Matsuyama Castle — Attraction in Matsuyama

Matsuyama Castle isn't just a historical landmark; it's an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of feudal Japan. From the moment you step onto the ropeway, ascending towards the castle perched atop Mount Katsuyama, you're enveloped in a sense of anticipation. The panoramic views of Matsuyama City unfolding beneath you are simply breathtaking, a tapestry of urban life interwoven with the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. As you explore the castle grounds, the rich history of Matsuyama Castle comes alive. The informative displays and exhibits provide fascinating insights into the castle's construction, its role in various historical events, and the lives of the feudal lords who once called it home. Walking through the well-preserved structures, you can almost feel the presence of samurai warriors and imagine the bustling activity of court life. The castle's strategic design is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders. The intricate network of walls, gates, and turrets showcases the defensive measures employed to protect this stronghold. As you navigate through the castle complex, you'll discover hidden passageways, secret chambers, and ingenious traps, all designed to thwart potential invaders. Matsuyama Castle is more than just a relic of the past; it's a living testament to Japanese history and culture. The castle's enduring presence serves as a reminder of the resilience and fortitude of the Japanese people. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Matsuyama Castle is an absolute must-visit. Five stars...

To get to this castle, you can either walk or take the chair lift/cable car from the cable car station on okaido street. To get to the cable car station, you can take the trem and get off at the okaido station. Then, walk north on okaido street and you will see the station on your left.

You will need to buy the ticket from the ticket machine. You can buy the chair lift/cable car ticket only, or you can buy the matsuyama castle ticket along with the chair life/cable car. There are staffs there that can help you in operating the machine, if you need it. With ticket in hand, go to the left and take the escalator up. With your ticket, you can take either the chair lift or the cable car. Your choice. Chair lift runs continuously and cable car leaves every 10 minutes.

Once you're up in the castle station, exit and then take the pathway on the right to go up to the castle's yard. Walk a bit more and you'll get the ticket booth. You can give the staff the ticket that you bought or you can but the ticket here. Walk up a bit more and you'll be inside the castle. You can actually go into the castle and they have articles from the lord's era. Just remember to change your footwear to the provided slippers and store your footwear in the locker.

The castle is beautiful, rich in history, and you can see Matsuyama and beyond from the top floor of the castle. Definitely...

Beautiful castle accompanied with increadible view of Matsuyama city in all directions. I think the reason why Matsuyama is named so is because there used to be a pine forest on this hill that can be seen anywhere from the city. Today, the forest is still present but only very little pine is left.

I have visited Himeji castle and Matsuyama castle in my trip. I feel that Matsuyama is the better castle for me as I felt more history from this castle compared to Himeji. It definitely felt more crowded at Himeji.

The castle ticket(520 yen) is cheaper than Himeji(1000yen) and based on information after visiting the construction appears to be the same as Himeji Castle. In the castle, you can see the different family crests of the lords of the castle, their armors and swords.

There are roof tiles and the fish tiger roof decoration exhibitions showing the difference between the period in Japan.

There is a Katana lifting area to try out the weight of both long and short sword. On the way top, there is also a VR castle attack experience voiced by popular anime voice actor, 水樹 奈々(Mizuki Nana).

Overall, you really get to experience the history of the castle rather than just looking at the hundred years old castle with no understanding. Definitely a must visit in Matsuyama.

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