Traveling south along the Japanese archipelago, the traveler encounters the islandof Shikoku, nestled between the larger islands of Honshu and Kyushu. One of Shikoku's best known destinations is the historic city of Matsuyama. With a population of only 475,000, Matsuyama is no rival to Tokyo or Osaka, but visitors discover a special charm in the city's celebrated castle, famous hot springs and special literary connotations.

History

During the mid-sixteenth century, Kato Yoshiaki, a retainer of feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was granted large tracts of land near the site of contemporary Matsuyama as a reward for his military achievements. Here he began to construct Matsuyama Castle, a 25-year endeavor. Following the completion of the castle and its fortifications in 1602, the settlement rapidly developed as a castle town throughout the Edo Period (1603-1867), and continued to thrive into the twentieth century to become Shikoku's largest city.

Attractions 

Restoration of Matsuyama Castle began in 1966.

Today, the restored castle keep can be accessed by ropeway or lift. Visitors marvel at the massive stone foundations: women known as otata, who peddled fish from the Inland Sea, helped gather stone from throughout the area for these foundations by transporting them on their heads.

Natsume Soseki (1867-1916)

But Matsuyama's castle is only one of the city's claims to fame: Natsume Soseki, one of Japan's best known authors, borrowed the setting of Matsuyama for his famous novel Botchan (1906), based on the urban author's experiences as a high school teacher in a small country town in Shikoku, where he finds  himself surrounded by an eccentric cast of characters. The name of this hapless schoolteacher has become a source of pride to Matsuyama, and today, visitors can travel on the charming local "Botchan Train" - an old restored steam train that appears in Soseki's novel - or indulge in tasty Botchan rice dumplings (Botchan dango), much loved by the novel's main character.

Dogo Onsen

Relax at Japan's oldest hot springs after a day of touring. With a history dating back some 3,000 years, the springs are a favorite destination of the imperial family and celebrities. Multi-hued Botchan dango Matsuyama

Dogo Onsen: the main building was constructed in 1894

Specialties of Matsuyama

Botchan dango: These popular tricolor dumplings are flavored with green tea, egg yolk and red bean paste - the perfect way to get a true taste of Matsuyama's unique character.

Botchan Train: So-called because it was often ridden by characters in the novel Botchan. The train has been restored and can be seen puffing about the streets of Matsuyama. 

The restored Botchan steam train evokes a bygone era

Access Information

Matsuyama is a convenient 80-minute flight from Tokyo. The airport is an hour by car to downtown Matsuyama. Matsuyama is also accessible from Tokyo or Osaka by train, car or boat.

Links to More Information about Matsuyama:

Official Matsuyama City Website

(Photo Credits: Sekai Bunka Photo & Shikoku Photo Service)