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Matsuyama Castle

愛媛県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Matsuyama Castle, located in the center of Matsuyama City, is a famous castle known for being impregnable.

Matsuyama Castle is a flatland castle built on the summit of Mt. Katsuyama in the center of Matsuyama City. The first lord, Kato Yoshiaki, who was known as a master castle builder, spent a quarter of a century building the castle from 1602. Matsuyama Castle is famous for its defensive mechanisms throughout the castle, and is renowned as an impregnable fortress.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Certified as a Japanese Night View Heritage Site

Did you know that Matsuyama Castle, which is lit up at night and filled with a fantastic charm, has actually been certified as a Japanese Night View Heritage Site? It is illuminated by full-color LED lighting from sunset to 11 pm every day, and is definitely worth seeing if you come to Matsuyama. The view from the Matsuyama Castle observation deck is also good during the day, but at night you can see the night view of Matsuyama city, making it a place you'll want to visit both in the morning and at night.

Point 2

Take a Break and Enjoy Snacks and Sweets at the Honmaru Square

At the "Honmaru Square" inside Matsuyama Castle, there are shops where you can enjoy unique Matsuyama snacks and sweets. For snacks, there are "Jakoten Udon" made with Matsuyama's specialty Jakoten, and "Bocchan Gozen" where you can also enjoy Tai-meshi, which is perfect for lunch. For sweets, there are "Bocchan Dango" and "Mikan Jelly" available, so why not take a break and rest your tired body?

Point 3

Irresistible Stone Walls for Ishigaki Enthusiasts

Matsuyama Castle has rare and valuable stone walls called "climbing stone walls," which are unique throughout Japan. Among the 12 remaining castles, only Hikone Castle and Matsuyama Castle have them. They were a defense mechanism used to prevent enemies from invading from the mountainside. In addition, there are various types of stone walls, such as the beautiful curved fan slope, the 14-meter-high folding screen, and even stone walls shaped like "Bocchan Dango." It might be interesting to search for your favorite type of stone wall.

Point 4

Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing in Spring

Matsuyama Castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, bustling with visitors. While there are many Somei Yoshino cherry trees, there are also about 200 other varieties planted, including early-blooming Tsubaki Kan cherry trees, late-blooming Ooshima cherry trees, Botan cherry trees, and Shiogama cherry trees, allowing for a long period of cherry blossom viewing. The sight of the fully bloomed cherry blossoms decorating the castle tower, which was built before the Edo period, is a must-see, so why not visit in the spring season?

Required time

Recommended to Allocate 1.5-2 Hours

First, there are two ways to access Matsuyama Castle: by foot or by lift/ropeway. If you choose to go by foot, it will take about 30-50 minutes round trip, while taking the lift/ropeway will take about 30 minutes round trip including wait time. There are many attractions inside the castle tower, so it's recommended to allocate about 30 minutes to fully enjoy it. There is also a Honmaru Square inside the castle, so if you want to fully appreciate the castle, it's recommended to allocate about 1.5-2 hours for sightseeing with peace of mind.

History

Learn about History at a Castle Built in the Edo Period

Matsuyama Castle was built by a warrior named Kato Yoshiaki, who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was so active in the Battle of Zuihokaku in 1583, which was called the turning point of the world, that he was known as one of the "Seven Spears of Zuihokaku." He also became the model for the castle's mascot, "Yoshiaki-kun." Inside the castle, you can learn about the history of Matsuyama Castle and Kato Yoshiaki, so while you're here, why not take the opportunity to learn some history?

Basic Information

	Address	1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790-0008
	Business Hours	9:00～16:30
	TEL	089-921-4873
	Web Site	https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/

Average Review

4.4

5 Reviews

リフトかロープウェイで行った方が楽です。520円です。城の拝観料も520円で両方JAF割引で100円安くなります。駐車場は近隣にあります。広くて坂が多いので、足の悪い方は厳しい城です。特に天守は激急なハシゴのような階段があるので危険です。門が多く複雑で、石垣も高く攻めにくい構造になってます。つまり、見る人には広くて足に来る城だといことを覚悟していくことが大事だと思います。一見の価値はあります。

松山城は江戸時代に築かれた「現存十二天守」の一つで、立派な天守や櫓、門が数多く残る見応えたっぷりのお城です。国宝指定はされていませんが（再建が幕末の1854年だからかもしれません）、規模も保存状態も素晴らしく、「お城らしいお城」としてとても満足感があります。山頂にそびえ立つ姿も壮観で、まさに松山のシンボルと言える存在です。今回は梅の時期に訪れたため、白梅や紅梅がちょうど見頃で、お城と花のコントラストが美しく、写真映えも抜群でした。また、特に感心したのは、訪れる人たちに体験を通して歴史を感じてもらおうとする工夫の多さです。鎧の試着や体験型展示など、子どもから大人まで楽しめる仕掛けがたくさんあり、ただ見るだけでなく「感じる」お城としてとても印象的でした。ロープウェイやリフトでのアクセスも楽しく、市街地や瀬戸内海を一望できる展望もおすすめポイントのひとつです。松山を訪れるならぜひ立ち寄ってほしい、歴史と自然が融合した素晴らしい場所です。

現存12天守のひとつである松山城は、天守だけでなく多くの櫓がまとまって残る見応えのある名城です。ロープウェイやリフトを利用して山頂へアクセスでき、天守からの眺めは格別です。麓のロープウェイ街にはギフトショップや飲食店が立ち並んでいて楽しめます。また、道後温泉も車で数分の距離にあり、温泉と歴史散策を同時に楽しめるエリアです。全体的に、松山城エリアは歴史と温泉、そして文化施設が融合した魅力的なスポットです。訪れる際は、時間に余裕を持って散策すればよい思い出をつくれる場所だと思います。

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