Matsuyama city’s central sights are Matsuyama castle and Dogo Onsen, but if you visit Matsuyama, located in the city outskirts there are two other famous places we will now introduce, and that we would like you to try. They’re both parks with beautiful autumn leaves, so we especially recommend visiting during autumn.

The first one is Matsuyama Central Park.

It is a park that was established in celebration of Matsuyama municipal government’s 100th anniversary, for friendly relations with the city’s sister city in Germany, Freiburg.

The viewing platform on top of the hill was made in the image of a European castle.

The viewing platform has been made like a cloister, so you can enjoy your walk in the air while appreciating views of the trees colored with autumn leaves within the park.

If you climb higher to the top of the tower, you can also experience what it feels like for a garrison keeping watch on the castle’s surroundings from the windows in the castle walls.

Actually, they have also set up telescopes that can be used for a fee, and when you take a look to the hill in the east, you can see Matsuyama castle in the distance! Starting from the main tower, the building with its group of tiered towers is a true sight.

You can also see a slightly strange sight, a combination of a Japanese and a Western building!

The second place we recommend is Jonofuchi Park.

Jonofuchi Park has a pond that according to legend was created when Kukai (Kobo-Daishi) visited the area, and water began gushing from the spot where he struck his cane. And it is among Japan’s 100 ‘Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters’ designated by the Japanese Ministry of Environment.

Within the pond there is a small island that can be reached by crossing the connecting bridge.

On the island there is a bronze statue of Kobo-Daishi and a small shrine installed, among others. Maybe this is where Kobo-Daishi struck his cane to the ground.

Nearby the pond you can find a watering place that draws its water from a spring. The city residents visit constantly to fill their large water tanks and bottles with the water. The water from the spring tastes soft and delicious.

In addition, in the vicinity you can find a waterfront plaza, as well as a multipurpose square, and the park is a place of relaxation where the city residents can safely enjoy playing by the water.

From the western style viewing platform you can see views of one of Shikoku’s most famous castles. You can also have a taste of the exquisite water related to Kobo-Daishi, known for Shikoku’s 88 sacred places. We deeply recommend these famous spots in the outskirts of Matsuyama city.

Visit when you come to Matsuyama!

Matsuyama Central Park

Location: 1-1633-2 Asahigaoka , Matsuyama city, Ehime Prefecture
HP: http://iyokannet.jp/front/spot/detail/place_id/2699/ (Japanese)

Jonofuchi Park

Location: 1346-1 Minamitakaimachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
HP: http://iyokannet.jp/front/spot/detail/place_id/2496/ (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka