountainous areas, warm climate, and low rainfall provide the perfect conditions for mikan cultivation.Grown under abundant sunlight, "Ehime Mikan" is known for its sweet, juicy flavor and high nutritional value.
▶︎ 100% Pure Natural Juice
This juice allows you to enjoy the original flavor of mikan fruit, just like freshly squeezed juice.It contains no sugar, sweeteners, or preservatives. Depending on the shipping season,five varieties of mikan are carefully selected and delivered to you.
▶︎ Jelly Packed with Fruit Juice
The jelly is luxuriously made with 100% pure natural juice, offering the sweet and tangy taste of mikan.When frozen, it transforms into a sherbet-like texture.Depending on the shipping season, seven varieties of mikan are carefully selected and delivered to you.
Product Page: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/w-harmony/tp558gi/
3. Yamatoya Vegetable Sweets Hime-Na Sticks (6 pieces)
▶︎ Made with Fresh Vegetables from Ehime Prefecture
This sweet is made with nine types of vegetables from Ehime Prefecture, preserving the original flavors of the vegetables.It is carefully crafted by pastry chefs who are well-versed in Ehime's local ingredients.
▶︎ Individually Packaged, Perfect for Sharing
Each box contains six sticks, individually packaged for convenience.They are perfect not only as souvenirs or gifts but also for personal enjoyment.
Product Page: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/e-bussan/10002865/
4. inaho × Ehime Iyokan
In Ehime Prefecture, rice puffs are considered a symbol of happiness and are loved by many.This rice puff is made with glutinous rice and iyokan (a type of citrus) from Ehime Prefecture.The refreshing sweet and tangy aroma of iyokan makes it perfect for relaxation or teatime.
▶︎ Rice from Ehime Prefecture
Made with carefully selected, safe, and high-quality rice grown in the pristine waters of Ehime Prefecture.The rice puffs offer a gentle rice flavor and a crispy texture, making them a treat enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
▶︎ Refreshing Flavor of Iyokan
The iyokan, grown under the abundant sunlight and sea breeze of Ehime Prefecture, is carefully processed into peel.You can enjoy its refreshing aroma and tangy flavor. Iyokan is one of Ehime's representative citrus fruits.
Product Page: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/e-bussan/10002190-3/
Purchase Products Using Rakuten Global Express!
With Rakuten Global Express, you can easily purchase specialty products from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture!
Combine Purchases from Multiple Shops
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Professional Packaging Options Special packaging options, such as waterproofing and reinforced boxes, are available to ensure the safe delivery of delicate items.
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With Rakuten Global Express, you can enjoy the charm of Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen from the comfort of your home!
