Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture, located on Shikoku Island, Japan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 517,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Card payments accepted, major banks include MUFG, SMBC, and Shinsei. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular options among travelers. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services like Japanican. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Matsuyama Youth Hostel offers affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Dogo Onsen area is famous for its hot springs and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kawauchi area offers a blend of local amenities and quiet neighborhoods. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Dogo Lab is a popular coworking space with fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris offers great coffee and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are held at the Matsuyama International Exchange Association. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups can be found on platforms like Facebook and Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi app is widely used in Matsuyama. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | You can find bike rentals through the Matsuyama Bike Sharing system. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tachibana Beach is about 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA and JAL provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include AirAsia and United Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Matsuyama Expressway connects to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Matsuyama Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matsuyama City Transportation pass provides unlimited rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services (Iyotetsu) and bus services connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Matsuyama offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Matsuyama has a range of equipment available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are common, with 'Laundry Fuku' being popular. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available in Matsuyama. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Matsuyama Yaki', a local style of grilled fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Matsuyama has several vegan cafes, including 'Bouquet de Pains'. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dogo Onsen Sweets offers traditional Japanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Omichian Shopping District has various budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.co.jp is widely used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Rakuten Seiyu deliver groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Katsuyama Street is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Matsuyama Beer Factory offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Brad offers a variety of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Pushpin Street has several food stalls serving local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options including Italian and American cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Matsuyama Castle offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Matsuyama City Museum showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs with rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Ishite-ji Temple, a historical temple, is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Matsuyama Matsuri in August features parades and fireworks. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Dogo district is rich with culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Matsuyama Civic Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Matsuyama Morning Market offers fresh local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live performances can be found in various bars downtown. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be found in the Dogo district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Japanese cooking classes offered at 'Matsuyama Cooking School'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Matsuyama Art Museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town area features preserved Meiji-era buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Matsuyama is known for its historical significance in the Iyo region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shimanami Kaido offers stunning coastal cycling paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park features beautiful islands and coastal views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The cycling paths around Matsuyama offer scenic views along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from Matsuyama Castle at sunset are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shimanami Kaido has great spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Authorized areas in the National Parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics stores like Yamada Denki offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Matsuyama City Sports Center has tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Many private schools offer English and Japanese language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Matsuyama City Central Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Matsuyama International Exchange Center provides cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Fan shop offers gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Matsuyama; the closest are in larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥14,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥10,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥18,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥22,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥180,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥14,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Permanent residents benefit from progressive tax rates. |