I Made Friends with a Stranger at Japan's Oldest Hot Spring

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Explore Matsuyama, Shikoku's largest city, with a local guide. Discover its ancient Dogo Onsen, climb to Matsuyama Castle for panoramic views, and sample the city's unique orange-flavored delights.

1 plan · 4 places · 4 experiences

Plan · 3 places · Matsuyama, Japan

A Day Exploring Matsuyama's Highlights

“My day in Matsuyama with Kazu was packed with unique experiences, from the castle and its orange juice tap to delicious yakitori and the ancient Dogo Onsen. It's a perfect way to see the city's best.”

Experience · 1 place
Ascend to Matsuyama Castle by Chairlift
Take the traditional chairlift up to Matsuyama Castle, just like they would have done 500-600 years ago. It's a unique and relaxing way to reach the summit of Mount Katsuyama, offering great views as you ascend.
1
Matsuyama Castle
Castle · Matsuyama
4.5Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A majestic castle perched 132 meters above Matsuyama City, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and the Inland Sea. While the original was rebuilt after a lightning strike in 1784, it still commands one of Japan's most stunning castle vistas. Entry is free to the grounds, but there's a fee to enter the main keep.
Matsuyama Castle, 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008, Japan
360-degree castle view — From the castle, you get an incredible 360-degree panoramic view, encompassing the entire city, the surrounding mountains, and the vast Inland Sea. It gives you a real sense of the city's scale and beauty.
Vertical wooden ladders — Be prepared for the descent inside the castle, which involves navigating steep, vertical wooden ladders. It's a bit scary and challenging, so be careful, especially if you're trying to film it!
Mandarin orange juice from a tap · ¥300-¥500 (estimated) — Matsuyama is a major exporter of oranges, and this tap outside the castle is a testament to the local obsession. It's pure mandarin orange juice, and it's delicious. A must-try quirky experience in Matsuyama.
Experience · 1 place
Drink orange juice from a tap
Right outside Matsuyama Castle, you'll find a four-spout orange juice tap! It's not water that comes out, it's mandarin orange juice. It's a local obsession, so grab a cup and enjoy this unique Matsuyama experience. I even met a local who drinks more orange juice than water!
1
Matsuyama Castle
Castle · Matsuyama
4.5Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A majestic castle perched 132 meters above Matsuyama City, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and the Inland Sea. While the original was rebuilt after a lightning strike in 1784, it still commands one of Japan's most stunning castle vistas. Entry is free to the grounds, but there's a fee to enter the main keep.
Matsuyama Castle, 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008, Japan
360-degree castle view — From the castle, you get an incredible 360-degree panoramic view, encompassing the entire city, the surrounding mountains, and the vast Inland Sea. It gives you a real sense of the city's scale and beauty.
Vertical wooden ladders — Be prepared for the descent inside the castle, which involves navigating steep, vertical wooden ladders. It's a bit scary and challenging, so be careful, especially if you're trying to film it!
Mandarin orange juice from a tap · ¥300-¥500 (estimated) — Matsuyama is a major exporter of oranges, and this tap outside the castle is a testament to the local obsession. It's pure mandarin orange juice, and it's delicious. A must-try quirky experience in Matsuyama.
Experience · 1 place
Savor Yakitori at a Matsuyama Festival
If you're lucky enough to be in Matsuyama during a festival, head to the street food stalls for yakitori. I recommend getting it seasoned with salt, as the chicken is already juicy and flavorful. The simplicity of grilled chicken over charcoal is pure brilliance. Just be warned, it's so good you'll want more!
2
Yakitori Stall (Matsuyama Festival)
Butcher shop · Matsuyama
4.9 (9)Closed · opens Monday 5 PM
Japan, 〒790-0002 Ehime, Matsuyama, Nibancho, 3 Chome−4 焼き鳥天。 15PARADISE CITY二番町ビル1F
Salt-seasoned yakitori · ¥150-¥300 per skewer (estimated) — My favorite thing in Japan! Simple grilled meat on a skewer, flavored with salt. The chicken is incredibly juicy and the charcoal grilling gives it a fantastic aroma. I prefer salt over sweet tare sauce.
Experience · 1 place
Soak in the historic Dogo Onsen
Step inside Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, and get lost in its labyrinth of corridors alongside fellow bathers. For just 410 yen, you can soak for up to an hour in the famous Kami no Yu bathhouse. The tranquil sound of the continuously flowing alkaline spring against the stylish traditional stonework is incredibly relaxing. Afterwards, slip into one of the many sparse rooms to relax and enjoy a cup of matcha green tea.
3
Dogo Onsen Honkan
Onsen · Matsuyama
4.2 (279)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Old-fashioned hot spring offering public baths, tea & snacks, with private rooms available.
Dogo Onsen Main Building, 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
Kami no Yu bathhouse · ¥410 — The famous Kami no Yu bathhouse offers a tranquil soak in continuously flowing alkaline spring water. The stylish traditional stonework creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. You can soak for up to an hour.
Relaxation rooms with matcha — After your bath, you can relax in one of the sparse traditional rooms and enjoy a cup of matcha green tea. One particular room is famous for being a regular haunt of Natsume Soseki, one of Japan's most famous 20th-century authors, who sought inspiration there.

Also in this video

4
Dogo Onsen Area
Onsen · Matsuyama
4.2 (279)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Old-fashioned hot spring offering public baths, tea & snacks, with private rooms available.
Dogo Onsen Main Building, 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
- Orange-flavored whiskey — In the Dogo Onsen area, you might find unique orange-flavored whiskey. It's another testament to Matsuyama's love for oranges, offering a distinct local twist on a classic drink.
- Jakoten (deep-fried fish cake) — Jakoten is a local specialty, essentially a deep-fried crab stick, but of much better quality than typical fish sticks. While I'm not usually a fan of fish cake, deep-frying makes it surprisingly delicious.

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