Matsuyama Sightseeing Port is located in Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture. It is approximately 20 minutes by car or train to downtown Matsuyama and about 30 minutes to Matsuyama Airport.

● Operational period: TBD
● Berthing capacity: Minimum vessel length of 24 m (78.7 ft), maximum draft TBD
● Reservations: TBD
● Maximum mooring time: 1 month
● Port fees: Mooring and entry fees apply
● Shore power: Available
● Water refill: Available
● Refueling: Available
● Waste disposal: TBD

The ferry terminal at Matsuyama Sightseeing Port has a range of facilities, including restaurants, gift shops, visitor information centers, and event venues. The terminal is just a 20-minute drive or train journey to downtown Matsuyama.

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with a history spanning three millennia. According to legend, the springs were discovered when a white egret was spotted soaking its wounded leg in a pool of warm water. After the egret flew away with its leg fully healed, the local people tried bathing in the pool themselves, establishing a bathing tradition that continues to this day. The white egret remains a common motif that can be seen throughout the Dogo Onsen area, notably adorning the cupola of the historic bathhouse, Dogo Onsen Honkan.

This striking structure, originally built in 1894, comprises seven buildings from different time periods that have been joined as one. The result is an eclectic yet stunning exterior and an interior with labyrinthine hallways and winding staircases. Within the bathhouse is the Yushinden, a private bath exclusively for members of the imperial family. Visitors can view the bath on guided tours and bathe in a replica at the neighboring Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu.

The Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu is more than just a bathhouse but a showcase of Ehime’s crafts. The entrance has washi paper displays from the town of Uchiko, while ceramic tiles made in Tobe are used in the bathing areas. Private-use rooms are styled with art inspired by local legends. One such room, Tsubaki-no-ma, honors Prince Shotoku’s legendary visit in the sixth century through a relief sculpture made with Imabari textiles. These art-filled spaces are a relaxing setting to enjoy traditional sweets and tea after a soothing bath.

A short stroll from the baths is Dogo Haikara Dori Street, a retro shopping arcade that retains its Meiji period (1868–1912) charm. The streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants that offer a variety of local specialties and souvenirs. Don a yukata and stroll through the arcade in style, sampling citrus treats and browsing artisanal wares such as Imabari Towels and Uejima pearls. Rickshaw tours are an immersive way to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide.

A selection of venues that reflect the city’s heritage are available for private use. Matsuyama Castle, built on a hill in the middle of the city, has stood as a symbol of strength since the early seventeenth century. At the Ninomaru Historic Site Garden, located on its southwestern grounds at the bottom of the hill, plant beds and water features mark out the foundations of a former palace. Around the garden’s edges are three teahouses that can be reserved for a few hours at a time, ideal for private gatherings in a serene environment steeped in history.

Another remarkable site is Bansuiso, a grand 1922 villa in the French Neo-Renaissance style. Originally built as a second home for Count Sadakoto Hisamatsu, a descendant of the Matsuyama family that ruled the area, Bansuiso has hosted members of the Imperial Family and other distinguished guests. The villa's elegant rooms, decorated with period furnishings, make for a refined setting for special events and gatherings.

Matsuyama has an exceptional array of unique accommodations, each designed for an unforgettable stay. The Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin, in the mountains north of the city, is a tranquil, art-infused hideaway. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, its seven suites embody minimalist luxury with expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, and guests can enjoy artworks by international contemporary artists throughout the property.

Step into the past with a stay at Bath and Bed Dogo near Dogo Onsen. This beautifully renovated kura warehouse is over a century old and blends modern comforts and traditional charm in a convenient location. Also managed by the same company is The Feet Dogo, a retro Showa-era single-story house near Dogo Park that offers a nostalgic stay.

Hidden within an unassuming apartment is Entei. Its two rooms, Setoka and Haruka, are embellished with furnishings that exemplify Ehime’s rich craftsmanship. The exposed wooden ceiling beams and Iyo bamboo artworks imbue the rooms with warmth. Yamanote Bettei Hagakure is an accommodation that mixes contemporary and traditional design. Its private villas have Japanese-inspired decor and deep soaking tubs made of cypress wood for a relaxing getaway. It is located on the same grounds as the Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum, where glass sculptures are displayed around the gardens.

Matsuyama Sightseeing Port is a great base to explore Ehime and beyond. It's easy to continue to other superyacht-friendly ports in Ehime. These include Miyaura Port on the island of Omishima, renowned for its contemporary art museums, and Yuge Port in Kamijima, a secluded retreat in the heart of Setouchi. Across the Seto Inland Sea is Hiroshima Prefecture, making it easy to explore downtown Hiroshima and sites such as the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima.