If visiting Matsuyama, these are five must-visit Japanese restaurants to stop by when exploring Matsuyama Castle in Ehime. Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Dec 16 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

If visiting Matsuyama, these are five must-visit Japanese restaurants to stop by when exploring Matsuyama Castle in Ehime.

Matsuyama Castle, located on a mountain in the center of Matsuyama City, boasts a magnificent keep. The view from the castle is stunning, and the panoramic view from the top floor of the keep is a must-see attraction. The subsequent enjoyment, of course, is gourmet food. This time, they have selected Japanese restaurants that one should visit when in Matsuyama.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Ehime.

1. Japanese Cuisine ［Nanohana］

They take pride in their creative Japanese cuisine made with Setouchi fish, Ehime vegetables, Iyo beef, and seasonal selected ingredients.

Located in the bustling area of Ichibancho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, the restaurant [Nanohana] offers a quiet dining experience for adults. It serves authentic creative Japanese cuisine, allowing guests to savor seasonal ingredients. The bright atmosphere of the restaurant is casual and welcoming, making it easy to enter. The owner takes responsibility for sourcing the ingredients daily, and each dish is carefully prepared, reflecting the owner's dedication.

If visiting Matsuyama, these are five must-visit Japanese restaurants to stop by when exploring Matsuyama Castle.

The counter seats, where customers can see the chef preparing dishes using seasonal ingredients, are in a sunken kotatsu style. They can easily place orders for flavors or ask about recommended dishes. Additionally, there are completely private rooms, allowing guests to enjoy a pleasant time without worrying about their surroundings. They can savor delicious food in a calm and serene atmosphere.

Nanohana

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch: 12:00 - 15:00 Reservations only / Dinner: 17:00 - 23:00
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: A 3-minute walk from Okaido station on the Iyo Railway/A 3-minute walk from the site where the Ichibancho Laforet was demolished
Address: Monarch II 1F, 2-4-2 Ichiban-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime
More Details Reservation

2. Seafood Cuisine [Amimoto]

A popular izakaya that serves dishes made with exceptionally fresh mackerel.

Located in the heart of Matsuyama city, [Amimoto] is a popular izakaya where one can enjoy surprisingly fresh seafood. They also cultivate mackerel in nearby waters, boasting a menu featuring fresh mackerel dishes such as 'saba shabu' and 'saba sashimi.' The fish is prepared from a large tank where it swims until an order is placed, ensuring exceptional freshness. Additionally, they offer a wide selection of local Ehime sake and shochu, as well as renowned sake from across the country, allowing guests to savor exquisite seafood alongside delicious drinks.

The restaurant features a row of large aquariums, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a mini aquarium. There are always around 1,000 fish swimming, including species like snapper, flounder, and mackerel. Additionally, the restaurant values a homey atmosphere to ensure that even first-time visitors can enjoy their experience. Be sure to savor this exquisite seafood at least once.

Amimoto

Open: Normal hours: 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY
Access: Along the tracks between Matsuyama City Station and Tsuchihashi Station on the Iyo Gunchu Line
Address: 2-1 Kita Fujiwara-cho , Matsuyama-shi, Ehime
More Details Reservation

3. Japanese Cuisine [Kyo-Fu Ippin Ryori Kiyomizu]

A duet of refined flavors and attentive hospitality. A Japanese gourmet experience that inherits tradition.

Enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine at [Kyoufu Ippin Ryouri Kiyomizu]. Here, course meals are offered based on carefully selected ingredients, maximizing the quality of the materials. The second generation, Mr. Moriwaki, showcases his skills by creating visually stunning dishes such as 'Sashimi Platter' and 'Seasonal Appetizers'.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including Japanese sake and wine, that pair perfectly with meals. The service, which caters to the guests' preferences, is popular among many tourists. The interior features a calm atmosphere with a wood-based design. At the counter seats, guests can enjoy the lively conversation and the immersive craftsmanship of the chefs up close. There are also spacious private rooms that are perfect for family gatherings.

Kyoufu Ippin Ryouri Kiyomizu

Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Katsuyamacho Station on Iyo Railway City Line
Address: 1-5-16, Niban-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime
More Details Reservation

4. Japanese Cuisine　［Aburi restaurant Kantaro］

A restaurant where one can enjoy grilled and roasted seafood and mountain delicacies from various regions of Japan.

This restaurant carefully selects and sources delicious ingredients from various regions of Japan, rich in the blessings of nature. From seafood grilled on the beach, such as sea urchin from Setouchi and scallops and shrimp from Hokkaido, to grilled beef dishes like hormone and beef tongue, guests can enjoy seasonal ingredients cooked to their preferred level of doneness and seasoning. The course meals that allow guests to fully savor the flavors of the season are also highly recommended.

The restaurant was renovated in 2020. Upon passing through the noren, a warm and homely atmosphere filled with the warmth of wood unfolds. Here, one can also enjoy shochu sourced from all over the country and local sake from Ehime. It can be used for various situations, from solo diners to large gatherings.

Aburi restaurant Kantaro

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 10:30 pm)
Closed: ■ Our shop is a smoking shop, so minors are not allowed to enter.
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

5. Japanese Cuisine [YukataMakoata]

The specialty 'Ume Nabe' revitalizes the body, while the renowned proprietress uplifts the spirit at this Japanese restaurant.

The proprietress and staff enjoy drinks and laughter with guests, creating a scene that is quite ordinary. This restaurant, Yukatamakoata, embodies the personality and dedication of Ms. Kitayama, who has always shared her 'energy' with those around her. The star of the dishes is the 'Ume Nabe,' made with Kagoshima's black pork and seasonal vegetables delivered fresh every morning. Ms. Kitayama places particular emphasis on the vegetables, stating that they are served in a 'perfectly fresh state.'

The daily changing "little dishes" also encourage the enjoyment of drinks. On the other hand, the restaurant is often used for business meetings, and Mr. Kitayama's style is to give his all in customer service with a one-turn-a-day approach. Many guests come to this wonderful restaurant to gain energy from the landlady, who attentively cares for them and shares in the joy of conversation during happy times.

Yukatamakoata

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (last order 9:45 pm)
Closed: Sunday,Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.