Bansuisō

Bansuiso in Matsuyama is a French-style mansion built in 1922 for Matsuyama's lord and later used as a guesthouse for the Imperial family. The building is unusual in Shikoku for its European Baroque exterior, complete with arched windows and a formal garden, set against the backdrop of hills above the city. Inside, period furnishings, rotating exhibitions, and small cultural events occupy the rooms. The grounds include a traditional Japanese garden section alongside the Western-style front garden. It's a short visit of about forty to sixty minutes, but the combination of architectural contrast and historical context makes it a worthwhile stop, particularly if paired with a trip up to Matsuyama Castle on the same hill.