Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s Twelve castles with its original structure and ancient architectural typology - in Japanese it called ‘tenshu’. It was built on a "flatland-mountain". Apparently, not all Japanese castles originally is built with tenshu, and many other well-known castles may have lost their tenshu. We spent some two hours to explore this beautiful castle and admiring the ancient architectural typology. It was a true blessing to be able to visit and see the magnificent castle and its complexes. Be sure you go to the summit to continue exploring the castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. It was fortunate that we were able to take some pictures of the amazingly blooming sakura trees in the castle compound. Truly an incredible place to be visiting and strolling around with great admiration.
A beautiful castle built on the summit of Mt. Katsuyama. It is said to be one of the biggest castles in Japan standing on a hill above a plain. You can reach it by hiking or by riding a Cable Car or Chair Lift for a fee. The castle is also renowned for being one of the 12 Original Castles in Japan with an intact Main Keep that survived the Post Feudal Era. The castle was spacious & well maintained. The view from the top floor was really beautiful. Definitely a great place to visit when in Matsuyama.
Cat approuved !
You can choose to walk to the top or take a lift. The view of the city from up there is really beautiful. The castle exhibitions are simple but very beautiful to watch with some fun little interactive things here and there. It’s fun to wander around the labyrinthic route of the exihibit but those stairs are definitely narrow and you need to watch out your head ! The little stamp next to the ticket office is cute.
The surroundings of the castle (little shops, etc.) seemed half open half closed during my visit.
This was a really good castle to tour. I have been to a few and some are not much to it. I go through the front you can take a chair lift or cable car up, I did not know this and parked in the back and ended up climbing a steep set of stairs through the garden bs through the castle. I took the chair lift back down.
One of the best castles I’ve been to in Japan! It’s a huge compound, and there is a solid museum inside. There is also armor to try on and a fun photo op! Great views from the hill.
