Matsuyama, Japan Cruise Port

The capital city of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Matsuyama is a major port for trade and industry. It’s most known for “onsen,” its therapeutic hot springs that are among the oldest on the entire island of Japan. Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring—also in Matsuyama—has a Meiji period wooden bathhouse that’s been open to the public since 1894. The quaint, homey locale invites visitors to come and revitalize and get their spirits cleansed. The island is home to eight of the eighty-eight temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-year-old, 1,200 km journey offering breath-taking views, caring hospitality, and inner-peace. Masaoka Shiki, known as “The Father of Modern Japanese Haikus,” was born in Matsuyama and in his memory there are a number of monuments dedicated to the haiku located throughout the island. There’s a museum in Shiki’s honor, as well as other museums depicting works by regional artists.

• Visible from almost every point in the city, the five-story tenshu, or castle keep, of Matsuyama Castle is a must see feature of this flatland-mountain castle built in 1603.
   
• Become enamored by the Bocchan Wind-up Clock near Dogo Onsen Station. This intricate timepiece creates a comical tableau with little carved figures that come alive when the correct hour strikes.
   
• Feel at peace at the Isaniwa Shrine. After a few sets of stairs, you’ll see the two emperors and empress enshrined there, as well as the treasure hall filled with swords and armor from the samurai/rónán era.
   
• No visit to Matsuyama would be complete without a visit to the famous bathhouse at Dogo Onsen. Tranquil and spiritual, some astute Miyazaki fans may recognize it as the inspiration for the main house in the film Spirited Away.