Destinations
Matsuyama
"A fine original castle and the oldest hot-springs in Japan, oozing with old-world atmosphere."
Harry Sargant - Tailored Department Manager
The town of Matsuyama dominates the northwestern corner of Shikoku. The city is home to an impressive castle and some of the most relaxing hot-spring baths in Japan.
Matsuyama is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and occupies an imposing position atop Katsuyama hill. The castle was constructed by the infamous samurai lord Yoshiaki Katoh from 1602 to 1627. However, by the time the castle was completed, Katoh had moved to the most northern reaches of Japan and the structure fell into the hands of the prominent Katsudaira family. Originally the castle donjon had five stories but destruction by fire led to the building of the 3 storey tower you see today.
The interior of the castle is made up of intricate passageways and stairwells that lead to magnificent views out over the inland sea from the top of the tower.
The castle can be reached by either cable car or on foot and if you take the latter option you will pass the beautiful Shinonome shrine where in April Noh dramas are played out. The path eventually leads through the Tonashi gate where in the spring the pathway is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms and revelling “hana-mi-ers”.
The western slopes of Katsuyama hill are dominated by the beautiful ninomaru gardens, the plan of which mirrors the original layout of the castle. The plan of the gardens looks like a giant geometry puzzle made up of an intricate passageway of pools and pathways. As you near the bottom of Katsuyama the gardens become more fluid, dominated by beautiful waterfalls and rockeries.
Matsuyama has a strong literary tradition which is perhaps the reason why the city is known as the haiku centre of Japan. Many notable writers have visited the area and Natsuki Soseki’s Botchan was composed in the tranquil surroundings of the Honkan bath house in the Dogo Onsen resort. Examples of “Shiki Haiku” can be found on stone plinths all over the city – who knows, you may feel inspired, “Oh Matsuyama, the castle tower looks higher than the autumn sky."
After all that climbing around the Katsuyama Hill we are sure you will need a long soak in a hot bath, and the 3000-year-old resort area of Dogo Onsen is the place to head. The city and resort are well connected by tram and you can be wallowing in soothing mineral waters in a matter of minutes. The Honkan bathhouses are the area’s most famous with a variety of baths of different temperatures. Here you can rent a traditional yukata and soak away your cares before enjoying a cup of green tea in the pleasant surroundings – bliss!
13 Nights: £2319
16 Nights: £2194
14 Nights: £2550
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