Matsuyama is Shikoku's largest city, but at it's heart, it's an old-fashioned tram town with a hilltop fortress, Japan's oldest hot springs and a literary heritage that inspired some of the country's finest haiku. Slotted right into the heart of it, the dependable Crowne Plaza puts the castle ropeway and buzzing Okaido shopping arcade on your doorstep, with Dogo Onsen just a ten-minute tram ride away. It's a chain hotel (and there's no two ways about it!), but the 14th-floor Sky Lounge with its panoramic views of Matsuyama Castle and the handsome French Renaissance-style Bansuisou Villa, elevates morning coffee into something really quite special.
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Rooms in the main building are comfortable and well-appointed, with deep bath tubs, crisp linens and that Japanese knack for making compact spaces feel orderly rather than cramped. The higher floors face Shiroyama Park and have a separate living area and castle views — definitely worth requesting if you can. Thoughtful touches include a pillow menu and aromatherapy products, and all rooms come with 24-hour room service, which is handy if you've overdone it at Dogo Onsen and can't face the tram back into town for dinner.
Breakfast in the Sky Lounge with Matsuyama Castle practically at eye level and the elegant Bansuisou Villa below.
The tram stop outside connects directly to Dogo Onsen. Hop off and stroll the arcade in a yukata after dark — the Botchan Karakuri mechanical clock performs on the hour and it's a lovely way to end the evening.
This is a large, corporate hotel and the annex rooms are noticeably smaller. Opt for the main building if space matters.
ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama by IHG can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Japan trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Japan trips featuring ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama by IHG or get advice and suggestions from one of our Japan specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama by IHG start from around $80, or US$80, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A literary castle town with 3,000 years of hot spring tradition and top-tier cycling routes on its doorstep.
