Shiki-do

Overview

Shiki-do is a precious literary museum, reconstructing the residence where haiku master Shiki Masaoka lived until the age of 17. It offers a chance to reflect on Shiki's life and works. Inside, you'll find valuable materials such as manuscripts related to Shiki and his close friend Natsume Soseki, photographs, and various documents. You can even see his desk, where he is said to have studied while overlooking the garden, allowing you to imagine his life. In front of Shiki-do stands a bronze statue depicting Shiki's "departure." The plaza in front also features a bust of Natsume Soseki, a passenger car from the "Botchan Train" (a historical train), a haiku postbox, and a monument dedicated to Shiki and baseball – showcasing the diverse aspects of his life. A short distance away is Shiki's hair reliquary (a small tower containing his hair), further enhancing appreciation for his life. Visiting Shiki-do offers more than just an immersion into Shiki's literary world; it provides insights into the culture, society, and Matsuyama of his time. If you've read Shiki's works, want to learn more about his life, or are visiting Matsuyama, be sure to stop by Shiki-do!