A relaxing one-day sightseeing course for mothers and daughters!

📍Trip Overview

I have circumstances that prevent me from leaving home for a full day, but I still want to take her on a trip.

And that's how the trip turned out.
This time, I took a day trip from Haneda to Matsuyama with my elderly mother.

I chose a route that would allow for easy travel while still allowing me to fully enjoy Matsuyama's unique atmosphere.

⸻

Morning: Haneda to Matsuyama ✈️

Departed Haneda Airport on a 7 AM flight.

I took advantage of JAL's limited-time sale, so it was only ¥7,000 one way!

Arrived at Matsuyama Airport in about an hour and a half. Since it was an early morning flight, I had plenty of time to explore the area.

✨Recommended Points✨
✈️Traveling mainly by plane and public transportation, this route is safe and doesn't involve too much walking.
🚶Leaving in the morning and returning in the evening means you don't need to stay overnight, making it a lighter option.

⸻

Morning: Sightseeing at Matsuyama Castle 🏯

Traveled from Matsuyama Airport to the city center and first visited Matsuyama Castle.
The ropeway makes it easy to climb the slopes, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for seniors.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea.
Take a break and enjoy a tangerine juice from the tap at the souvenir shop right next to the ropeway station.

📍Matsuyama Castle Tower
5-minute walk from Iyotetsu Okaido Station
From there, take the ropeway or lift to reach the castle.

📍Shin Ehime Branch School Matsuyama Castle Town Branch (Tangerine Juice🍹)
5-minute walk from Iyotetsu Okaido Station

Recommended Points
🚡Easy access via ropeway or lift
🏯While there's plenty to see inside the castle, you can also get a feel for Matsuyama's history in a short amount of time within the free area.

⸻

Lunch: Savor Matsuyama's specialty, "Taimeshi" (sea bream rice) 🍚🐟

Enjoy Matsuyama's specialty, taimeshi, for lunch.
We enjoyed the unique flavors of Ehime, topped with fluffy seasoned rice and sea bream sashimi.

📍Local Cuisine Kadoya Okaido Branch
3-1-1 Okaido, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Iyotetsu Kaikan Building, B1F
6-minute walk from Matsuyama Castle Lift Station

Recommended Points
🐟The elegant flavor of sea bream is popular with people of all ages
🏬Many restaurants in the city center make transportation convenient

⸻

Afternoon: Take the tram to Dogo Onsen 🚋♨

After dinner, we took a scenic ride to Dogo Onsen.
The experience of riding the retro tram itself adds to the travel atmosphere.

Before entering the hot springs, we took a break with a famous soft-serve ice cream tart from the long-established shop "Ichiroku Honpo."
Afterwards, we took a day trip to the Dogo Onsen Main Building.
Refresh your body and mind in this quaint building.

📍Ichiroku Honpo Dogo Honkanmae Branch
20-17 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Right in front of the Dogo Onsen Main Building!

📍Dogo Onsen Main Building
5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Recommended Points
🚃 The tram is comfortable, allowing you to sit down while traveling.
🍦 The second floor of Ichiroku Honpo is a spacious resting area, so you can take a short break with a soft-serve ice cream and enjoy sightseeing without stressing out.
♨️ The key to visiting the hot springs is to slightly stagger the check-in times of the nearby inns.
We were lucky enough to be able to use the resting area comfortably.

⸻

Evening: From Matsuyama Airport to Haneda Airport ✈️

After returning to Dogo Onsen Station, we had a final snack at a dumpling shop in front of the station. 🍡

From the station, take the limousine bus directly to Matsuyama Airport.
The convenient, comfortable travel without transfers is a great perk.

Returning to Haneda on a 6 PM flight, our fulfilling day trip came to an end.

📍Dogo Yukemuri Cafe
3-16 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
2-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station

Recommended Points
🚌The peace of mind of a single bus ride from the hot spring to the airport
👍A luxurious itinerary that lets you enjoy Matsuyama's castle, gourmet food, and hot springs from morning to evening

⸻

✨Summary✨

A day trip to Matsuyama that's easy to navigate, combining a plane, tram, and limousine bus, without too much walking.
Enjoy the history and views of Matsuyama Castle, local taimeshi (sea bream rice), and a relaxing soak in Dogo Onsen. This is a relaxing day trip that even mothers can enjoy with peace of mind.

For those considering traveling with elderly family members.
I was a little worried about a day trip from the Kanto region, but my mother, who can't walk long distances, thoroughly enjoyed the trip and was very satisfied!

It's surprisingly recommended! 😉

#DomesticTravel
#DayTrip
#MatsuyamaSightseeing
#DogoOnsen
#JapanTravelGuide