Matsuyama vs Takamatsu 2026: Which Japanese City is Best?

Hello, Jjinsaengsu here! :)

Lately, many of you are looking for small Japanese cities

brimming with tranquil charm, rather than the bustling metropolises,

aren't you!

I too was longing to escape the busy city centers

and find some relaxed healing, so after much thought,

last year

I embarked on a wonderful trip with an

Itinerary of Takamatsu in, Matsuyama out.

The flight prices were reasonable,

and it turned out to be the perfect route for a light

2-night, 3-day or 3-night, 4-day trip with direct flights.

Even before departure, I pondered extensively about which place

to prioritize, as the two destinations had such distinct charms.

But after experiencing them firsthand, everything became clear!

For those looking for a perfectly tailored itinerary

amidst the warm, unique atmosphere of a small city,

today, I'm going to meticulously put together a recommendation post for

Matsuyama and Takamatsu.

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Charming allure and

Hot springs in

Matsuyama City Summary

First off, Matsuyama

is a truly compact city where you'll experience

absolutely no travel stress.

Cute streetcars gently traverse the city,

and just riding on a rattling tram,

gazing at the scenery outside the window,

was a complete emotional recharge, haha!

I stayed at the Tokyu REI Hotel right in the city center,

and because it's directly in front of the free airport shuttle bus stop,

the accessibility for travelers on foot was absolutely superb!

Besides the Tokyu REI where I stayed,

Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido

these places also have great reviews!

If you're wondering where to stay in Matsuyama,

you'll likely be satisfied if you choose from these options.

Check Matsuyama Accommodation Prices

Agoda Official Site | Free Cancellation & Booking Deals | Over 2 Million Hotels3ha.in

Adding to that,

the Dogo Onsen Main Building,

boasting 3,000 years of history,

had an overwhelmingly impressive atmosphere, right from its exterior.

And the city view from Matsuyama Castle,

which you reach by riding a ropeway,

was simply a work of art.

The tangerine-shaped characters seen everywhere on the streets

were so adorable that I took dozens of photos!

If you're planning your Matsuyama itinerary

for a Japanese small city adventure,

be sure to consider a visit to Shimonada Station,

which meets the sea, or a one-day tour of the classic towns of

Uchiko and Ozu.

Matsuyama Outskirts Trip: Uchiko (Uchiko) a Town Great for Exploring Alleys, JR Train & Bus Tourblog.naver.com

With a variety of food options,

from tangerine desserts to fresh

sea bream rice (Taimeshi),

for me,

among the Matsuyama and Takamatsu recommended travel destinations,

It left a lasting impression on me as a city with so much more to see and do ✨

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A Udon Pilgrimage and

Full of Artistic Vibe

Takamatsu Tourist Highlights

On the other hand, Takamatsu

had a unique calm and tranquil vibe

that made it a charming city.

Actually, my boyfriend

couldn't stop raving about Takamatsu the entire trip, lol.

Since he's such a huge udon lover,

he was most excited about conquering a list of Sanuki udon spots

where locals line up from morning!

He was so captivated by the chewy and springy noodles that

he even said he'd be happy

eating udon for all three meals a day! 👍🏻

What's more, Ritsurin Garden, which received

3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide,

is truly a picturesque garden,

and simply walking through it brought a sense of calm to my mind.

He still vividly remembers the time he rented a bicycle

on a beautiful day and slowly explored the city's alleyways.

If you have more time, taking a boat from the harbor to an art island like

Naoshima, famous for its yellow pumpkin, or

Shodoshima, abundant with olives,

is also one of Takamatsu's highlights.

If you love delicious food

and active island tours,

Takamatsu is the perfect recommendation among Matsuyama and Takamatsu destinations ✈️

By the way, in Takamatsu,

we stayed for 2 nights at Dormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Park,

and this accommodation was so pleasant.

True to Dormy Inn's style, it had a public bath,

and they even offered ramen in the evening

(plus yogurt, haha).

We were extremely satisfied!

There are two Dormy Inns in Takamatsu, so it can be confusing,

but the one I visited was

Dormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Park (Chugomae).

Check rates for Dormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Park

Agoda Official Site | Free Cancellation & Booking Deals | Over 2 Million Hotels3ha.in

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The Perfect Guide for Every Taste!

Matsuyama vs. Takamatsu: A Comparison

Having experienced both cities,

I'll definitively break down the

key comparison points for Matsuyama vs. Takamatsu for you!

Honestly, I personally

found Matsuyama, with its diverse sights and activities

and charming, lively atmosphere,

more to my taste.

Since it's easy to get around on foot or by streetcar,

I'd recommend Matsuyama first among the Matsuyama and Takamatsu travel destinations

for those traveling with parents or those who want to enjoy relaxing hot springs.

However,

if enjoying food is your top priority when traveling!

If you want to taste the udon of your life every day,

and if you love taking a boat to an island to appreciate modern art,

then Takamatsu is the answer.

Both are charming cities that you wouldn't want to miss,

so choose based on your travel style and your companions' preferences,

and you're guaranteed a successful trip! ‼️

If you want to plan a perfect itinerary,

be sure to refer to the Matsuyama and Takamatsu travel tips I've shared today :)

Related Posts: Matsuyama & Takamatsu

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(**20% discount applies if you are in Japan)

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Takamatsu Travel Udon Restaurant | Teuchi Udon Tsurumaru Curry Udon Business Hours Waiting Menublog.naver.com

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