Matsuyama, 15.05.24

Matsuyama is a very pleasant city. About half a million people live here. It is the largest town on the island of Shikoku with a strong manufacturing base, tourism and fishing. The tourists come here to see the castle and Dogo Onsen, which is a famous hot spring and one of the oldest in Japan going back almost a thousand years. It lies just outside the city of Matsuyama, engulfed by suburban sprawl but retaining a quaint village atmosphere. The main street is a kind of arcade with no traffic and many boutique shops and small restaurants. 

Dogo Onsen

It was the destination for us today and we took a tram right outside the hotel as it was a bit far to walk. Dogo Onsen is the last stop on the line ending at a cute railway station. We just strolled up the main street checking the souvenirs on sale some of which were very good kind of craft items but also very expensive. 

Souvenirs

The onsen itself was closed due to renovations. It was an impressive building built in 1894. It is a public bathhouse and even has a private bathroom for the Imperial family and another separate one for the Emperor himself!

Along the mall we discovered a small restaurant advertising sea bream. Lunch! We had to wait in a queue for a while but then got a table. It was tiny with only the chef and a waitress running the business. From the picture menu we could order the grilled sea bream which we were after yesterday. To our surprise it was not the whole fish being served but only the tail end. It was delicious and together with the rice and some condiments a lovely lunch. The two beers were amazing too. 

Sea Bream

On the way back to the hotel we walked through a park nearby and got on the tram further down the line. For dinner we went to a food hall and ordered a vegetable quiche for myself and spag bowl for Christine. A real treat. 

Dogo Onsen Mall