Did you know there are two castles in Japan with the name Matsuyama? I learned this while my parents were visiting and we had the chance to see both castles!
At the beginning of their stay, we met in Kurashiki City, and planned to come to Matsue City by train. On the way, we stopped to see Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (pictured above). Located 430 meters above sea level, it has the distinction of being Japan’s highest mountain castle with an original castle tower!
Toward the end of their stay, we visited the island of Shikoku, where Matsuyama Castle (pictured below) is located in Ehime Prefecture. We enjoyed riding the chairlift up to the castle grounds, which offer panoramic views of Matsuyama City. Matsuyama Castle is also known for having original towers and is considered one of the most prestigious castles in Japan. The castle’s high stone walls and long defensive corridors leading up to the keep reminded me of Himeji Castle!
I really recommend seeing both castles!! 🏯どちらもおすすめです!!🏯
Himeji-jo is one of the most iconic castles in Japan, is listed on Unesco’s World Heritage Sitesand is one of the few castles with both its exterior and interior intact, like Matsue-jo!
Until recently, I had only caught a (very!) brief glance from the bullet train, so when it reopened in March of 2015, after undergoing extensive restoration, I really wanted to see it in all its sparklingly white glory. Although it was very hot, it was thrilling to slip back in time at this beautiful castle.
美しいな御姫様と恐ろしいな藩主ですね(笑) What a charming princess and fearsome lord!😉
When we visited Tsuwano, the weather and atmosphere were completely different from Hagi. A bright blue sky and sunshine made walking along the quaint main street of Tsuwano very enjoyable. Of course we also saw many carp!!
We also walked to both Taikodani Inari Shrine and Yomei-ji Temple, located at either end of the town. We walked through many vermillion torii winding up to Taikodani Inari, which looked stunning against the hills. It was very tranquil and peaceful at Yomei-ji Temple. Its unique thatched roof also looked beautiful against the changing colors of the leaves.
最後は津和野城にリフトで向かいました!! 津和野城も今は城跡だけどとても美しい眺めでした♡
Finally, we rode a lift and hiked a little to see the remains of Tsuwano castle. The view of Tsuwano far below was breathtaking!!
My father has wanted to visit Hagi and Tsuwano, so we all went on a short trip! Hagi had a castle ruled by the Mori clan during the Edo period in Japan, but now there are only ruins. Although the castle grounds are vast and lovely, the day we visited, the weather was cloudy and gloomy. There were also very few people, but many stray cats. This gave the castle grounds a mysterious, haunted atmosphere.
Before I came to live in Japan, I read a little bit about the Bakumatsu period in Japan. I was really excited to see the shrine (top center photo) that includes the school where Yoshida Shouin-San taught many of the future leaders of the Meiji era!!