Matsuyama Castle was started to be built in 1602 by Kato Yoshiaki, one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, and took about 25 years to complete. The current castle tower was rebuilt in the late Edo period and is said to be the newest of the 12 remaining castle towers. The structure of the "linked castle tower" with a series of smaller castle towers and turrets around the main tower is known as one of the three major linked flatland castles in Japan along with Himeji Castle, and its solidity and beauty are impressive. Inside the castle tower, valuable materials such as spears, swords, and armor from that time are on display, and history lovers will find plenty to see.

The entire castle mountain of Matsuyama Castle is designated as a national historic site, and the vast grounds are dotted with 21 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. In particular, the "climbing stone wall" built from Ninomaru to Honmaru is a rare defensive method that has only been confirmed in Matsuyama Castle and Hikone Castle among existing castles, and is a must-see.

The summit can be easily accessed by ropeway or lift, and it is about a 10-minute walk from the summit station to the castle tower. The view from the castle tower is so spectacular that it was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and you can see Matsuyama city, the Seto Inland Sea, and the distant mountains.

[Trivia]
Matsuyama Castle is the only one of the 12 remaining castle towers that has the chrysanthemum crest on its roof tiles. This is because it became a castle of the Tokugawa clan (Matsudaira clan) after its construction. In addition, inside the castle tower, there are graffiti of samurai portraits that are said to have been drawn by carpenters at the time of reconstruction, which is a little surprise when you find them.

[Hidden Spot]
In the Ninomaru of Matsuyama Castle, there is the Ninomaru Historical Site Garden. It is the remains of the palace where the feudal lord lived, and the pond and garden are beautifully maintained. In particular, the "Shinji Pond" in the garden is popular as a power spot for love fulfillment. It has a different atmosphere from the castle tower, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.

[Useful points of concern]
Matsuyama Castle is located on top of a mountain, and even if you use the ropeway or lift, there are some slopes and stairs on the way to the castle tower. It gets especially hot in the summer, so we recommend that you stay well hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.
In addition, parking is paid and the number of spaces is limited, so it is a good idea to consider using public transportation.