Setonaikai

Matsuyama

the birthplace of haiku and try your hand at pottery and indigo crafts

Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku, is home to the tradition of Natural Indigo Dying, we will stop at the Mingei Iyo Kasuri Textile Museum where you will learn of the process involved and take in the unfavorable aroma of the fermented dye.
Ishiteji is Matsuyama’s most important temple and number 51 of the 88 temples in the Shikoku Pilgrim Route. The temple is known for its Niomon Gate, a National Treasure.
Following lunch we will ride the chair-lift up to Matsuyama Castle and admire one of Japan’s few original Castles. The view over the city and the Inland Sea is spectacular.
Japan’s oldest hot spring, The Dogo Onsen, is also located in Matsuyama with a room still reserved only for the Emperor and Family. We will complete our day in Matsuyama with a private tour of this section, followed by a dip in the 1,500-year old onsen. Enjoy traditional sweets and tea in a private room after your soak.

Matsuyama Castle If you climb up to the castle tower, there’s a fantastic view of Matsuyama city, and all the way out to the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku Mountains.

Dogo Onsen Honkan Dogo Onsen is said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring.The first public bath to be designated a national important cultural property

Ishiteji Temple Built in 1318, the Niōmon Gate is a National Treasure, while the main hall, three-storied pagoda and belfry are important national cultural properties.

Iyo Kasuri features a plain indigo base with simple, rustic patterns. It was used as the material for daily clothing up to the 1960s. Today, it’s typically used for sundries and interior decoration, and it’s popular as a souvenir.