Differences and Access Between "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Differences and Access Between "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

Risk of Geographical Misidentification due to Similar Names

In travel plans to visit historical buildings in Japan, there are cases where destinations are easily confused due to similar names. A typical example is "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture.

Although both are known as precious historical sites where historical castle tower structures remain, they are different castles located in completely different prefectures. When travelers from overseas use online booking systems or map searches, there is a risk of booking tickets or setting travel routes to the wrong destination depending on the choice of search terms, so it is necessary to accurately grasp the geographical relationship.

Location and Nearest Transportation of "Matsuyama Castle" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

"Matsuyama Castle," which is adjacent to the Dogo Onsen area and is the main subject of guidance on this site, is located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. It exists within Ehime Prefecture in the Shikoku region.

The main stations serving as access bases to Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, are JR Shikoku's "Matsuyama Station," Iyo Railway's "Matsuyamashi Station," and the city tram "Okaido tram stop," among others. From the Dogo Onsen area (Dogo Onsen Station), the standard travel route is to take the Iyo Railway city tram toward Okaido tram stop or other stops.

Location and Nearest Station of "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

On the other hand, the other castle, "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle," is located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, in the Chugoku region. As a historical castle name, the former province name "Bitchu" is prefixed to it.

The nearest station to Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is "Bitchu-Takahashi Station" on the JR West Hakubi Line. It is located in a different prefecture on the opposite shore across the Seto Inland Sea from Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and the nearest station is also completely different.

Cautions When Booking Train Tickets or Searching Routes

When arranging travel using JR's reserved seat booking systems (such as e5489) or various transfer search apps, care is required when entering station names.

When aiming for Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, the destination station name is "Matsuyama." On the other hand, when aiming for Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture, the destination station name is "Bitchu-Takahashi."

If you search simply for "Matsuyama" and book a ticket, a ticket to Matsuyama Station in Ehime Prefecture will be selected. Therefore, there is a possibility that a traveler planning to head to Bitchu Matsuyama Castle might accidentally purchase a ticket for the Ehime Prefecture side, or vice versa. Please make sure to check the prefecture name and line name displayed on the reservation screen.

How to Travel from Dogo Onsen to "Matsuyama Castle" in Ehime Prefecture

When heading to Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, during your stay in Dogo Onsen, you can use the Iyo Railway city tram from Dogo Onsen Station. Fares can be paid in cash, as well as by nationwide transportation IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica, or cashless payments such as the Mican App.

For the latest information on the routes to take, the frequency of service, and the operation details of the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Lift, please check the official Matsuyama Castle website and the official website of the Iyo Railway Group before departure.

※ Business hours, fees, and operating schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the detail page of each spot and official information for the latest details.