One of Japan's twelve surviving original castle keeps, rising atop Mt. Katsuyama (132 m) in Matsuyama. Construction began with Kato Yoshiaki in 1602 and was completed by the Matsudaira clan in 1676. Reached by ropeway or lift, it offers panoramic views of Ehime. The Akiyama brothers grew up here, inspiring Shiba Ryotaro's novel Clouds above the Hill. A Japan 100 Famous Castles selection.

Construction of Matsuyama Castle began in 1602 under Kato Yoshiakira, one of the famed Seven Spears of Shizugatake, atop Mount Katsuyama at an elevation of 132 meters. The project took well over a quarter century to complete, during which time Yoshiakira was transferred to Aizu. After a brief period…