Enjoy a weekend of spas, fireworks and yukata in Matsuyama this August

If you have been thinking about making a trip across the water to Matsuyama in Ehime, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Most famous for Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan and on which the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s classic animation Sen To Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away) is based, Matsuyama also hosts an impressive summer fireworks festival.

The festival is held by the water at the city’s old port of Mitsuhama. As well as the fireworks themselves, appropriately named “fire flowers” in Japanese, which are set off along the quayside, there are all the accoutrements of a local summer festival; the street stalls offering food, drinks and carnival games. The locals don their finest traditional wear and the bright colors of yukata summer kimono match those of the fireworks.

One of our JapanTourist partners is offering an excellent opportunity to not only watch the fireworks from the VIP seating area, but to really get into the summer spirit with a proper yukata fitting. A professional photographer will also be on hand to capture some beautiful shots to keep as a memory of the experience and to share with friends and family. A night at an hotel with a very nice looking onsen bath (the hotel is also within walking distance of Dogo Onsen) and a couple of meals are also included in the price of this exclusive package.

The package is priced at 16,000 yen per person, including a one-night stay, two meals, entry to the fireworks, and a selection of photos provided by Matsuyama City. The price for children is 13,000 yen. Rooms are available for 2 to 5 people. The deadline for applications is July 19. Go here for further details.