Matsuyama: A leisurely travel destination for taking it easy, all at your own pace

Matsuyama Castle Ropeway & Lift

The inner citadel—the tenshu castle tower or keep—of Matsuyama Castle is situated atop a 132-m mountain. A ropeway and lift offer service about 80% of the way up, helping to make strain-free visits feasible. The refreshingly open-air lift and the ropeway with its comfortable cars offer impressive scenic views, both making the journey itself a delightful experience.

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle boasts one of only 12 existing castle towers built in Japan by the Edo period.
Its 360-degree view, which looks out over not only the castle town below but also sights including the Seto Inland Sea and Mt. Ishizuchi, has earned it a star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The setting is blessed with charming nature as well, displaying different colors from one season to the next, with cherry blossoms in spring and turning leaves in autumn. Enjoy the refreshingly open feel of the scenery while taking in the site’s historical significance as well.

Ropeway Shopping Street

The ropeway shopping street stretches along a gentle slope from Ōkaidō to the Shinonome-guchi Station (Matsuyama Castle Mountain Ropeway) building. Simply walking by the line of tasteful variety stores and stylish cafes here is sure to lift your spirits.

Mustakivi house

This shop gives visitors an experience of the “Mustakivi” worldview—a brand created by Fujiwo Ishimoto, a renowned ceramic artist who once worked as a textile designer for Marimekko. Here you will find an assortment of goods from tableware to fabrics showing a design touch oriented to savoring the simple pleasures of daily life. Come find a reward for yourself during your trip to Matsuyama to recognize the work you put in in the hectic daily grind.

Kirinomori Confectionery Workshop, Matsuyama Shop

The Kirinomori Kashi Kōbō (“Kirinomori Confectionery Workshop”) Matsuyama shop is not to be missed for lovers of Japanese sweets. The Kirinomori Daifuku, which boasts high demand online, can satisfyingly be purchased individually here. The special confection sometimes sells out before noon, so early visits are recommended. Dine in and enjoy sweets made with ingredients including organic Shingu tea and matcha for a refreshing break during your trip.

CANDEO HOTELS MATSUYAMA OKAIDO

Located at the entrance of Ōkaidō is a hotel that would make a perfect base for the sort of leisurely travel experiences we are introducing here. The relaxed feel of the guest rooms with their carefully chosen furnishings will help soothe you as you unwind from daily fatigue at your own pace. The open-air baths in the top-floor Sky Spa offer breathtaking scenery, with the women’s bath looking out on Matsuyama Castle and the men’s bath offering sunset views. Day-use bathing and morning bath plans are also available for refreshing breaks during your travels.

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

This museum helps unravel some of the secrets of the modern history of Matsuyama and Meiji-era Japan through the novel Saka no Ue no Kumo (“Clouds Above the Hill”). Enjoy reading in the free-access second-floor Library Lounge and Children’s Book Forest Matsuyama while taking in the lush green scenery and views of the adjacent Taishō-era Bansuisō building. Spend moments immersed in Matsuyama’s history and scenery in the museum’s light-filled spaces.

Aishōtei Soseki Café

At the top of a hill climb, surrounded by greenery, stands this coffee shop, adjacent to the Bansuisō building in a location with deep connections to author Natsume Sōseki. Enjoy a soothing cup of coffee here along with offerings including parfait made with local Ehime citrus fruits. Take a moment to reflect on your Matsuyama trip while savoring tranquil moments in the classical ambiance of the café. On days of warm weather, the terrace seating is recommended for its delightful views of sunlight filtering through the trees and the pleasant breezes that blow through.