Matsuyama Castle & Scenic Road of Shimanami-kaido

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Oyamazumi-jinja Shrine
Ancient Shinto sanctuary, and holy pilgrimage destination for Japan's warriors for more than 1,400 years.
As one of the most historically significant shrines in Japan, Oyamazumi Shrine is worth visiting in its own right.
But another reason to visit the shrine is the National Treasure Hall, which holds a fine collection of ancient samurai weaponry and shrine statuary.
Founded in 594, Oyamazumi-jinja Shrine serves as a place of worship for Oyamazumi no Okami - a god of mountains, oceans, and warfare.
So, since ancient times Samurai have visited Oyamazumi to ask for success in battle. Upon finding their wishes granted, these Samurai then returned to present their weapons and armor to Oyamazumi no Okami as an offering of thanks.
Today, this National Treasure Hall houses 80 percent of armor designated as National Treasure in Japan.
The armaments on display date back as far as the 10th century.

Hakatano Shio Salt Factory
Hakata Salt is defined by its mildly salty taste, with a slight hint of sweetness. This characteristic flavor results from traces of bittern, a component of the seawater used in the production process.
Salt which is close to 100% pure sodium chloride and contains very little bittern just tastes harshly salty, while salt containing all the constituents of seawater and too much bittern has a strong bitter taste. The Japanese, who have made salt from seawater from ancient times to the present, have always taken elaborate care to ensure just the right amount of bittern in their salt.
The downward flow evaporation method used to make salt on the Seto Inland Sea coast from 1953 to 1972 is said to have produced ideal salt for food preparation and the method now used at Hakata Salt takes this method as its model. You can see and learn how these high quarity products are made in the factory.

Matsuyama Castle
Perched high atop 433-foot-tall Mt. Katsuyama, the 17th century castle was once the power seat for the Matsudaira Clan, who ruled this area during the Edo period. Originally constructed between 1602 and 1628, the castle is one of Japan's twelve originally surviving castles, although it burnt down twice, once in 1642 and again in 1784 after being struck by lightning. The structure you see today dates from 1854 and houses a museum filled with weaponry, calligraphy and art. Enclosed by four gates and stone walls, the donjon is an Important Cultural Property.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
View of Kurushima Kaikyo (Strait) and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is wonderful to take a photo.
Matsuyama Castle's steep hilltop location is accessible by a cable car; the ride up offers phenomenal views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

LUNCH
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant.

Special Notes:

-Guests will have to take shoes off when visiting Matsuyama Castle.
-This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
-Bring Local currency (JPY) for additional purchase.
-During the cherry blossom season, Matsuyama Castle is very crowded.
-The tour order may vary.