Matsuyama

Matsuyama in Ehime is home to roughly 440,000 people.

It’s about 40 miles (64 kilometers) away from Hiroshima and about 150 miles (241 kilometers) from Kobe.

When staying in Matsuyama experience locals at their most relaxed at one of its pretty gardens and parks. Dogo Park, Matsuyama Central Park and pretty Ninomaru Historical Garden are all wonderful places to find a park bench and get lost in a great book.

An old religious gathering place, one of the more popular of the many historic attractions in the city, is the Ishite Temple. Visit this heritage building to explore its cultural significance and then take your time to study its design.

This city in winter is a wonderland which is blessed with great skiing and snowboarding facilities. Across Shigenobu is home to the city’s most acclaimed runs.

Sometimes dramatic, sometimes wonderfully romantic, the castles and other defensive structures in this region are always excellent to explore. When you stare up at the distinct design of the Matsuyama Castle, it's easy to picture how members of the nobility once lived in this area.

If you’re searching for one more experience in in Matsuyama, before you leave make sure you check out Isaniwa Shrine.