Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to be the model for the spirit bathhouse in the world-famous animation “Spirited Away”. It's also the oldest hot spring in Japan, with a history going back over 3,000 years. A whole section of the main building, the Yushinden, is given over to the imperial family. There are several baths and lounges offering more or less luxurious service. Feel free to walk in off the street and enjoy a dip in Japan's oldest spa.

Kashima Island is a distinctive mountain in the sea just off the shore of Hojo, on the northern boundary of Matsuyama. Kashima means “Deer Island”, and you can easily spot wild deer in its forest. Just 1.5 kilometres round, it offers a number of good walks around the island and over the top of the mountain. On a clear day, there are spectacular views from the lookout at the top over the Seto Inland Sea. The island is ideal for swimming, fishing and camping.

Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere. Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.

Now here's an experience hard to come by elsewhere: the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just outside city limits, is a neat introduction to Jamaica's indigenous religious movement that has gained followers worldwide since its emergence in the 1930s. A guided tour is good way to learn more about Rastafarianism and its central tenants, as well as witness the daily and cultural life of its Jamaican adepts.