2024.12 Exploring Matsuyama: Retro-Modern Design Meets Art and History Discover an original Japanese castle and artistic masterpieces
Enjoying the Historical Landscape
Step back in time to Japan’s past at Matsuyama Castle.
Matsuyama Castle sits majestically on top of Mt.Katsuyama, a steep hill with sweeping views of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea. As one of Japan's twelve remaining original castles, Matsuyama Castle holds significant historical value.
The castle's original main tower was struck by lightning and destroyed in 1784. The current tower, which still stands today, was rebuilt and completed in 1854. When visiting the castle, the impressive Tenshu (main tower) and high stone walls appear to rise from Mt.Katsuyama.
Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from Matsuyama Castle.
The interconnected main towers of Matsuyama Castle are some of the last of their kind built in Japan toward the end of the Edo period. These towers embody tiered tower keep design characteristic of early Edo-period castle keeps, and are in keeping with the era’s distinctive architectural style.
Matsuyama Castle is rich in unique structures, decorative features, and symbolic sculptures that visitors should look out for, many of which were placed as protective symbols.
Despite Matsuyama’s location on top of a steep hill, the castle can be reached easily from Matsuyama City and offers visitors access via a ropeway, chairlift, or on foot. When touring the interior of the castle buildings, visitors can also view exhibits on weaponry, haiku poetry, and traditional construction methods. Many seasonal flowers can also be seen around the grounds of Matsuyama Castle throughout the year, including plum and cherry blossoms, wisteria, and maple trees.
Exploring Art and Culture
Explore centuries of Japanese art at the Museum of Art, Ehime.
Located within the grounds of Matsuyama Castle, the Museum of Art, Ehime opened in 1998 and houses more than 10,000 artworks including paintings by overseas and Japanese artists.
The museum is home to artworks by renowned Western artists such as Cézanne and Monet, as well as important figures in the history of post-Edo-period Japanese art. The museum also displays work from artists with strong local ties such as Ehime-born artists Sugiura Hisui, Azechi Umetaro, and Manabe Hiroshi.
“The Only Subway in the East Service between Ueno and Asakusa is Started ” (1927), Sugiura Hisui. The Museum of Art, Ehime.
Admire the pioneering work of Japanese graphic design artist Sugiura Hisui.
Fans of retro modern art and design will be fascinated by the works of Sugiura Hisui, a pioneer in the field of modern Japanese graphic design and a gifted designer. His work was heavily influenced by Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and his iconic posters and commercial artwork from the early 20th century represent an important cultural legacy.
“Mitsukoshi (dealer in kimono fabrics): Spring New-Pattern Show “(1914), Sugiura Hisui, The Museum of Art, Ehime.
Sugiura also became head of design at the luxury goods department store where he was largely responsible for creating artwork for signboards, posters, and covers for PR publications. One of his most famous pieces of work is Mitsukoshi Kimono Fabric Dealer: Spring New-Pattern Show (1914).
Sugiura designed posters for the Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line when it opened in 1927, the first subway line in Asia. Sugiura was active during the Taisho Era (1912-1926), a time of dynamic social change and new energy in Japan, especially for women. As Japan’s first great graphic designer, Sugiura captured this spirit through posters that often featured the New Woman (atarashii onna).
“Merry Future”(1978), Manabe Hiroshi, The Museum of Art, Ehime.
Manabe became one of the most well-known illustrators of the post-war period, with his artwork featured on the covers of many popular science fiction novels. Manabe’s art often featured scientific themes, such as space exploration, technology, and ecology. This futuristic and imaginative style earned him acclaim not only in Japan but internationally. His illustrations can also be found on various mural installations around his hometown of Niihama in Ehime Prefecture.
“Mountain of Joy (Birth of the Mountain Man)”(1973), Azechi Umetaro, The Museum of Art, Ehime.
Azechi Umetaro, a pivotal figure in the history of Japanese creative printmaking, gained widespread recognition for his mountain scene prints. His distinctive style of drawing mountains developed in his series 'Yama' in 1940 and continued up to the late 1960s. After World War II, Azechi developed his distinctive style of using simplified forms and flat areas of color in his series of 'Mountain People' prints. He also wrote many articles and books on the mountains, often accompanied by his own illustrations.
Aside from artworks, the museum’s second floor also features an observation lobby offering views of the castle’s mountain. It’s a relaxing spot where the scenery is not to be missed. In the café area attached to the museum, visitors can enjoy lunch dishes made using locally grown seasonal produce or coffee and dessert while enjoying Matsuyama Castle's views.
Visit Bansuiso, a grand French Renaissance-style villa in Matsuyama.
Visitors to Matsuyama should not miss Bansuiso, a French Renaissance-style villa built in 1922 by Count Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of the former lord of the Matsuyama Domain, as his secondary residence. Now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, Bansuiso stands as a symbol of elegance and history.
Count Hisamatsu, who graduated from the Saint-Cyr Military Academy in France and later served as a military attaché in Paris, lived in France for 15 years. His admiration for French architecture is reflected in Bansuiso, which became a prime location for social gatherings among Matsuyama’s elite.
Admire the striking stained glass windows at Bansuiso.
During its heyday, it frequently hosted royalty and celebrities whenever they visited the city. Bansuiso remains a well-preserved time capsule of its original construction. One of the striking features of this villa is the impressive stained glass, especially along the central staircase, which adds a sense of grandeur to the residence. Recognizing its cultural significance, Ehime Prefecture designated it as a Tangible Cultural Property in 1985.
Inspirational Hot Springs Experience
Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest bathhouses.
For a truly special hot spring experience, visitors to Matsuyama should not miss out on a visit to Dogo Onsen Honkan. It is believed to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history dating back 3,000 years.
Dogo Onsen’s ancient origins are rooted in folklore. There is a story about an egret with an injured leg who discovered a hot spring gushing from the rocks. The egret visited the hot spring every day, and after a while, its leg was completely healed. The people who saw this thought it was strange and found that when they tried bathing in the water, it helped to relieve fatigue and sped up recovery from illness. From here on, soaking in hot springs became a widely popular activity. To commemorate the legend of the egret, a stone called Sagi Ishi (egret stone) was placed at Dogo Onsen and can be seen at Hojo-en Square in front of Dogo Onsen Station. The egret can also be found in various places around the Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse such as on top of the tower, at the entrance lamp, and on a mural in the men’s bath.
The hot spring waters at Dogo Onsen are said to help relieve fatigue.
The hot springs in Dogo Onsen have been mentioned throughout Japanese history. For example, the bathtubs of Iyo (Iyo is the historical name for Ehime) are mentioned in the famous Tale of Genji, a classic work of Japanese literature written during the Heian Period (794-1185). During Japan’s Edo Period, the lord of the Matsuyama domain began expanding the facilities at Dogo Onsen; however, these eventually fell into disrepair. In 1890, the first mayor of Dogo Yunomachi began renovating Dogo Onsen Honkan, and the renovations were completed in 1894.
This building which was gradually remodeled from the mid-Meiji period (1894) to the early Showa period (1935), remains open to visitors for bathing today and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. After bathing in the Second Floor Hall, visitors can also rent private rooms on the third floor while wearing provided yukata and enjoying Japanese tea and sweets, which is said to have been frequented by the famous novelist Soseki Natsume.
The alkaline hot spring water at Dogo Onsen Honkan is very gentle on the skin, making it ideal for spa and beauty treatments. Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s few bathhouses that offers natural hot spring water directly from the source, with no reheating or added water, preserving its pure, therapeutic qualities. Dogo Onsen Honkan welcomes day visitors and offers convenient towel rentals on-site. Guests can also relax at Kami-no-yu, the Second-Floor Hall or Tama-no-yu Private Rooms, which are peaceful spaces to unwind after a rejuvenating soak.
Relax in a private room at Dogo Onsen Honkan after a soak in the hot springs.
Matsuyama offers a captivating blend of history, art, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s cultural heritage. Whether exploring Matsuyama Castle, discovering artistic masterpieces at the Museum of Art, Ehime, or unwinding at the historic Dogo Onsen Honkan, visitors will leave with a sense of the city's rich history and culture.
Information
Matsuyama Castle |
The Museum of Art, EHIME |
Bansuiso |
Dogo Onsen Honkan |
