kure(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Matsuyama, top choices for sea views include Gōkō Hotel, located right by Ujina Port and offering panoramic vistas of Seto Inland Sea. Its rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the rooftop onsen lets guests soak while gazing at the shimmering ocean at night. Another standout is Kai no Oto Ryokan, a boutique inn near Matsuyama Castle, where traditional Japanese architecture blends with modern design, providing serene coastal ambiance. Both hotels offer direct access to morning seafood markets and are ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and oceanic beauty.

The central district and Ujina Port area are ideal for staying in Matsuyama. These neighborhoods are close to key attractions like Matsuyama Castle, Ujina Marina, and the Matsuyama City Museum, with convenient public transport links. Many hotels here provide free shuttle services to major sites. Guests can also enjoy fresh morning catches at Ujina Morning Market, sampling local specialties such as wakasagi sashimi and oysters, making it perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in authentic maritime culture.

Matsuyama is rich in naval heritage—don’t miss visiting the Former Naval Base Ujina, now transformed into the Matsuyama Maritime Museum, showcasing historic warship models and archives. The annual Matsuyama Navy Festival features illuminated parades and period reenactments from Meiji to Showa eras. For hands-on experience, join the shipyard tour at the Ujina Shipbuilding Center to witness modern vessel construction. These activities highlight Matsuyama’s identity as a true "maritime city" with deep industrial roots.

Must-try seafood in Matsuyama includes wakasagi sashimi, prized for its delicate texture and sweet flavor, often served fresh at the Ujina Morning Market. Another highlight is Matsuyama-style oyster hot pot, simmered in dashi broth with local oysters, delivering a rich, umami-packed taste. For an authentic local bite, visit street stalls selling sea urchin rice bowls and fried eel skewers, all made from same-day catch. This "from boat to bowl" freshness defines Matsuyama’s culinary identity.

Families should visit the Matsuyama Children's Science Museum and Ujina Park, both featuring interactive marine exhibits and child-safe play zones. Stay at Hoshino Resorts Gōkō Hotel, which offers a kids’ lounge, family dining options, and guided turtle conservation tours. The hotel also partners with Matsuyama Aquarium to provide discounted entry. With dedicated family paths along tidal zones, this hotel ensures engaging, educational experiences for children while preserving the natural charm of the coast.

Matsuyama’s night view centers around Ujina Port, especially from Ujina Bridge and Marina Square, where illuminated ships and harbor lights reflect across the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Staying at Kai no Oto Ryokan or Gōkō Hotel grants exceptional vantage points, with some rooms facing directly toward the sea. At night, visitors can enjoy night photography tours led by local photographers, capturing the city’s luminous skyline and distant Itsukushima Shrine silhouette—a true blend of urban glow and natural serenity.

Key historical sites include the Former Naval Base Ujina, a preserved Meiji-era red-brick complex housing the Matsuyama Maritime Museum, with detailed ship models and archival materials. The Matsuyama City Art Museum itself is a landmark, designed in early Renaissance style, displaying naval-themed artworks. Nearby, Ōyama Shrine features striking vermilion torii gates and Edo-period architecture, reflecting spiritual and craftsmanship traditions. Together, these sites offer a journey through Matsuyama’s naval legacy and cultural depth.

Start your day at Former Naval Base Ujina and the Maritime Museum to explore Japan’s naval history. Head to Ujina Morning Market for lunch, enjoying fresh wakasagi sashimi and oyster hot pot. In the afternoon, visit the Matsuyama City Art Museum and stroll through Ujina Park. End the day at Ujina Bridge for sunset and evening views over the port. Conclude with a stay at Kai no Oto Ryokan, soaking in a sea-view onsen. The entire route is walkable or accessible via local bus, blending history, cuisine, and scenic beauty seamlessly.

Hot spring resorts in Matsuyama, such as Gōkō Hotel and Kai no Oto Ryokan, feature natural mineral springs rich in sulfur and silicate, known for their skin-soothing and muscle-relaxing properties. Both hotels offer open-air baths with direct sea views, allowing guests to unwind under starlit skies while overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The onsen areas also include tea ceremony corners and meditation spaces, integrating traditional Japanese wellness practices into the guest experience, creating a holistic sense of peace and rejuvenation.

Yes, Matsuyama is highly suitable for self-drivers. Accessible via JR Ujina Station and Hiroshima Expressway, the city offers ample rental car services and well-maintained roads. Drive along the Seto Inland Sea Coastal Route to visit Oshima Island and Ōyama Mountain Observation Deck, enjoying breathtaking ocean vistas. Parking is readily available, and the city layout is driver-friendly. Self-driving allows deeper exploration of hidden coves, fishing villages, and seasonal festivals, making it ideal for independent travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the main tourist trail.