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A group of people standing on a stone pathway with a castle in the background. 1
A steam locomotive on tracks with a station in the background. 2
A traditional Japanese shrine with a stone lantern, a pagoda, and a shrine gate. 3
A traditional Japanese building with a sign that reads 'Sakura Park.' 4
A traditional Japanese temple complex with a large open courtyard, surrounded by buildings with tiled roofs. 5
By Japan Guide Agency
Free cancellation available
Price is $673 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Matsuyama's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle with a government-licensed multilingual guide!

    Discover the warm charm of Matsuyama, the largest city on Shikoku island. Ride the ropeway up to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original surviving castles, with sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Soak in the timeless atmosphere of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, whose wooden bathhouse is said to have inspired Spirited Away.

    With a private vehicle, explore at your own pace. Visit historic Ishite-ji Temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage, see the beloved retro Botchan Train, stroll the lively Okaido arcade, and admire the vermilion Isaniwa Shrine and the European-style Bansuiso villa.

    With a fully customizable itinerary and a knowledgeable local guide, this private tour is a relaxed, enriching way to experience the best of Matsuyama at your own pace.

Activity location

  • Dogo Onsen Honkan
    • 5-6 Dogoyunomachi,
    • 790-0842, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Matsuyama Station
    • 14
    • 790-0062, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan

Check availability

Van (Up to 7 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Van (Up to 7 Pax)

Price details
$798.75 x 1 Adult$798.75
Total
Price is $798.75
Until Sun, Oct 4

Minivan(Up to 4 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Minivan(Up to 4 Pax)

Price details
$798.75 x 1 Adult$798.75
Total
Price is $798.75
Until Sun, Oct 4

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)

Price details
$672.94 x 1 Adult$672.94
Total
Price is $672.94
Until Sun, Oct 4

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'Itinerary' list
  • Inclusions
    Private vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Exclusions
    You cannot combine multiple tour groups
  • Exclusions
    Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Exclusions
    Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under Itinerary

Know before you book

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

Activity itinerary

Dogo Onsen Honkan

  • 45m
Soak in the atmosphere of one of Japan's oldest hot springs, a wooden bathhouse dating to 1894 said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Your guide shares its history and the local onsen bathing customs.

Ishiteji

  • 30m
Explore this historic temple, the 51st stop on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. Admire its National Treasure two-story gate, three-story pagoda, and atmospheric grounds as your guide explains the pilgrimage tradition.

Botchan Train Museum

  • 20m
See the beloved Botchan Train, a charming replica of the Meiji-era steam locomotive immortalized in Soseki Natsume's novel. Your guide explains how this retro train still runs through Matsuyama's streets today.

Okaido Shopping Street

  • 30m
Stroll down Matsuyama's liveliest covered shopping arcade, lined with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. A great place to sample Ehime specialties like citrus treats and Imabari towels while soaking up the local atmosphere.

Isaniwa Shrine

  • 25m
Climb the stone steps to this striking vermilion shrine near Dogo Onsen, one of only three shrines in Japan built in the elaborate rounded Hachiman-zukuri style. Your guide explains its history and connection to the area.

Bansuiso

  • 30m
Admire this elegant French Renaissance-style villa built in 1922 by a former feudal lord, a designated Important Cultural Property. Your guide showcases its stained glass, chandeliers, and gardens at the foot of Matsuyama Castle.

Dogo Onsen Station

  • 20m
Admire the charming retro-Western architecture of this historic tram station beside Dogo Onsen, complete with the Botchan Karakuri Clock that comes to life on the hour with figures from Soseki's novel. A delightful photo stop.

Matsuyama Castle

  • 1h
Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. There are about 200 cherry trees on the castle grounds, making this a lovely cherry blossom spot typically around late March to early April each year.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Dogo Onsen Honkan
    • 5-6 Dogoyunomachi,
    • 790-0842, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Matsuyama Station
    • 14
    • 790-0062, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan

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