Matsuyama Things to Do

Ishite means "stone hand", from a legend about a Matsuyama lord born with a stone in his hand. The Ishite temple was built in 728 and is No. 51 of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku. It is noted for its fine Kamakura architecture. It has a beautiful three-storey pagoda and is overlooked by a Buddha figure on the hill.
The atmosphere in this temple is particularly peaceful, also due to the setting at the foot of the hill among trees.

Just a few minutes walk from the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a long flight of steps leads up to the Isaniha-jinja. Built in 1667 with a central tower in the Chinese style and adorned with intricate carvings, it is one of only three shrines in Japan to show the architecture devoted to Hachiman, a god of war.

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, located in the outskirts of Matsuyama. Main attraction is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a Meiji Period, wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. Unfortunately, we were too cowardly to go in and take a bath, as we have never been to a public japanese bath and there were absolutely no signs in English. Maybe it's best to stay in a hotel near the Onsen, it seems they provide their guests with the necessary accessories (we saw many Japanese people with the same small baskets, towels, and kimonos).
A basic bath costs 300 Yen.
The Dogo Onsen Area can easily be reached by tram, there is also a nice little shopping arcade in front of the Dogo Onsen Honkan.

This ancient fortification was completed by Katosama-no-suke Yoshiaki in 1627. The parts destroyed by fire or bombardment over the centuries have been completely restored in the original wooden construction. Being situated on a hill and surrounded by cherry trees, it offers fine views of Matsuyama and is a popular picnic spot for Japanese families. Entrance fee for the castle is 500 Yen, but there is not very much to see inside except for some Samurai armors.
Unfortunately, the tower was under renovation at our visit, but it's nevertheless worthwile spending about an hour on the hill, admiring the castle and the views. It's really a beautiful place!

Matsuyama Castle is situated on Katsuyama hill with excellent views of Matsuyama City. The Matsuyama-jo is claimed to be one of the best in all of Japan. The castle was built in 1603, by the head of the Matsudeira-clan a famous samurai, Yoshiaki Katoh, and later destroyed by fire.

Ishite-ji Temple is temple number 51(and the most famous temple) on the Shikoku Pilgrim trail. It has Nio-Mon Gate(main gate), pagodas and halls that you can stroll around. Don't be surprised if you see "pilgrims" in white coats walking around the temple grounds as this is a traditional thing to do in Shikoku.

I was very impressed with Matsuyama Castle. When I went it was extremely crowded but worth it. The castle was worth paying the minimal fee to see inside it. It is located on Katsuyama hill with excellent views of Matsuyama city.

Being the oldest onsen in Japan, I definitely think this is THE place to go. the bath water is a hot 40C and after you've had a nice bath, you are greeted with tea and cookies in the tea room. You can also check out where the Emperor used to take his baths.