Iyo-Matsuyama Castle
松山城
Castle built in 1603 with one of Japan's twelve original tenshu structures still standing, exemplifying the flatland-mountain architectural style.
〒 790-0008How to get there
県庁前6 min walk from the station
Matsuyama Castle, located in the city of Matsuyama in the Ehime Prefecture, is a National Historic Site and one of only twelve Japanese castles with its original tenshu still intact. Built in 1603 on Mount Katsuyama, it is considered a "flatland-mountain" style castle, similar to Tsuyama Castle and Himeji Castle, which were built around the same time period. It is also known as Iyo-Matsuyama Castle to distinguish it from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle located in Okayama.
Getting There
Planning a trip? Fit this into a trip and Oni plans the rest around it.
Places nearby
Yuzuki Castle Ruins
Medieval castle ruins in Matsuyama linked to the Kono clan, with double moats, listed among the Top 100 Castles for their rare early castle architecture.
Matsuyama · Ehime
Dogo Onsen
One of Japan's oldest hot springs, in Matsuyama, centred on the historic Honkan bathhouse - with free-flowing waters and three baths to try.
Matsuyama · Ehime
Isaniwa Shrine
A Shinto shrine in Matsuyama with roots in a visit by Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu to Dogo Onsen, enshrining multiple emperors as cultural treasures.
Matsuyama · EhimeYou might also like
Uwajima Castle
Castle in Uwajima held by the Date clan, with a pentagonal moat layout that left blind spots for attackers, and damaged by earthquakes over the centuries.
Uwajima · Ehime
Kakunodate Castle Remains
Early seventeenth-century castle ruins where the Ashina clan held their regional stronghold, with surviving stone walls and moats now a public park.
Semboku · Akita
Nagoya Castle
Castle constructed in 1612 as the center of a major Edo-era post station, destroyed in World War II bombing but reconstructed since 1957.
Nagoya · Aichi
Matsuyama Dogo Autumn Festival
Ancient shrine festival featuring portable shrines carried through Matsuyama's districts in ritual performances believed to enhance spiritual power.
5–7 Oct 2027Exact date not confirmed yetMatsuyama · Ehime
Niihama Taiko Festival
Towering drum-bearing floats parade through Niihama in this October celebration, drawing nearly 200,000 spectators each year.
16–18 Oct 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNiihama · Ehime
Kaikai Yokai Festival
Uzumasa Kyoto Village (Toei Kyoto Studio Park) fills with yokai every autumn: two evening parades, dance shows, daily yokai greetings and limited yokai food.
12 Sep – 29 Nov 2026Kyoto
