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

In Matsuyama City, the top choice for travelers is Radisson Hotel Matsuyama, located just a 5-minute walk from Matsuyama Castle and within easy reach of Dogo Onsen Honkan. This modern hotel blends Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort, offering spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving local specialties like matsuyama yakisoba and fresh sea bream.

Another excellent option is Sakura no Yado, a traditional ryokan near Dogo Onsen, where guests enjoy private baths, kaiseki dinners, and complimentary yukata rentals. Both hotels provide shuttle services to major attractions and offer multilingual staff. For those seeking tranquility, consider staying at Matsuyama Machiya House, a restored Edo-period townhouse in Kumeda District, perfect for experiencing authentic rural life with access to art galleries and seasonal markets.

For first-time visitors, the Dogo Onsen District and Matsuyama Station Area are the most ideal neighborhoods. The Dogo Onsen District centers around Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen Honkan, which dates back to 807 AD. It offers a rich cultural experience, with historic bathhouses, tea ceremonies, and traditional shops selling local crafts.

The Matsuyama Station Area is highly convenient for transportation, with direct access to JR Yosan Line trains and high-speed buses connecting to Takamatsu, Kochi, and Tokushima. It also hosts shopping streets like Oodoori Shopping Street, restaurants, and the Matsuyama Art Museum. Many hotels here provide free airport shuttles and English-speaking staff, making it ideal for international tourists seeking both comfort and accessibility.

In Matsuyama City, you can enjoy several unique cultural experiences: visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, where daily rituals like the "Spring Water Ceremony" are performed, showcasing centuries-old traditions; explore Matsuyama Castle, whose reconstructed keep offers panoramic views and insight into feudal-era defense systems.

Participate in the Matsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, featuring lantern-lit streets along Oodoori, traditional tea ceremonies, and kimono photo sessions. In autumn, join the Shikoku Orange Festival, where you can harvest fresh Iyo oranges, make homemade marmalade, and sample citrus-based snacks.

Local artisans also host workshops at Matsuyama Art Museum, including sumi-e painting, pottery, and indigo dyeing. These immersive activities provide deep connections to the region's heritage and craftsmanship.

The best onsen experience in Matsuyama City is at Dogo Onsen Honkan, Japan’s oldest public bathhouse since 807 AD. Its open-air baths feature natural hot spring water rich in bicarbonate minerals, known for soothing skin and muscles. The main bath, Shinobu-no-Yu, is especially renowned for its serene atmosphere and wooden architecture.

For a more luxurious stay, book a room at Dogo Onsen Ryokan Katsura, a boutique inn offering private outdoor baths, personalized service, and kaiseki dining. Guests receive complimentary yukata, foot baths, and access to exclusive wellness areas. Reserve well in advance—especially during cherry blossom season or winter holidays—as availability is limited.

Many hotels also offer day-passes for non-guests, allowing visitors to enjoy the baths without overnight stays.

Family-friendly hotels in Matsuyama City include Radisson Hotel Matsuyama, which features a kids’ playroom, family suites, and themed breakfasts with local treats. The hotel provides baby cots, child-sized slippers, and a dedicated concierge for family needs.

Nearby, Sakura no Yado offers a children’s storytelling night, craft workshops using local materials, and access to nearby Matsuyama Zoo and Matsuyama Castle. Some rooms include mini gardens and safe indoor spaces for toddlers.

Other options like Matsuyama Machiya House offer cooking classes for kids using local ingredients such as rice and citrus fruits. All recommended hotels support late check-out and provide stroller rentals. HopeGoo early is advised, particularly during school holidays.

Must-try local dishes in Matsuyama City include Iyo Oranges—sweet and tangy, often enjoyed fresh or turned into juice, jam, or liqueur. Try Matsuyama Yakisoba, a savory stir-fried noodle dish with a distinctive soy-based sauce, commonly sold at night markets.

Don’t miss Dogo Eel Rice Bowl (Unagi Don), made with grilled freshwater eel from the Seto Inland Sea, served over steamed rice with a rich tare sauce—best enjoyed at Kaniya, a long-standing restaurant in the Onsen district.

Visit Matsuyama Central Market for fresh uni (sea urchin), octopus sashimi, and handmade tofu. For a homestyle meal, head to Denwa Restaurant in Kumeda District, famous for its potato and sweet corn stew. Most restaurants offer English menus and accept credit cards.

Yes, Matsuyama City has convenient public transportation for tourists. The Matsuyama Station hub connects to JR Yosan Line trains heading to Takamatsu, Kochi, and Tokushima. Local buses cover key attractions like Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, and Matsuyama Art Museum.

Most buses accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) and mobile payments. Rent electric bikes from stations near the city center for flexible exploration of scenic routes like Hamamatsu Coastal Path.

Tourists can purchase the Matsuyama City One-Day Pass, which includes unlimited bus rides and discounted entry to major museums and parks. Apps like Google Maps and Japan Travel by NAVITIME offer real-time schedules and multilingual guidance, ensuring smooth navigation even for first-time visitors.

Top photo spots in Matsuyama City include Matsuyama Castle, especially during sunset when its red-tiled keep reflects in the moat, creating dramatic silhouettes. The Dogo Onsen Honkan exterior, with its elegant wooden beams and lanterns, is perfect for architectural shots.

Oodoori Shopping Street offers vibrant street photography opportunities with colorful signage, vintage storefronts, and locals in traditional attire. Capture the morning light along Hamamatsu Coastal Path, where fishing boats return against a golden sky.

The Matsuyama Art Museum’s sculpture garden features rotating installations, ideal for creative compositions. Early morning or late afternoon lighting enhances contrast and depth in your photos. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod for stunning results.

Authentic souvenir shopping in Matsuyama City includes Dogo Onsen Shopping Street, where you’ll find Iyo Orange marmalade, black sugar candies, and handcrafted lacquerware. At Matsuyama Central Market, pick up fresh sea urchin, dried fish, and local sake.

Visit Shikoku Souvenir Plaza near the station for curated regional products, including bamboo baskets, ceramic tableware, and limited-edition festival memorabilia. For design lovers, Artisan Market near the Art Museum features works by local artists—ceramics, candles, and textiles.

Many shops accept credit cards and offer multilingual labels. Gift boxes with seasonal themes (e.g., cherry blossom or orange harvest) make excellent keepsakes. Avoid tourist traps by choosing stores with local customer reviews.

Seasonal events in Matsuyama City include the Matsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival (late March–early April), featuring illuminated streets, traditional performances, and hanami picnics under blooming trees. During summer, the Dogo Onsen Summer Festival (early July) hosts fireworks, taiko drumming, and street food stalls.

In autumn, the Shikoku Orange Festival (mid-October) celebrates local citrus harvest with picking tours, juice tastings, and craft workshops. Winter brings the Matsuyama Castle Illumination Festival (December), where the castle’s towers are lit in dazzling patterns, accompanied by historical reenactments and music concerts.

Check official websites for ticket details—some events require advance HopeGoo. These festivals offer unforgettable cultural immersion and are ideal times to visit for travelers seeking authentic local spirit.