Day One Japan

Ehime (愛媛県)

Ride up to Matsuyama Castle, then walk down through the old fortifications to a garden and the former outer enclosure.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
Matsuyama Castle’s keep and stone walls
Matsuyama Castle · Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Matsuyama Castle

From JR Matsuyama Station (松山駅)

At the JR Matsuyama Station tram stop (JR松山駅前), board an Iyotetsu tram that serves Okaido (大街道). From Okaido, walk north to the castle ropeway’s Shinonomeguchi lower station (東雲口駅舎), ride to Chojaganaru (長者ヶ平), and continue on foot to the keep.

JR Matsuyama Station East Exit (JR 松山駅 東口)

The rebuilt JR Matsuyama Station from the east side across the forecourt
CT-May · CC0 · Resized
Public transport in Google Maps Ehime tourism’s ropeway access guide

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Matsuyama Castle (松山城)

    Follow the uphill path from the upper ropeway station to Honmaru Square (本丸広場). Go inside the wooden keep if the stairs suit your group, or take in the city view from the square.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsuyama Castle opening and visitor guide

  2. 2. Ninomaru Historical Garden (二之丸史跡庭園)

    Follow the castle’s Kuromonguchi route (黒門口登城道) downhill toward the garden. Its pools and planting trace parts of the former residence. The descent has stone steps.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Castle walking paths and garden access

  3. 3. Shiroyama Park (城山公園 堀之内地区)

    Finish below the hill in the Horinouchi section of Shiroyama Park. Look back at the keep from the open grounds before heading into the city center.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsuyama Castle’s park guide

The walking map begins at the upper ropeway station. Check ropeway hours and use the ropeway back down if you prefer to skip the stone steps.

Transport and visitor information checked .