Highlights
Matsuyama Catsle
Perched high on a hill in Matsuyama City center, Matsuyama Castle is famed as one of Japan's twelve castles that have survived since 1868 intact. This castle complex includes 21 buildings which are listed as Important Cultural Properties and is considered one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country to explore. To ascend the hill to reach the castle, you can hike, take a ropeway, or ride a single-chair chairlift. From the castle tower, a beautiful panoramic view of the entire Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea can be enjoyed.
Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns and an emblem of Ehime located to the east of central Matsuyama. The main attraction here is Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse which has welcomed visitors since 1894. It offers two gender-separated, old-fashioned public baths and large communal tatami rooms where you can relax with a cup of tea and sweet treats after a soak in the hot spring. What makes Dogo Onsen Honkan even more special is that it has a special section for the emperor's exclusive use which was constructed for the Imperial Family's visit in 1899. You can see a lavishly decorated room and a bath and toilet.
After enjoying its healing waters, take a stroll around or riding on a rickshaw in town in yukata robe.
Shikoku Pilgrimage
Shikoku Pilgrimage, commonly called as "Ohenro" or "Henro", connects 88 temples inspired and trained by Kukai, a monk who founded Japanese Shingon Buddhism in the 9th century. This pilgrimage route extends four prefectures in Shikoku for about 1,400 kilometers, which makes it one of the world's longest circular pilgrimage routes.
People's purposes of making a pilgrimage are varied. Some come for religious reasons, some to get away from regular life, and some to reflect and find themselves. Walking on the pilgrimage route with steep mountain roads and stone steps in pastoral countryside or along calm coastal area will be a spiritual journey.
Though it takes 40-50 days to complete walking throughout, Michi Travel Japan is happy to help you hike some of the pilgrimage route that allows you to connect with local community and tradition. If you would like to experience Shikoku Pilgrimage as a day trip from Matsuyama or Dogo Onsen, we suggest the following private tour
Shikoku Pilgrimage 1day Experience Private Tour in Ehime
Recommended Accommodations
Custom travel in Shikoku and Shikoku Private Tour
For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.
