Right in fron of Matsuyama City station (Iyo railroad) a representative spot of Matsuyama city shopping district "Gintengai" is located. Various of stores can be found here. In the northern part of 600 m long road a shopping district "Okaido" with a giant arcade is located. It is convenient to search for accommodation near Matsuyama City station or Okaido (both Iyo railroad).
If you ride from JR Matsuyama station or another main station by a replica steam locomotive "Botchan Ressha" and get off at Dogo onsen (Iyo railroad) you will directly arrive in Dogo onsen with over 3,000 years old history. A nostalgic view of the main building of Dogo onsen is simple, and accommodating guests may enjoy walking hot spring town wearing yukata.
Walk for about 5 minutes from Okaido (Iyo railroad), go out from ropeway town you will found a ropeway platform. If climb to 8th station by ropeway or lift nearby, the Matsuyama Castle which is symbol of Matsuyama is right close. Swinging in a lift or ropeway you may observe a spectacular views of Matsuyama.
Transfer to Iyo railroad at JR Matsuyama station, get off at Ogaido (Iyo railroad) and walk for 2 minutes. "Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum" introducing Ryotaro Shiba's "Saka no Ue no Kumo" work to the world. Then, go the same path that characters of the book walked. Even if you did not read this book you may learn it easy.
Ride from JR Imabari station to Imabarijomae by Setochi bus towards Imabari business office for about 7 minutes. Imabari Castle which is one of "Japan's Top 3 Large Water Castles" and "Japan's Top 100 Castles" is located here. It is a rare water castle with castle tower consisting of 5 levels and 6 floors, and a ditch filled with sea water. There are about 60 Yoshino cherry trees within the castle, and this spot is popular as a site for cherry blossom viewing.
If uou stroll for 15 minutes from JR Uwajima station, you will find Uwajima Castle which is one of 12 donjons in the country. If climb up stone steps at the same time you could see castle tower with 3 levels and 3 floors. From a donjon located on the mountain top you may overlook faraway Uwajima Bay and town of Uwajima visible below.