Matsuyama, Uchiko, Dogo Onsen Trip

Matsuyama

It was about 4 hours to get there in total, first on the Shinkansen to Okayama and then on a limited express train from there to to Matsuyama. We got there in the evening so we just grabbed dinner and got ready for the next day's trip. 

Uchiko

We took a train from Matsuyama to Uchiko. The train we boarded was totally Anpanman-themed. Anpanman is a popular Japanese kids' cartoon about a superhero with a head made of anpan, a type of Japanese bread. It's a historic town working on increasing their tourism. They are known for their kabuki theater and wax production. The kabuki theater was under renovation while we were there. The Kamihagara residence and wax museum was interesting. I really liked it!

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest public bathhouses in Japan. If you're an anime fan, it even served as inspiration for the the film Spirited Away! Some of the options were already sold out when we got there. It's a popular place for domestic and international tourists to visit. After spending the morning at the bathhouse, we visited Ishite-ji Temple, the 51st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. There is a cave you can walk through and will lead you to a smaller temple ground, which has a large, golden dome-shaped hall. 

Matsuyama Castle

Our last day before the multiple hour trip back to Himeji. We saw Matsuyama Castle, which had both a cable car and single-seat chairlift system that you could use to ride up to the top of the hill the castle is located on. We opted for the chairlift since we had rarely seen anything like it before and the nice weather allowed to enjoy the ride up beside the blooming trees. Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles" that still features an original main keep.