Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is an iconic symbol of Matsuyama City, and it is also famous as being an impregnable castle.
If you enjoy hiking, you can walk up from the base of the mountain. There are shaded spots and scenic rest areas along the way—it's a great way to experience the beauty of nature.
Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
There's an old steam locomotive on display right next to the station, which is a popular photo spot. The clock tower and retro streetcars in front of the station really make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Kumagawa Juku
Mackerels and other seafood from Wakasa Bay came to this post town on its way to Kyoto. The road was called Saba Kaido (Mackerel Highway) or Wakasa Kaido, which connected Obama and Wakasa Town by the Wakasa Bay, Kumagawa Juku, over Shiga, through Ohara and Yase to Kyoto.
There was hardly anyone around—just an empty, deserted street. It felt like a town that's seen better days.
Ginzan Onsen
This hot spring resort was developed along with the Nobesawa Silver Mine which prospered in the Edo Period. After the mine was closed, it was turned into a therapeutic onsen resort until a flood destroyed it in 1913. By early Showa Period, local businesses have helped restore the village close to the current landscape with western-style wooden multi-story buildings on either side of Ginzan River.
Visiting Ginzan Onsen during heavy snowfall really makes the experience even more special.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Having been called the "land of resurrection," it is a shrine with the never-ceasing worshipers who are seeking the courage and readiness to take a new step in the passages of life.
With the nearby Xu Fu Park and AEON shopping mall, it's easy to plan a full day trip here.
WHAT MUSEUM
An arts and culture hub that opened on Tennozu Isle in December 2020. The museum mainly showcases rare artworks that its operator, Terada Warehouse, has been entrusted with by collectors.
Walked around the area and stopped by for a coffee ☕️