Matsuyama, just a direct flight from Haneda, is a captivating city that blends history, culture, and cuisine. Enjoy the sweeping views from Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original keeps, savor the local specialties like tai-meshi (sea bream rice) and mikan beer, and immerse yourself in the architecture of Tadao Ando’s Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum. Next, we’ll take you to nearby Dogo Onsen — the perfect companion to any Matsuyama trip.
- From Haneda to Matsuyama!Easy Access to Shikoku
- Matsuyama Castle｜A Historic Stronghold with Panoramic Views
- Local Cheers! Fruity Mikan Beer (Orange Beer)
- Enjoy Tai-meshi｜Two Delicious Styles to Try
- Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum｜History Meets Architecture
- Taste Ehime! Mikan Juice from a Tap 🍊
- Wrapping Up Matsuyama｜Next Stop: Dogo Onsen!
From Haneda to Matsuyama!Easy Access to Shikoku
Shikoku sounded far away, but in reality it isn’t.
A direct flight from Haneda takes only about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and before I knew it, I had landed at Matsuyama Airport. During the flight, the views of Tokyo Bay and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea already made me feel like the trip had begun.
From the airport, it’s just a 15-minute ride by a taxi to the city center, making Matsuyama surprisingly compact and convenient even for a weekend getaway.
Matsuyama Castle｜A Historic Stronghold with Panoramic Views
My first stop was Matsuyama Castle, the city’s landmark perched on a hilltop. Riding the ropeway up the mountain, I felt my excitement build as the keep slowly came into view.
Matsuyama Castle is one of only 12 surviving original castle towers in Japan. Its massive stone walls, turrets, and wooden structures have been carefully preserved, offering a rare glimpse into Edo-period life.
From the top, you get a sweeping view of Matsuyama city, the Seto Inland Sea, and even Mt. Ishizuchi on a clear day.
Standing there, I couldn’t help but wonder: “Did the samurai see this same view centuries ago?”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Matsuyama Castle (松山城) |
| Location | 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008, Japan |
| Access | From Matsuyama Station, take a city tram for about 10 minutes and get off at Okaido Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the ropeway station. |
| Opening Hours | 9:00–17:00 (hours vary by season) |
| Closed | Open daily (temporary closures may occur due to weather) |
| Admission fee | Adults ¥520, Children (elementary school) ¥160 |
| Official Website | https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/ |
By the way, my visit to Matsuyama Castle — where it felt like I had slipped back to the Edo period — reminded me of Ouchi-juku, an old post town in Fukushima Prefecture. Here, the thatched-roof streets remain beautifully intact, offering another chance to step into Japan’s past. Just like castles and samurai residences, it’s a must-visit for history lovers who want to imagine how people once lived.
Local Cheers! Fruity Mikan Beer (Orange Beer)
After the castle, I treated myself to something unique to Ehime — mikan beer.
Ehime is Japan’s top producer of mikan (mandarin oranges), so it’s no surprise locals have turned their signature fruit into a refreshing drink.
The aroma of citrus rises as soon as it’s poured, and the first sip is refreshingly light with a subtle sweetness. It’s far more approachable than regular beer and perfect after a day of exploring.
The fruity character of the mikan made me realize: local beer always tastes best when enjoyed locally.
Enjoy Tai-meshi｜Two Delicious Styles to Try
When it comes to local food, tai-meshi (sea bream rice) is a must. There are actually two different versions:
- Matsuyama style: rice cooked with sea bream, letting the rich flavor soak through each grain.
- Uwajima style: sashimi of sea bream mixed with raw egg and sauce, then poured over rice.
This time, I tried the Matsuyama style near the castle. The delicate broth and tender sea bream made every bite irresistible — a taste you truly can’t find outside Ehime.
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum｜History Meets Architecture
Another highlight of my trip was the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, inspired by Ryotaro Shiba’s novel “Clouds Over the Hill.” The museum introduces the lives of brothers Yoshifuru and Saneyuki Akiyama, along with haiku poet Masaoka Shiki — all born in Matsuyama.
Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the building itself is part of the experience. Inside, a dramatic staircase stretches through the atrium, bathed in shifting light and shadow. Climbing upward felt like stepping into a story even before seeing the exhibits.
It’s not only a museum of history and literature but also a masterpiece of modern Japanese architecture.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum (坂の上の雲ミュージアム) |
| Location | 3-20 Ichibancho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0001, Japan |
| Access | From Matsuyama Station, take the city tram to Okaido Station. The museum is a 2-minute walk away. |
| Opening Hours | 9:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00) |
| Closed | Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, then closed the following day), and New Year holidays |
| Admission fee | Adults ¥400, High school students ¥200, Junior high school students and younger free |
| Official Website | https://www.sakanouenokumo.jp/ |
| Feature | Designed by architect Tadao Ando. Famous for its dynamic staircase and atrium. Free lockers available. |
Taste Ehime! Mikan Juice from a Tap 🍊
Ehime is famous across Japan for its mikan (mandarin oranges), and one of the most playful ways to enjoy them is through the Mikan Juice Tap. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—turn the tap and out comes fresh mikan juice! It’s such a fun surprise that most travelers can’t resist taking a photo or video before taking a sip.
At Matsuyama Airport, you’ll also find the eye-catching Mikan Juice Tower, welcoming visitors the moment they arrive. Watching the bright orange juice flow makes you instantly feel, “I’ve really arrived in Ehime!” The flavor is fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy—perfect for quenching your thirst after a flight.
Wrapping Up Matsuyama｜Next Stop: Dogo Onsen!
My Matsuyama trip blended history, culture, and cuisine in the most memorable way. From the panoramic views at Matsuyama Castle to the refreshing taste of mikan beer and the comfort of tai-meshi, every experience felt unique to this city.
The journey ended with an intellectual stop at the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, leaving me inspired to explore even more.
And next? Just a short ride away is Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring. I can’t wait to soak, relax, and continue my Ehime adventure there!
