This is the second article on the 3-day/0-night trip to Matsuyama, Ehime by Orange Ferry.
In the previous article,
I have shown you the boarding procedure, departure, inside the ship,
and the process from the arrival at Toyo Port to the arrival at Dogo Onsen hot spring resort.
*If you haven’t seen it yet,
please refer to this article.
In this article,
I would like to share with you some places I visited during a 12-hour stay in Matsuyama and
some of the local dishes I had.
I hope you will read it to the end.
Thank you again for your cooperation.
Places to visit on this trip
These are the places I visited on this trip.
The white circle in the upper right shows the Dogo Hot Springs area.
The red circle in the center is Matsuyama Castle.
The area around the blue circle is the downtown area known as “Okaido” .
The green arrow in the lower left is Matsuyama-shi Station of Iyo Railway.
This is the main station where Iyo Railway’s city and suburban lines intersect.
There are also many buses that arrive and depart from the area,
People never stop coming and going.
Commercial facilities such as Takashimaya Department Store and many restaurants are also located in the area.
Near the orange arrow on the far left,
is JR Matsuyama Station.
Compared to Matsuyama-Shi Station on the Iyo Railway,
the station is not as large or as crowded.
However, it is the main station on the JR side of Matsuyama City,
Railroads connect the station to major cities in Shikoku and Okayama, which is a Shinkansen transfer station.
On the way back, I took a bus from JR Matsuyama Station back to Toyo Port.
I also visited places not shown on this map.
Details will be described later.
Dogo Onsen
The first thing that caught my eye when I got off the bus is,
Dogo Onsen Station on the Iyo Railway.
It is the closest station to Dogo Hot Springs, a major tourist attraction in Ehime Prefecture.
It is a restoration of the old station building built in 1911.
There is a Starbucks store inside,
where tourists and locals were relaxing.
This is a sightseeing train that operates only on weekends and holidays,
called “Bo-chan Train”.
Unfortunately, I visited this place on weekday, so I was unable to board the train.
If I have a chance to visit Matsuyama again,
I would love to ride it.
For information on the dates and times of the Bo-chan train service,
please refer to Iyo Railway’s official website.
This is the “Bo-chan Karakuri Dokei（automaton clock）”.
It was installed in 1994 as part of a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Dogo Onsen Honkan.
The entrance to the shopping district can be seen on the far left of the photo.
From there, I head for the Dogo Onsen Honkan main building.
The tourist brochures I got on board were helpful.
The pink arrow is Dogo Onsen Station.
Near the yellow arrow is the entrance to the shopping district with the Bo-chan Karakuri Clock.
The pink line in the center is the shopping district.
The red arrow points to the Dogo Onsen Honkan.
After passing through the shopping street, the Dogo Onsen Honkan came into view.
Although I arrived around 8 am,
it was quite crowded with people.
Let’s go inside immediately.
I used this plan,
“Rei no Yu, 3rd floor private room course (￥2,500-)”.
Bathing in the hot water of God/spirit is possible within 90 minutes.
In addition to that, a new private rest room on the third floor is available.
Besides, we can freely view the Bo-chan Room and the Mata-shinden Hall.
I used room 10 on the 3rd floor as indicated by the arrow.
I went up to the third floor.
Lovely room.
Although I stayed for a short time,
how fortunate I was to be able to rent out such a beautiful room.
It was also a weekday around 8:00 a.m,
I secured this room without difficulty.
The view is also wonderful.
I change into the yukata provided.
I’m going to take a bath.
For more information about the baths, please visit the official Dogo Onsen website.
While I was bathing,
no one came to the bathroom.
I was able to enjoy the bath in a state where I practically had the place to myself.
When I returned to our room, sweets and tea were prepared.
Ehime is famous for its bochan dango.
It is a famous confectionary sold by a long-established Japanese confectionary store called Utsuboya.
It was so good I bought it as a gift for my family.
I was also able to tour the museum.
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This is the “Bocchan no ma (Boy’s Room)”.
According to information on the official Dogo Onsen website,
when Soseki Natsume, a great writer of the Meiji Era, was assigned to Matsuyama in 1895,
this room is said to have been used with the poet Shiki Masaoka in October of the same year.
I am sure they enjoyed the view from this room.
I visited the place while thinking about the great writers of the time.
The museum contains items of great historical value,
Numerous exhibits are on display.
This room is called Matachinden.
According to the information on the official website,
it is said to be the only bathroom for the exclusive use of the imperial family in Japan.
The staff of Dogo Onsen explained and showed us
around the Mata Shinden and its surrounding facilities.
This is the entrance to the Mata-shinden.
Our 90-minute stay was over in a flash.
Not just relax in a bath or private room,
I also learned about the history of Dogo Onsen.
After taking a bath, I wanted something cold to drink.
I go to one place now.
Mikan Tangerine juice from the faucet
After leaving Dogo Onsen, this is where I headed next.
Ehime no shokutaku (Ehime’s Table) 1970.
It specializes in tangerine juice that comes out of the faucet.
There are several such stores in Matsuyama City, though.
This time I visited this restaurant.
This is the “Mikan’s Family Tree” posted in the store.
I didn’t expect that there were so many varieties.
There were so many varieties that it was very difficult to decide which one to choose.
After careful consideration, I selected the following three types.
It is a standard Iyokan.
This is the first variety that comes to mind when we think of tangerines from Ehime.
Slightly acidic and astringent.
It is the least sweet of the three types I drank.
However, the acidity and astringency are not unpleasant.
It tastes good.
If you don’t like somethig sweet, this will be a good choice.
This is a variety called “Natsumi.
This is the first time I have heard of this variety.
It is less acidic and astringent than Iyokan.
It is refreshingly sweet and very easy to drink.
The last one we received was “Kashi 28 go” (Fruit Trial No. 28).
First of all, I was fascinated by the name of the variety.
It is also a rare variety born in Ehime.
The sweetest of the three types
is this.
As shown in the photo,
It has detailed information on the name of the variety, its characteristics and price.
You can choose with confidence.
After a refreshing drink of tangerine juice,
I stopped at a place.
I found something wonderful there.
I will show it to all of you.
Souvenirs for yourself
The next stop was here.
Iori is a store that sells Imabari towels.
I had not originally planned to stop by,
I was attracted by the atmosphere of the store.
I have come all the way to Ehime.
I wanted to buy something unique to Ehime.
Ehime is known for its Imabari towels.
As many of you know,
Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture is famous for towel production.
Take a look at what I purchased.
Towel and hat.
Some of you may be thinking, “Why a hat?
I will explain later.
This is a cute towel with Iyokan (citrus fruit) on it.
It is also comfortable to the touch.
Speaking of Imabari towels,
red, white and blue logo.
I like this logo, it’s very cool.
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These cotton caps are sold by Studio Oriza, based in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
The company manufactures and sells a variety of garments (woven fabrics), including stoles and hats.
It’s just too cute.
The moment I saw this hat, I immediately decided to purchase it.
The great thing about this hat is,
there are eight different ways to wear it.
The date of the visit, May 27, is,
my hiikun’s birthday.
This trip itself is a birthday present to myself.
Since I had come all the way to Ehime, I wanted to have something tangible to leave behind.
I bought a towel and this hat.
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I’m getting hungry.
It is time to have lunch.
Enjoy tai-meshi
The time is 11 o’clock.
It is almost time for lunch.
To avoid congestion,
I decided to have lunch around 11:00.
Ehime is known for its tai meshi (sea bream rice).
There are numerous restaurants specializing in tai meshi (sea bream rice) in Matsuyama City,
I, hiikun, visited this restaurant this time.
Matsuyama Tai-meshi Akika Dogo Branch.
The main store is located near Matsuyama Castle, which I will visit later.
I had originally planned to go there,
It was closed every Tuesday.
Therefore, I had lunch at this restaurant.
Near Dogo Onsen Station, Iyo Railway,
It is located near the entrance to the shopping district.
Matsuyama tai meshi set.
The price is ￥2,350- and includes tai-meshi, soup, tai sashimi, tempura, etc.
So much so that I forgot to take a picture,
I was crazy about the tai-meshi.
I am very satisfied with the quantity and taste.
The back of the menu describes how to eat it.
Enjoy the meal by following this instruction.
1. First, please eat it as it is.
2. Add condiments and enjoy.
3. Serve with ochazuke broth.
It is a way of eating eel similar to Hitsumabushi.
English is written alongside.
Overseas customers can also enjoy the food with relative peace of mind.
Tai Senzanki (￥450).
Deep-fried sea bream.
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
It goes well with ponzu (Japanese sauce made from ponzu citrus juice).
I wanted to have a drink.
There are still places to visit, so I refrained.
I had the best lunch.
Thank you for the meal. Gochisousamadesita!
So let’s head to the next location.
Matsuyama Castle
Now, let’s head for Matsuyama Castle.
I will take the Iyo Railway to the nearest stop of Matsuyama Castle, “Okaido”.
The Iyo Railway is indispensable for getting around Matsuyama City.
The number of trains in operation is very large.
I was able to ride without waiting.
It was very convenient and really helped me on this trip.
Arrived at the Okaido stop.
Very close to Matsuyama Castle.
There are many restaurants, commercial facilities, and accommodations in the area.
It was crowded with many people.
I took a 30-minute break at a Starbucks near the stop.
Finally, I headed for Matsuyama Castle.
Go in the opposite direction from the shopping street in the photo directly above.
Matsuyama Tai-meshi Akika Honten.
I actually planned to have lunch here.
As I mentioned earlier,
the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
From here I head for Matsuyama Castle keep.
There are three ways to get to the castle
・Walking
・Ropeway
・Lift
I, hiikun, chose the I could ride without waiting.
The views from the lift are spectacular.
Get off the lift,
From here l will walk to the castle.
Now, we can see it.
Matsuyama Castle.
The castle was built by warlord Kato Yoshiaki,
who lived between 1602 (Keicho 7), Azuchi-Momoyama period and early Edo period.
Mascot character named after the warlord Kato Yoshiaki
Yoshiaki-kun” welcomes us.
If Yoshiaki Kato came to our time,
and saw this mascot character,
what would he think?
Various historically valuable documents and weapons were on display in the castle.
I were able to stroll around the place without getting bored.
I actually held a firearm.
It was heavier than I had imagined.
Even more surprising than the flintlock gun,
it the weight of this sword.
I felt the weight of the sword was even heavier than that of the flintlock gun.
Flintlock guns and Swords,
I was impressed by how warlords and samurai of the past were able to fight with such heavy objects.
There are many ladder-like stairs in the castle.
Walk carefully.
After climbing the stairs here,
We arrived at the castle keep.
It offers a panoramic view of Matsuyama City.
The Seto Inland Sea can be seen in the distance.
I’m glad it was sunny.
“Yoshiaki-kun” can be seen from the castle tower.
Matsuyama Castle was wonderful.
The view from the castle was fantastic.
I learned a lot about this castle.
And I got a good workout because I walked around.
There is still time.
I go to one place now.
Take the Iyo Railway to a station with a view of the sea.
The time is around 14:30.
I am now taking the Iyo Railway to a station with a view of the sea.
I am now back at the Okaido stop.
From here, I head for Matsuyama-shi Station.
I have arrived at Matsuyama-shi Station.
Up to now, I have ridden the Iyo Railway City Line (streetcar).
From here, I take the suburban line, also on the Iyo Railway.
Matsuyama-shi Station is a very large station.
This terminal serves the city line and suburban line of Iyo Railway, local buses, and express buses to various cities.
In addition, various commercial facilities, restaurants, and offices, including the Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store, are located in the area,
It is crowded with many people.
I got the impression that there are more pedestrians than at JR Matsuyama Station.
Matsuyama-shi Station on the Iyo Railway Suburban Line is,
located on the first floor of the Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store.
It is a few minutes’ walk from the Matsuyama-shi Station stop on the City Line.
I take the train to Takahama
and head for a certain station.
About 20 minutes by train from Matsuyama Station…
Arrived.
Baishinji Station.
I learned about this station a few months ago when I watched one of the travel videos on YouTube.
I was fascinated by the lovely view of the Seto Inland Sea and the sandy beach that can be seen from the station.
There was still some time left, so I visited.
If you want to head to the beach,
cross the railroad crossing next to the station building.
Although there were somewhat more clouds,
the weather was clear and the view was great.
It was low tide when I visited.
The water was receding, so I walked on the beach, which is usually submerged.
At high tide, seawater comes to the front of the platform.
Next time I would like to visit at high tide.
It is also famous as the filming location for “Tokyo Love Story.”
I did not know this until I visited this station.
I hiikun not even a fan of this drama,
I have never seen it in the first place.
I did not visit on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,
I visited it because I was interested in the view of the sea from the station.
Of course I am aware of this drama.
When this drama was broadcast in 1991,
I, hiikun, was in the fifth grade in elementary school.
Without much study,
No thoughts about the future,
remembering those days when I was playing around with my friends,
I enjoyed the view.
Near the station,
There is a complex related to mandarin oranges called Mikyan Park Baishinji.
It has a processing plant for juices and other products and a store selling products related to mandarin oranges,
Also it has a café where you can get sweets and drinks made from mandarin oranges.
I did not stop by due to time constraints.
I would like to stop by the next time I visit Baishinji station.
Although I stay there for short time,
the lovely scenery soothed my heart.
It’s time to get hungry.
Let’s return to Matsuyama City Station and have dinner.
Summary
This is the second in a series of articles about a 3-day/0-night trip to Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan by Orange Ferry,
How about my report on my sightseeing tour of Matsuyama City?
Visit Dogo Onsen
Comparison of tangerine juices
Buy a cute towel and a stylish hat made in Imabari, Ehime, Japan
Enjoy authentic tai-meshi
Visit Matsuyama Castle
Visit Baishinji Station
Even though time was limited,
I was able to experience many things.
Finally, the trip was coming to an end.
The next issue will be the third and final installment.
I will tell you about the dinner I had after returning to Matsuyama City Station and the boat ride home.
Please read this article.
Thank you very much for reading this article to the end.
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