The Historic Sights of Matsuyama, Japan
From Matsuyama Port it is a short drive to the mighty Matsuyama Castle. A three-wing, three-story castle constructed by famous samurai Yoshiaki Kato in 1603. The castle is the symbol of Matsuyama City and sits atop Mt. Katsuyama in its center. The castle affords not only a magnificent view of Matsuyama but also of the Ishizuchi Mountain range and the Inland Sea of Japan. From here it’s a short trip to Dogo Hot Springs.
Perhaps the oldest hot springs in Japan with a history going back 3,000 years, Dogo Hot Springs is famous for its clear and odorless healing waters. The Dogo Onsen Honkan has a three-story, castle-like structure and is the first bathhouse in Japan to be designated an important cultural property. The tour then winds its way to Dogo Shopping Arcade before taking clients back to the port. Dogo Shopping Arcade is a bustling shop-lined street, including souvenir shops and restaurants where you can enjoy shopping or taste delicious Japanese sweets.