The Day I Went Looking for Matsuyama Castle and Found Matsuyama Instead — A Small Adventure That Began with a Gym Visit — June 3, 2026 (Wed) R8

Today, I went to visit FITTA Matsuyama, a local fitness club.

I had assumed they only offered water walking classes, but a woman I often meet in the bath at my residence told me that she used to take swimming lessons there. That made me curious, so I called the club and decided to visit in person.

When I arrived, I discovered that they offered lessons in butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle. They also had Tai Chi and Qigong classes.

There were far more options than I had expected.

As I looked through the schedule, I found myself wondering which days I might attend if I decide to join in July.

Just thinking about the possibilities was enjoyable.

After the visit, I thought I would take the opportunity to find the entrance to Matsuyama Castle.

However, the destination shown on my smartphone map did not look like a castle entrance at all.

There was a staircase leading downward and a path below.

“Is this really Matsuyama Castle?”

I found myself tilting my head in confusion.

In the end, I never actually reached the castle.

Instead, I discovered a large swan near the castle moat.

I stopped my bicycle and took a photograph.

I also managed to reach the entrance of the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum.

Along the way, I passed the Ehime Museum of Art as well.

Places whose names I had only known since moving to Matsuyama were gradually becoming real locations in my mind.

That made me surprisingly happy.

Then, as I was following the map on my way home, I suddenly found myself standing in front of the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway Station.

“So this is where it is.”

I got off my bicycle and took another photo.

I had passed nearby many times before, yet I had never realized it was there.

Near the ropeway station, there were people promoting kimono and hakama rentals.

I even wondered whether I would wear clothing like that if I ever applied for a job at Matsuyama Castle.

Today, I set out to visit Matsuyama Castle, but I never actually got there.

Instead, I learned a little more about the city of Matsuyama.

I did not reach my destination, but I found many interesting things around it.

Even at sixty-seven, there are still places to explore in a city I do not yet know well.

Thinking that made me quietly happy.


#MatsuyamaLife
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#SakaNoUeNoKumoMuseum
#EhimeMuseumOfArt
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