Matsuyama Overview
Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, in Japan and is also Shikoku's largest city. As of 1 October 2022, the city had an estimated population of 505,948 in 243,541 households and a population density of 1,200 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 429.35 square kilometres (165.77 sq mi).
Matsuyama Key Statistics
Population506743
Area429 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés103 / 19 / 39
Practical Essentials for Matsuyama
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Matsuyama
Matsuyama Main Station & Rail Lines
土橋 (Dobashi)
Train Travel to Matsuyama
Matsuyama is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Matsuyama
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Matsuyama
Cover Your Trip to Matsuyama
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Matsuyama
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Matsuyama downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Matsuyama.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Matsuyama Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Matsuyama.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Matsuyama.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Matsuyama
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Matsuyama
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Matsuyama
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Matsuyama
When was Matsuyama founded?
Matsuyama was founded on December 15, 1889.
How old is Matsuyama?
Matsuyama is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Matsuyama?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 506,743.
What is the land area of Matsuyama?
Matsuyama covers roughly 429 km².
What is the main railway station in Matsuyama?
The primary hub is 土橋 (Dobashi).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Matsuyama?
The city has roughly 103 parks, 19 museums and 39 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Matsuyama expensive to live?
Matsuyama is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Matsuyama?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Matsuyama?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Matsuyama has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Matsuyama?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Matsuyama?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Matsuyama?
Matsuyama hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Matsuyama?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Matsuyama?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Matsuyama?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Matsuyama?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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