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Steam, Stone, and Stories of Matsuyama
Walk through the heart of Matsuyama as we explore the Matsuyama Castle area and the lively streets of Dogo Onsen. This tour blends scenic views, local stories, and a relaxing atmosphere as you stroll past historic stone walls, traditional shopping street, and Japan’s oldest hot spring. Along the way, you’ll discover how history, culture, and daily life come together in this charming city—perfect for travelers who want to see, feel, and enjoy Matsuyama at a relaxed pace.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Matsuyama station
- I will meet you at JR Matsuyama station, holding up a sign with your name on it. Upon request, meeting point maybe adjusted.
8:50-9:10Matsuyama station to Okaido station (In front of Ropeway St)
We will take a tram to the sightseeing area called Ropeway St.
9:10-10:00 Explore the Ropeway St
We can enjoy some food while strolling on the way to Matsuyama castle.
10:00-10:30 Going up to the Matsuyama castle
Matsuyama castle is at the top of a mountain, so there are 3 options to reach the castle :
1. Ride the gondola
2. Take a chair lift (availability depends on the weather)
3. Go on foot (about a 40-min walk at most)
10:30-12:00 Matsuyama castle
We can see the preserved historic castle, and enjoy the scenery of Matsuyama from the top.
12:00-12:30 Going down to the Ropeway St
When we go down, we also have same option as when we go up:
1. Ride the gondola
2. Take a chair lift (availability depends on the weather)
3. Go on foot (about a 40-min walk at most)
12:30-14:00 Lunch
I recommend trying Ehime's local dish known as Tai-meshi, which tranlates to red sea bream "tai" and rice "meshi".
Budget: ¥2,000-3,000
The restaurant I recommend also offers a menu for children as well.
14:00-14:30 Take a tram to Dogo Onsen
14:30-15:00 Orange juice tasting
There are about 20 kinds of Ehime's orange juice. You can freely choose which ones you would like to try.
There is a fun twist to how it is served!
15:00-16:00 Take a stroll around the Dogo shopping street
We will be able to find local souvenirs from the shops.
There are two options; If you want to experience a traditional hot spring bath or enjoy a foot bath
16:00-17:30 Option A: Dogo Onsen
If you would like to experience an authentic hot spring, you can try taking a dip in Dogo's main building.
16:00-17:00 Option B: Dogo's Foot bath
Even trying just foot bath make you feel relaxed.
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
・Guide fee
• Transportation costs
• Entrance fees
• Food
• Activity fees
Tour Important Information
This tour doesn't include the cost of food and tickets for entrance fees.
-Tram ride;3 times ¥690 per person
-Gondola or Chair lift;Round trip ¥520 or One way ¥270 per person
-Matsuyama castle entrance fees ¥520 per person
-Sea bream rice ¥2,000-3,000 per person
-Foot bath ¥300-¥1,000
-Dogo Onsen ¥700-¥1,400
-Orange juice tasting ¥1,000-3,000
Notes:
For the bath, the cost depends on which option you choose (foot bath or Dogo Onsen)
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Kokoro T.
Hi! I’m Kokoro.
I was born and raised in Ehime and have lived here for 26 years.
I really enjoy communicating with people, and I’d love to share the charms of Ehime and Japan with you.
Ehime may not be as big as places like Tokyo or Kyoto, but it has many wonderful spots — beautiful nature, relaxing hot springs, delicious local food, and warm-hearted people. I’m sure you’ll find it enjoyable and memorable.
Before the tour, we’ll discuss the places you want to visit and how you’d like to get around. Together, we’ll create a plan that suits your interests and pace.
I look forward to guiding you and sharing the hidden gems of Ehime!
$145/ per group
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