Matsuyama

Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku, is centred around one of Japan's twelve original Edo-period castles. Matsuyama Castle sits on top of Mount Katsuyama with clear views of the Seto Inland Sea, reachable by ropeway, chairlift, or a walk through forest. Inside the grounds, the main keep and museum hold samurai armour and feudal-era artifacts. The Botchan Ressha, a small replica steam locomotive, runs between the castle area and Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring. Dogo Onsen Honkan is an intricate wooden bathhouse that looks like it stepped out of a Ghibli film. The nearby Dogo Shopping Arcade sells handcrafted umbrellas, Botchan Dango sweets, and red bean tarts. Ishite-ji Temple, the 51st stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, has caves and carvings worth a slow visit. The tram system makes getting around simple. Tai meshi, sea bream served over rice, is the local speciality, and sanuki udon can be found at shops everywhere.