Horie

Soak in the natural thermal water and admire the architecture and period décor of the bathhouse that inspired the wonderful drawings of the animated film Spirited Away.

As one of the four haiku masters of Japan, poet Masaoka Shiki was a bright, yet fleeting, light in Japanese literature.

Picturesque cherry blossom trees form a different kind of moat around a three-story feudal castle with views extending across Matsuyama.

Admire a bird’s-eye view of lush greenery, mountains and Matsuyama’s cityscape while riding in a gondola or an open-sided chairlift to the city’s feudal castle.

Climb a stone staircase to this striking hilltop temple to browse displays of samurai swords, watch traditional wedding ceremonies and see elegant prayer halls.

Occupying the site of a medieval castle, this park is a tranquil oasis with colorful vegetation, varied wildlife, an observation deck, a museum and castle ruins.