Matsuyama Museum Guide

A variety of museums can be found in Matsuyama. The city is especially rich in literary talent and history. The 20th century in particular saw Matsuyama rise to prominence in Japan's literary realm. Three important writers were either born in the city, or chose it as home for themselves and their characters.

The first is a poet, Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), born and raised in Matsuyama. Shiki was an advocate of modernizing the old Japanese poetic forms, and he eventually introduced modern forms of Haiku and Tanka for this purpose.

The second major figure in Matsuyama's literary trio is Natsume Soseki (1987-1916), a prolific Meiji Period novelist and friend of Shiki. He is best known for a novel entitled "Botchan", set in Matsuyama and featuring locations around the city. "Botchan" follows the life of a young teacher who moves to Matsuyama as Meiji Period reforms sweep the country. The novel was written in 1906 and is now often read as part of the Japanese school curriculum. As a result of the novel's wide readership, Matsuyama and its sights are well known across Japan.

Finally, there is Shiba Ryotaro, a novelist born in 1923, who often wrote about the Edo and Meiji Periods. One of his later novels entitled "Saka no Ue no Kumo", or "Clouds Over the Hill", features Matsuyama City and includes both Shiki and Soseki as characters.

Shiki, Soseki and Ryotaro are fondly regarded by the residents of Matsuyama and visitors to the city today can find museums and monuments remembering them and commemorating their works. Here are several places of interest in Matsuyama, some of which are related to the city's famed literary trio:

Shiki Memorial Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November to April)
Closed: Tuesdays
Admission: 400 yen

This museum commemorates the life of Masaoka Shiki and celebrates his works through displays of letters, manuscripts, books and other belongings. The museum also showcases some exhibits about the culture and history of Matsuyama and about "Botchan", the novel written by Shiki's friend Natsume Soseki. A fair amount of English signs make the museum accessible to foreign visitors.
Shikido

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:40)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 50 yen

Shikido is a replica of Masaoka Shiki's former home which exhibits photographs, writings and items belonging to him. Visitors can see the desk which Shiki used to work at. Shikido stands on the grounds of a temple. One of the oldest extant "Botchan" steam trams is put on display just next to the Shikido.
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 18:30 (entry until 18:00)
Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: 400 yen

This museum is devoted to the novel "Saka no Ue no Kumo" by Shiba Ryotaro. It is housed in an intriguingly attractive, triangular building designed by renowned architect Ando Tadao, which can make a visit worth even to those unfamiliar with the novel. On display are explanations about the novel's plot, characters and locations, including maps and pictures of Edo Period Matsuyama. An English pamphlet and audio guide (100 yen) are available.
Bansuiso

Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Closed: Mondays (except national holidays)
Admission: 300 yen

Bansuiso is an elegant French style building constructed in 1922 by a descendant of Matsuyama's feudal lord lineage, after he had returned from military studies in France. The building is now open to the public, and visitors can see its interior, which is built to closely follow Western architecture of that time.
Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art

Hours: 9:40 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday or the first Monday of the month), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: 330 yen (permanent collection)

The Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art displays a sizable collection of art pieces by both Ehime Prefecture's citizens and European artists, including paintings, posters, drawings and Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings). In addition, the museum periodically hosts temporary exhibitions of art of various themes.
Itami Juzo Museum

Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
Closed: Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a holiday), New Year holidays
Admission: 800 yen

This museum is devoted to film maker Itami Juzo who is best known for his movies "Tampopo" and "The Funeral". On exhibit are props that demonstrate Juzo's film-making methods, posters of his movies, as well as visual clips and scripts of his more famous works. The museum also features a small, tasteful central garden, which visitors can appreciate whilst taking a break at the in-house cafe. Unfortunately, there is close to no English information available at the museum.

Shiki Memorial Museum

The museum stands a few steps from Dogo Onsen tram station, the terminus of three tram lines. It can be reached from JR Matsuyama Station by tram line 5 in 20 minutes or from Matsuyama-shi Station by tram line 3 in 15 minutes.

Shikido

Shikido is a five minute walk south of Matsuyama-shi Station, on the grounds of Seishu Temple.

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

The museum is located in the city center at the foot of Matsuyama Castle, a two minute walk from Okaido tram stop. Okaido can be reached by tram line 5 from JR Matsuyama Station in ten minutes or by tram line 2 or 3 from Matsuyama-shi Station in five minutes.

Bansuiso

Bansuiso is a five minute walk uphill northwest of the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum.

Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art

The museum is located at the southwestern foot of Matsuyama Castle. It is a five minute walk from Manamihoribata tram stop, which is served by all five of Matsuyama's tram lines.

Itami Juzo Museum

The Itami Juzo Museum is located at a slight distance away from the city center. Take the Iyotetsu Railways from Matsuyama-shi Station and alight at Iyotachibana Station (4 minutes). From Iyotachibana Station, it is a 20 minute walk to the museum.

How to get to and around Matsuyama

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Bansuiso

Official website.

Itami Juzo Museum

Official website.

- Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo
  Budget-friendly
  
  Open from 2015, Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo offers female only and mixed dormitory rooms with free WiFi. Dogo Onsen Station is a 4-minute walk away. Each bunk bed in the dormitory rooms come with a curtain to secure your privacy. Bathroom facilities and toilets are shared with other guests. Guests can cook their own meals in the shared kitchen with free-use kitchenware and seasonings. There is no laundry facility on site, however, guests can take a 10-minute stroll to a nearby public coin launderette. The nearest super market is a 5-minute walk away, while the nearest convenience store is just a 2-minute walk from Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo. The property is a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Tourist Port. Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute train ride away.
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- Kowakuen Haruka
  Luxury
  
  Situated in Matsuyama, 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Kowakuen Haruka offers accommodation with an open-air bath, private parking and a garden. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The accommodation features a hot spring bath, public bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. At the ryokan, units have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. The units are fitted with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature garden views. At the ryokan, units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Buffet and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fruits are available each morning at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at Kowakuen Haruka. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Miyukiji Temple is a 17-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Kowakuen Haruka.
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- Funaya
  Luxury
  
  Boasting a 390-year history, Funaya offers hot-spring baths, a beautiful Japanese garden and a sauna. Just 200 metres from Dogo-Onsen Train Station, it provides traditional rooms with futon bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors. Each air-conditioned Japanese-room at Funaya Ryokan comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge and tea maker. The en suite bathroom has a bathtub and slippers. Isaniwa Shrine and Dogo Park are a 5-minute walk away, and Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum is a 10-minute walk. Matsuyama Castle is about 3 km away. The hotel is a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Train Station and a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport. On-site parking is free. Guests can relax and unwind with a massage, or enjoy with footbath within the hotel’s peaceful garden. Free wired internet access is provided in the lobby. Japanese cuisine is served at Aoigoke Restaurant, and tea and coffee can be enjoyed at Garden Terrace Komorebi.
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- CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura
  Luxury
  
  Situated within less than 1 km of Joshin-ji Temple and a 13-minute walk of Matsuyama Shrine, CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Matsuyama. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The ryokan offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with slippers, a hair dryer and bidet. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Miyukiji Temple is 1.6 km from the ryokan, while Ishitegawa Park is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from CHAHARU Hanare Dogo Yumekura.
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- Hotel Vista Matsuyama
  Mid-range
  
  Hotel Vista Matsuyama features accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Matsuyama Civic Center. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 300 metres from Okaido Shopping Street. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel Vista Matsuyama the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers an American or Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Vista Matsuyama include Yasaka Temple, Botchan Train Museum and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from the hotel.
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- Yamatoya Honten
  Luxury
  
  Set in Matsuyama, 600 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Yamatoya Honten provides accommodation with a hot spring bath, a public bath and an open-air bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. The ryokan offers some units that feature a safety deposit box, and units are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop and bar. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the ryokan, while Miyukiji Temple is a 19-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Yamatoya Honten.
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- Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring
  Mid-range
  
  Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring features rooms in Matsuyama near Matsuyama Civic Center and The Museum of Art, Ehime. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yasaka Temple, Okaido Shopping Street and Botchan Train Museum. Matsuyama Airport is 8 km away.
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- REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS
  Luxury
  
  Featuring 4-star accommodation, REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS is situated in Matsuyama, 300 metres from Botchan Train Museum and 600 metres from Matsuyama Civic Center. The property is around 1.1 km from Okaido Shopping Street, 2 km from Matsuyama castle and 2.6 km from Ishitegawa Park. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, all rooms at REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms are fitted with a seating area. At the accommodation the rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near the hotel include The Museum of Art, Ehime, Matsuyama Station and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS.
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- Dougoya
  Mid-range
  
  Situated in the popular Dogo Hot Spring area, Onsen Ryokan Dougoya provides traditional Japanese-style accommodation with natural a hot spring bath and a lovely garden. Free WiFi is available in guest rooms. The ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from famous Dogo Hot Spring Bathhouse. It is a 8-minute walk from Dogo Onsen tram stop, which is an 18-minute ride away from JR Matsuyama Station. Iconic Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute tram and a 5-minute lift ride away. Each room at Dogoya is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. Private rooms feature a low table and seating cushions. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. Two 24-hour shower rooms are available on site. Free toiletries and free towel rental are available in the hot spring bath and shower. Private use of public hot spring bath is available during limited hours. Guests can relax in the common room with a flat-screen TV. Free luggage storage and a free safety deposit box to store valuables is available. Only those who have booked the "Private Hot Spring Plan" can use the hot spring water directly from the source exclusively for the time indicated on the plan.
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- 3LDK Denchi
  Mid-range
  
  Featuring 3-star accommodation, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama, less than 1 km from Yasaka Temple and a 10-minute walk from Okaido Shopping Street. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Botchan Train Museum is 100 metres away. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a kettle. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Matsuyama Civic Center, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Matsuyama Station. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from 3LDK Denchi.
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