Matsuyama Panoramas

Matsuyama has two major attractions, Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen (an historic hot spring bath). Matsuyama Castle can be seen far and wide, day and night. One evening we made a special trip to see it lit up and were surprised to find only a handful of hardy souls. Maybe all the other tourists were bathing at Dogo Onsen, which being a weekend day was quite lively.

As usual we spent our time walking. Early on the first day, we came across a map that showed a hiking course through town, which we incorporated into our program. In the end we only scored Temple 51 Ishiteji to the east and Temple 52 Taizanji to the west, but it was an excellent panorama of the town, the suburbs, that ended on the Inland Sea.

After a long train day heading west across northern Shikoku we were warmly welcomed at our 2nd Dormy Inn of this trip with a "Tornado" beer. Excuse the poor exposure on this video (2nd below).




And bonus, the Dormy is located in/on the arcade.


A few shots of Matsuyama Castle, which sits high on a hill in the middle of the city, by day and then by night. And a view or two down to the city




















We then followed the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail east to Ishite-ji, Temple No. 51. Along the way, some good views back to the castle.


The elusive moto-postman.


A serene Shinto Shrine set in a beautiful garden.




And a bolder, more active Shinto Shrine nearby.




Getting closer to Temple 51, the 2nd most visited of the 88 pilgrimage temples.




Temple 51, Ishiteji, is a ramshackle mix of buildings. Hmmmm.








Dogo Onsen is quite the tourist attraction with a panoply of bathers, shopping arcade, micro-brewery, very cool mechanical clock, and more. First photo is the historic onsen building.








Not to mention the attached theatre.


The line of bathers waiting to get in.


The GPS track for the day.


Day Two we started our walk at the base of the castle heading west to Taizan-ji, Temple No. 52, and ultimately the Inland Sea.


The famous Russian Cemetery where the remains of 98 Russian POWs from the Russo-Japanese War are tended by the locals and visited by dignitaries.


There are many cemeteries in that area and this priest was headed to a funeral.


Self service fresh egg kiosk. We love these walks!








The ever present tsunami warnings and information that appear when one is near the coast. This one says this point is 12.8 meters above sea level


Taizan Temple.




Pilgrim(s) in regalia.




We were mesmerized by the slow but steady stream of pilgrims who enter from the right, light incense (center right), ring the bell (back), say a prayer, and so forth; and spin the metal wheel (lower right courtyard) before leaving.


We walked up to the top of the small hill behind Taizan-ji for some 360 degree views.






Heading down to the train station directly below.


Is there a better spot to wait for a train?




GPS track for the walk.


And back to town.


Evening arcade stroll.