Designated an important cultural property of Japan, Matsuyama Castle—one of the twelve preserved castles in Japan—is a beautiful piece of Japanese architecture which was constructed on Mount Katsuyama between 1602 to 1628 by Kato Yoshiaki.
But beyond its dreamy appearance, Matsuyama Castle served as a formidable fortress for the Katoh, Gamoh and Matsudaira family between 1603 to 1868 and was crucial in deceiving enemies into believing that they were attacking the residence of the feudal family but in actuality, were being led to their deaths.
If you are visiting the Ehime Prefecture soon, you will not regret catering some time for the Matsuyama Castle.