Information &Pictures Information     Location and Population The City known for Hot spring spas, Castle and Literature     132 degrees 46 minutes east longitude 33 degrees 50 minutes north latitude The castle town is blessed with: Mt. Ishizuchi which is the highest mountain in western Japan, calm Seto Inland Sea, Dogo Hot spring which is one of the oldest spars in Japan, Matsuyama Castle which stands in the center of down town Matsuyama, and the rich taste of history and tradition which nurtured haiku poet Shiki Masaoka and many other literary people. Matsuyama is a city that is mentioned “wonderful to live and interesting to visit”, where you will enjoy creation (such as making ceramics), pleasure cruise, memorable experiences and exchange oriented sightseeing etc.   Area 428.84 sq Km Population 514.123 Pictures of MATSUYAMA Voice guidance can be heard. the main building of Dogo Hot spring Spa One of the oldest hot spring spas in Japan having three thousand-year history. The main building is designated as an important cultural asset and you will enjoy not only good bath but its rich historic taste.   a ferryboat in Mitsu Port Mitsu Port developed in early stage of the history and has been one of the trading centers of the City. Ferryboat service is available even now showing unchanged fondness of the local people.   a Bocchan train The loop lines of the street cars are the most popular transportation in down town Matsuyama. Bocchan-trains go through the castle town with full of tourists and their nostalgia as well.         Shiki-do Hall Shiki Masaoka is said to be a father of modern haiku and the Hall was built as a reproduction of his old house. A lot of Shiki�fs works and articles and some by those around him are exhibited.   Matsuyama Castle The Castle is one of the three largest multi-wing style built on a hill. You can enjoy a panoramic view of whole city, Seto Inland Sea and Mt. Ishizuchi in the distance. A major cherry blossom viewing spot.   Shimanami-kaido in Seto Inland Sea Sea Rout consists of ten bridges which connect Ehime and Hiroshima. Seto Inland Sea is called Japanese Mediterranean and the picturesque sceneries of islands and bridges are exquisite.         Bocchan Stadium The big baseball stadium accommodates 30000 people. There is a huge martial arts stadium, Budokan, near by. Also a park has been developed making the area a new must-see spot.   Ishite-ji Temple The temple is 51st of 88 sacred temples on Shikoku Pilgrimage. Passing the Nio-mon Gate (national treasure), you will find a healing space surrounded by Three-story Pagoda and Goma-do Hall and so on.   the summit of Mt.Ishizuchi Mt. Ishizuchi, which is the highest in west of Kyoto (1982m), is sacred for mountain worship. A big number of believers climb the mountain on the opening day of the climbing season, July the first.