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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The shared areas are polished and efficient rather than designer, though the top-floor bar more than compensates with cocktails and evening views across the illuminated castle lawns. For dining options, Ishizuchi grills wagyu beef and seasonal seafood teppanyaki-style right in front of you, Unkai serves refined Japanese cuisine, Tohen handles Chinese dishes, and the Tea Lounge does delicious homemade cakes. A 24-hour fitness centre rounds things out, and although there's no pool or spa, Dogo Onsen is your answer for a proper soaking.
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.
The real magic is all outside the hotel doors. Matsuyama Castle sits atop its forested hill just minutes away; take the chairlift up for sweeping views across the city to the Seto Inland Sea. Dogo Onsen Honkan, the grand three-storey wooden bathhouse that supposedly inspired Spirited Away's iconic setting, reopened fully in 2024 after years of restoration. Wander Ishiteji Temple (stop 51 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage), try taimeshi — local sea bream over rice — at Kadoya, or ride the nostalgic Botchan steam train between the city centre and the hot spring quarter.
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.
A literary castle town with 3,000 years of hot spring tradition and top-tier cycling routes on its doorstep.
