（Day trip）Ehime: A Journey Through Matsuyama’s History and Culture
Day1
After experiencing the charm of traditional crafts through Tobe-yaki pottery painting and hand-forming, take a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric Dogo Onsen district. Then, reflect on the history of the castle town at Matsuyama Castle, the symbol of Matsuyama, and feel the romance of the Meiji era at the Museum of Clouds on the Hill. This fulfilling course allows you to fully enjoy Matsuyama’s rich culture and history.
Route: Tobe Pottery Hall → Dogo Onsen → Matsuyama Castle → Museum of Clouds on the Hill → Matsuyama Station
Departure from Matsuyama Station (around 9:30 AM)
Transportation: 30 minutes by car
Pottery Experience / Tobe Pottery Hall
Tobe-yaki, designated as an Intangible Cultural Property, is ceramics produced mainly in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture. Characterized by hand-painted thin blue patterns on white base, it is durable and chip-resistant, making it very practical. At Tobe Pottery Hall, you can experience pottery making including wheel throwing, hand-forming, and painting, as well as browse and purchase daily tableware and unique pieces.
A 250-meter-long shopping street adjacent to the Dogo Onsen Honkan building. Lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, it bustles with many tourists. Look for local gourmet food and specialty products.
Transportation: 10 minutes by car or 7 minutes by train (Dogo Onsen Station → Police Station-mae Station) + 4 minutes walk
Matsuyama Castle (30 minutes)
A castle built on a 132-meter-high mountain in central Matsuyama. There are four climbing paths and a ropeway to reach the main keep. Enjoy the nationally rare “climbing stone walls” and the spectacular view from the main keep.
A museum themed around Shiba Ryotaro’s novel “Clouds Above the Hill.” Features diverse exhibitions with annually changing themes and a building designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. This popular museum attracts many visitors, even those who haven’t read the novel.
