Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve castles in Japan to survive the post-feudal era with its original wooden keep intact.
The chairlift option allows visitors to ascend the slope in an open-air seat, providing an unobstructed view of the city and castle hillside.
The castle is a 'hirayamajiro', a hilltop-style castle built on a flat-topped mountain, which was a strategic design common in the early Edo period.
The construction of the castle began in 1602 under the direction of Kato Yoshiaki and took 25 years to complete.
The station is located near the remains of the former residence of the castle's lord, now part of a park designated for public use.
Chojyaganaru Station serves as the primary base terminal for the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Chairlift systems. The station facilitates transit to the summit of Mount Katsuyama, where the original 17th-century Matsuyama Castle complex is situated. It provides a choice between a 6-minute ropeway gondola ride or a 6-minute open-air chairlift ascent. The facility acts as the official gateway for historical exploration of one of Japan's twelve remaining original-construction castles. The site is located at the foot of the hill, integrated with the Shinonome Shrine area. Visitors utilize this station to bypass the steep walking paths that lead to the castle keep. The surrounding area maintains the historical architectural aesthetic of the Marunouchi district. This transit point is essential for accessing the castle's inner ward and central donjon.
The view of the castle donjon from the moving chairlift during the ascent.
Choose the chairlift for better photos and a more tactile experience, but opt for the ropeway if traveling with small children or during inclement weather.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terminal is just the beginning of the journey; significant uphill walking remains after disembarking at the summit station.
Attempting to hike up the steep mountain trails if you have limited mobility or time, as the ascent is physically demanding.
The chairlift may be suspended during high winds or heavy rain, while the ropeway remains operational.
Maintain order while queuing for the ropeway; refrain from standing up while the chairlift is in motion.
