Matsuyama City Station Kururin Ferris Wheel
Soar above Matsuyama for stunning city views from this iconic Ferris wheel, offering an affordable and memorable experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the city lights sparkle
Matsuyama City Station Kururin Ferris Wheel
Best Time
See the city lights sparkle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above Matsuyama for stunning city views from this iconic Ferris wheel, offering an affordable and memorable experience.
"Foreigners must go here. Because it's free.. just get in line and show your passport when it's your turn."
🛂 Passport for Discount
Bring your passport for a discounted ticket price of around ¥500!
⬆️ Find the Top Floor
Take the elevator to the top floor of the department store connected to Matsuyama Station.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top floor of Matsuyama Station complex
Soar above Matsuyama for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Nighttime Illumination
Top floor of Matsuyama Station complex
Experience the magic of Matsuyama lit up at night from the unique vantage point of the Ferris wheel.
Discounted Foreigner Rate
Ticket booth
Show your passport for a discounted ticket price, making this scenic ride even more accessible.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport Perks & Finding the Wheel
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Passport for Discount
Bring your passport for a discounted ticket price of around ¥500!
⬆️ Find the Top Floor
Take the elevator to the top floor of the department store connected to Matsuyama Station.
🌃 Nighttime Magic
The city lights at night offer a spectacular view, making evening rides highly recommended.
⏳ Ride Duration
Enjoy a leisurely 20-minute ride, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Passport for Discount
Bring your passport for a discounted ticket price of around ¥500!
⬆️ Find the Top Floor
Take the elevator to the top floor of the department store connected to Matsuyama Station.
🌃 Nighttime Magic
The city lights at night offer a spectacular view, making evening rides highly recommended.
⏳ Ride Duration
Enjoy a leisurely 20-minute ride, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery.
🧐 Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary seasonally, so confirm before you go to avoid disappointment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kururin Ferris Wheel a worthwhile, affordable experience for panoramic city views, especially at night. While the cabins show their age, the discounted foreigner rate and low crowds make it a pleasant and accessible attraction. It's a good option for a relaxed sightseeing activity.
"A great place to view the entirety of Matsuyama. Place wasn't crowded at all even though we went on a public holiday. Normal tickets are ¥800 for a normal car and ¥1300 for a gondola. However, we didn't have to pay anything because they provide the ride for free if its your birthday month. Sweet!"
Bivek Karn
"ITS FREE IF YOU BRING YOUR PASSPORT! Foreigners must go here. Because it's free.. just get in line and show your passport when it's your turn. A relaxing ride with a great view of Matsuyama."
Precin Salvan
"Nice view of the city. A bit tricky to find as it’s not well signed. Get the lift to the roof of the department store and you’ll see it.
Note, it’s not free for foreigners anymore but discounted to 500 yen with your passport."
Peter Sutcliffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ferris wheel is located on the top floor of the department store connected to Matsuyama Station. You'll need to take the elevator to the top. Some visitors suggest entering through a less obvious foyer if stores are closed. +1
It can be a bit tricky to find as signage isn't always clear. Look for the elevators that lead to the top floor of the shopping complex.
The Ferris wheel is directly accessible from Matsuyama Station, which is a major transportation hub for trains and buses in the city.
Yes, you can take a taxi to Matsuyama Station, and then follow the directions to the Ferris wheel within the station complex.
There is likely parking available at the department store or nearby facilities connected to Matsuyama Station, though it's best to confirm locally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard tickets are around ¥800, but foreigners can get a discounted rate of approximately ¥500 by showing their passport. +1
Yes, a significant discount is available for foreign visitors who present their passport at the ticket counter. +1
Operating hours can vary depending on the season. It's recommended to check the latest schedule before your visit, as they can change.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the Ferris wheel's ticket booth. Advance booking is usually not necessary due to low crowds.
Yes, there is a last entry time, often around 8:40 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The ride typically lasts about 20 minutes, offering a good amount of time to enjoy the views.
Some visitors have noted that the cabins can appear a bit old, with scratched windows, but the overall experience is still enjoyable.
The ride offers significant height, so those with a fear of heights might find it challenging. One TikTok user humorously described feeling like they wanted to jump.
You can expect panoramic views of Matsuyama city, including the surrounding landscape. It's particularly beautiful at night. +1
Generally, the Ferris wheel is not very crowded, even on public holidays, making for a relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Evening hours are ideal for capturing the city lights. Daytime offers clear views of the urban landscape and surrounding areas.
There are usually no specific restrictions on taking photos from inside the cabins, but be mindful of other passengers.
You can capture wide-angle cityscapes, street-level views, and potentially even distant landmarks depending on visibility.
Yes, the Ferris wheel is an iconic structure, and you can get great shots of it from the ground or surrounding buildings, especially when it's lit up at night.
For night shots, consider using a tripod if possible, a wider aperture, and a higher ISO, or utilize your phone's night mode for better results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the height if your children are particularly fearful, but for most, the gentle rotation and expansive views are captivating. It's a good way to break up a day of sightseeing and provide a memorable, albeit short, adventure. Remember to check operating hours, especially if visiting with young children, to ensure a smooth experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine this ride with exploring the Matsuyama Station area, which often has affordable dining options and shops. The low crowds mean you won't be spending precious time waiting in long queues, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing budget and time effectively.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to photograph the city's layout, the surrounding mountains, and the illuminated streets below. The slightly aged cabins, while not pristine, can add a touch of character to your shots if framed correctly. Remember to check the last entry time to ensure you catch the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to the Kururin Ferris Wheel
Once you ascend, the Ferris wheel is usually quite visible. The journey to the top floor is part of the experience, offering a glimpse into the daily life and commercial heart of Matsuyama. It's a good idea to check the operating hours beforehand, as they can change seasonally, and last entry is typically in the late evening.
Maximizing Your Ride Experience
While the cabins might show signs of age, with some visitors noting scratched windows, the overall experience is generally positive and considered worthwhile, especially given the affordable foreigner discount.
Value and Accessibility for Tourists
The lack of significant crowds, even on holidays, further enhances the visitor experience. This means less waiting time and a more personal, relaxed journey. It’s an opportunity to capture stunning photographs without the usual hustle and bustle, making it a perfect spot for both casual sightseeing and dedicated photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit