Shikoku Information

Area：

  • Ehime

Category：

  • Sightseeing Spots
  • History and Culture

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle

A symbol of Matsuyama, with an original castle tower and panoramic city views.

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s finest hilltop castles, with its main enclosure atop 132-meter Mount Katsuyama. Highlights include an original castle tower dating from before the end of the Edo period, Important Cultural Property buildings, stone walls, and expansive views over the Matsuyama Plain and Seto Inland Sea.

Three highlights of Matsuyama Castle

  1. 1. Explore an original castle tower and historic fortificationsOne of only 12 original castle towers remaining in Japan. Walk among the gates, turrets, and stone walls to see the ingenious defensive design up close.
  2. 2. Take in panoramic views of MatsuyamaFrom the top floor of the castle tower, look out across the Matsuyama Plain and Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days toward Mount Ishizuchi.
  3. 3. Ride the ropeway or chairlift up the mountainTravel from Shinonomeguchi to Chojaganaru near the summit while enjoying aerial views of the wooded hillside and cityscape. The castle tower is about a 10-minute walk from Chojaganaru.

Official information and directions

Check the official websiteGet directions on Google Maps

Quick access guide

By car

About 20 minutes by car from Matsuyama IC on the Matsuyama Expressway to the Shinonomeguchi Ropeway Station area. The ropeway boarding point is about a 2-minute walk from Matsuyama Castle Parking Lot.

By public transportation

From JR Matsuyama Station, take an Iyotetsu city tram for about 10 minutes to Okaido, then walk about 5 minutes to Shinonomeguchi Ropeway Station.

Nearby attractions

・Dogo OnsenOne of Japan’s oldest hot springs and Matsuyama’s best-known spa district. Stroll through the historic streets and unwind after visiting the castle.
・Ishiteji TempleTemple 51 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, home to the National Treasure Niomon Gate and many other cultural properties. It pairs well with a historical walk around Dogo Onsen.
・Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical GardenA garden that recreates the layout of the former Ninomaru Palace with flowers and water features, offering another perspective on the castle’s history.
*Admission to the castle tower closes 30 minutes before the end of opening hours.*The chairlift does not operate in rainy weather and is available to elementary school-age visitors and older.*Please check the official website for current opening and operating information before visiting.

Details

Area Ehime prefecture
Address 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama 790-0008 Ehime
TEL +81-89-921-4873
FAX +81-89-934-3417
E-mail matsuyamacastle@lesp.co.jp

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Basic Information

Open hours Feb–Nov: 09:00–17:00
Dec–Jan: 09:00–16:30
*Aug: 09:00–17:30
Closed regularly The third Wednesday of December
Admission fee (Main Tower) Adult: JPY 520 ｜ Child: JPY 160
Parking lot Cars: Available ｜ Buses: Available
Free Wi-Fi Yes
Toilet Yes
Recommended season Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter

A special experience found only here

The castle tower stands at the summit of 132-meter Mount Katsuyama. Inside are valuable exhibits including swords and armor from Japan’s warring-states era. The top floor offers a 360-degree view of the Matsuyama Plain, and on clear days you may see islands in the Seto Inland Sea and Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan.

Ropeway

The ropeway connects Shinonomeguchi Station with Chojaganaru near the summit in about 3 minutes. It operates every 10 minutes and is a convenient option in most weather conditions.

Operating hours Feb–Jul and Sep–Nov: 08:30–17:30
Aug: 08:30–18:00
Dec–Jan: 08:30–17:00
Fares Round trip: Adult JPY 520 / Child JPY 260
One way: Adult JPY 270 / Child JPY 140
Travel time About 3 minutes one way
Service Every 10 minutes / Open year-round

*Tickets are valid for both the ropeway and chairlift.

Check ropeway operating information and fares

Chairlift

Ride an open-air single-seat chairlift to Chojaganaru while enjoying views of the wooded hillside and Matsuyama cityscape.

Operating hours Year-round: 08:30–17:00
Fares Round trip: Adult JPY 520 / Child JPY 260
One way: Adult JPY 270 / Child JPY 140
Travel time About 6 minutes one way
Eligibility Elementary school age and older
Suspended service Rainy weather

*Tickets are valid for both the ropeway and chairlift.

Check chairlift operating information and fares

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