Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CASTLES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 20 2026
Matsuyama Castle

Hilltop castle keep on Mount Katsuyama, overlooking central Matsuyama city. Visitors ride a lift or ropeway, walk past stone walls and gates, then climb steep interior stairs to top-floor views.

Highlights

  • Connected-style main keep
  • Stone walls and gates
  • Top-floor panoramic views

Good to know

  • Ropeway, chairlift or hiking trail up
  • Steep, narrow stairs inside the keep
  • Long queues on holidays and weekends

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