[Matsuyama Castle] The Peak of the 12 Original Castles!
A Complete Sightseeing Guide to Enjoy with Your Dog
SPOT DATA
Address
1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Access
Get off at "Okaido" streetcar stop, approx. 5 mins walk to
Ropeway/Lift boarding area
Parking
Matsuyama Castle Parking (Paid: 430 yen for 2 hours)
Many other coin parking lots nearby
Hours
5:00 - 21:00 (Honmaru Square)
* Castle Tower: 9:00 - 17:00 (Varies by season)
Admission
Castle Tower: Adults 520 yen
Ropeway/Lift: Round trip 520 yen
Dog Information
OK to ride the lift together by holding!
Honmaru Square is also walkable (Carrier required for Castle Tower)
Towering at the summit of Katsuyama (elevation 132m) in the center of Matsuyama City is "Matsuyama Castle". It is one of the only 12 "original surviving castles" in Japan with a castle tower built before the Edo period still existing today.
Its charm lies not only in the exquisite structural beauty of its "renritsu-shiki" (multiple-tower) design, excellent for both offense and defense, but also in the aerial stroll on the ropeway or chairlift, and above all, its welcoming nature that meets modern tourism needs by allowing you to reach the summit with your beloved dog. This time, our local editorial team thoroughly explains the highly recommended ways to enjoy Matsuyama Castle.
Aerial Stroll on the Ropeway or Chairlift
To reach the Honmaru at the summit, besides walking, you can choose between a "Ropeway" and a "Chairlift". We highly recommend the Chairlift. With its outstanding sense of openness, the gradually expanding panorama of Matsuyama City is breathtaking.
Great News for Dog Lovers
You can actually ride the Matsuyama Castle chairlift together with your dog just by holding them, without needing a cage or carrier bag (limited to 1 dog per adult). You can also stroll around the summit square if they are on a leash. It's a very precious pet-friendly spot in Ehime where you can feel like you're at a dog run at a castle!
* Entering the Castle Tower with pets requires a specified carrier. Please check local guides for details.
Charm as a Night View Spot
The charm of Matsuyama Castle isn't limited to daytime. Recognized as a "Japan Night View Heritage", Matsuyama Castle at night is a scenic spot where the fantastically illuminated castle tower merges with the sparkling lights of the city.
In particular, the night view of Matsuyama city looking down over the stone walls of the Honmaru is extremely powerful combined with its sense of altitude. Even after the chairlift closes, you can still walk up via the dedicated climbing path (approx. 15 to 20 mins).
Spring Means Night Cherry Blossoms! Magical Illumination
Especially during the cherry blossom season, the entire Shiroyama Park is illuminated, and you can enjoy the breathtaking collaboration of Matsuyama Castle and night cherry blossoms.