Fodor's Expert Review Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle/Palace

Mighty Matsuyama Castle stands on a 433-feet mountain in the middle of town, and the views of the city from here are stunning. Dating from 1603, it's one of the cooler castles in Japan. Inside you can watch footage of the post–World War II reconstruction; the shaping and joining of wood and the stamping out of straw wattle for the walls is astonishing. There is no concrete, no rebar, and only enough nails to hold down the floorboards. Dark-wood passageways carry the smell of old smoke from the numerous fires the castle has endured.

To get to the castle, walk uphill about 30 or 40 minutes or ride the ropeway partway up and continue on foot about 15 minutes to the castle. The station is on Ropeway Street, just north of the Okaido shopping arcade. If you have time, also visit the Ninomaru garden just west of the castle.

Castle/Palace

Quick Facts

1 Marunouchi
Matsuyama, Ehime-ken  790-0008, Japan

089-921–4873

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Castle ¥520, ropeway ¥520, garden ¥200

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