Matsuyama, perched on Japan’s tranquil Shikoku Island, a peaceful, authentic slice of Japan—less traveled, deeply soulful, and unforgettable. Travelers come for the calm and stay for the culture. Walk the charming streets and sample seasonal treats featuring mikan, a type of Japanese mandarin orange. A standout culinary highlight of Matsuyama is matsuyamazushi, a local twist on sushi that reflects the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea. This dish features vinegared rice infused with fish stock and topped with fresh seasonal seafood—simple, elegant, and deeply flavorful. Another regional gem is goshiki somen, five-colored hand-rolled noodles dyed with natural ingredients like green tea, plum, and egg. Often served cold with sea bream (tai), the presentation is as delightful as the taste—like a painting on a plate. Its crown jewel, Matsuyama Castle, rises above the city with panoramic views and centuries of samurai history. Below, the legendary Dogo Onsen—Japan’s oldest hot spring—welcomes visitors into a world of healing waters and literary lore, famously inspiring the novel Botchan, and the bathhouse in the animated film Spirited Away. Stroll through serene gardens, explore ancient temples like Ishite-ji, or ride the charming Botchan train through streets lined with tradition.