I'm M, and I adore solo travel. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture! Matsuyama is a destination where you can truly immerse yourself in city walks, hot springs, castles, gourmet delights, and souvenir shopping, making it perfect for even a brief escape. What delighted me most upon arriving in Matsuyama was encountering Mican, Ehime Prefecture's beloved mascot, everywhere I went in the city. From signboards and souvenir shops to even construction site poles, Mican would appear in unexpected places, and each time, I couldn't help but exclaim, "How cute!" My spirits lifted instantly! As a character enthusiast, these little sightings brought a chuckle and made the entire city feel wonderfully welcoming.
An absolute must-see for Matsuyama sightseeing is Matsuyama Castle. I took the lift both ways to and from the castle, and I highly recommend it! While it was a little thrilling, on a clear day, the breeze felt wonderful, and it brought back a joyful, childlike feeling! The ascent, with its panoramic views, became a unique and cherished memory of Matsuyama Castle.
And of course, when one thinks of Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen immediately comes to mind! This time, I visited Asuka-no-Yu first thing on a weekday morning. The morning hours were relatively quiet, and for a while, I had the open-air bath all to myself. Soaking leisurely in the hot spring on a tranquil morning was pure luxury. It felt like a truly special experience, even in a popular tourist spot.
Ehime also boasts an incredibly rich variety of souvenirs. Beyond sweets, there were countless products that truly captured the essence of Ehime, such as processed foods, juices, and jellies made from mikan (mandarin oranges). Many of them were also charmingly designed, making the process of choosing gifts for family and friends a delightful experience. Matsuyama's attractions are compactly arranged, making it an easy city to explore even for first-time visitors! Given my love for Mican and the superb onsen, I'm already eager to return to Matsuyama soon, haha! Next time, I'd like to visit the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, and I plan to read the novel first before I go!