Situated in the northwestern corner of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture has a long coastline straddling the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and mountains packed with a diversity of flora and fauna.
Matsuyama Airport, located in the prefectural capital of the same name, is the most accessible way to get to Ehime, as it connects to all major airports in Japan. Those preferring to ride the rails can hop on a limited express train departing from Okayama and arrive in under three hours. The most memorable way, however, would have to be crossing by car, bicycle or on foot via the Shimanami Kaido, an expressway that connects Onomichi City (Hiroshima) and Imabari City (Ehime).
Looking to spend some time admiring seasonal blooms and the great outdoors while enjoying some self-care time? This particular region of Japan has you covered. As tourism numbers rebound in the post-pandemic age, why not avoid the crowds at major destinations in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and make your way to Ehime Prefecture?
Ehime’s great outdoors
Ehime’s geography features an extensive shoreline, high mountains and a diverse variety of flora and fauna inhabiting the region.
Kirosan Observatory Park
On the southern tip of Oshima Island off the coast of Imabari City is Mount Kirosan. Oshima is accessible via the Shimanami Kaido and atop the 300-meter summit sits Kirosan Observatory Park — offering spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Built into the mountainside by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this panoramic vantage point features unmatched views of the famed suspension bridge, Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, and the sea and islands surrounding it. On clear days, you can also see Mount Ishizuchi, western Japan’s highest peak at almost 2,000 meters.
Come at night and feast your eyes on the stunning glow from the illuminated structures along the coast as they reflect off the water’s surface.
Suiha Kogen
Lying 890 meters above sea level, the 100-hectare Suiha Kogen is another site offering picturesque panoramic views of islands and mountains in and around the Seto Inland Sea. In addition to taking in the views from one of the observation decks, Suiha Kogen also has bountiful blooms that blossom throughout the year.
In the spring, several varieties of cherry blossoms erupt in pinks and whites, while rapeseed flowers begin to flower soon after. Beginning in summer and lasting into autumn, cosmos blanket the park.
Take a peek into Ehime’s past
From the feudal era to the modern period, Ehime has lots of gateways to Japan’s past.
Matsuyama Castle
With one of the 12 remaining original keeps in the country, Matsuyama Castle lies at the top of Mount Katsuyama. Completed in 1627, this castle served a purely defensive purpose as opposed to many Japanese castles that housed feudal lords and other elite groups.
There are several ways to get to the castle and all immerse you in the local scenery. The quickest route is via a chairlift or gondola ride departing from a ropeway station. Those preferring to keep their feet on the ground can take one of four hiking trails that lead to the castle in about 20 or 30 minutes.
Yokaichi Old Town
Located in central Ehime, the town of Uchiko became well known for paper and wax production throughout the Edo and Meiji periods. As Japan opened to the outside world during the Meiji era, the wax industry boomed as Japanese wax was increasingly in demand overseas. During this period, wealthy merchants and other community elites established residences that can still be seen today.
On this 600-meter stretch of road, you can travel back in Uchiko’s past. Many of the 90 buildings that remain have been well preserved and some have been transformed into museums detailing local history.
The Kamihaga Residence, for example, features a history of wax and teaches visitors about the importance of the industry to the area.
Meanwhile, over at the Machiya Museum, you have the chance to walk through a restored house adorned in decor from the turn of the 20th century.
Rest and relaxation
Get off your feet and take a moment to enjoy the nurturing hot spring waters and local dishes that Ehime has to offer.
Dogo Onsen
Considered to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen has a history stretching back over 1,000 years. This onsen was even mentioned in the Nihon Shiki, one of Japan’s oldest historical accounts. According to legend, even the gods of Japanese mythology have bathed in its soothing waters.
There are two popular baths on site: Kami no yu (bath of the gods) and Tama no yu (bath of the spirits). If these are too crowded on the day of your visit, look at one of the private or public options located steps away. Never tried an onsen but would like to get your feet wet? Try out one of several footbaths in the surrounding area.
Iyonada Monogatari
Running a course along Ehime’s northwestern coastline, the Iyonada Monogatari sightseeing train offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and delicious local specialties to savor.
Beginning at Matsuyama station and concluding at Yawatahama station, this three-car train is beautifully decorated on the inside and out.
Each car has its own vibe with the first inspired by the hues of sunset and the second drawing influences from the sun and citrus, like iyokan and kanpei, that Ehime is famous for. The final car is great for quiet relaxation with friends and family as you gaze outside at the remarkable views.
As for food, your ticket price includes a meal: either breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. Every offering highlights local food and restaurants. Be sure to reserve your tickets well in advance as this popular attraction sells out quickly!
More to explore
Ehime’s rich history and geography offers plenty for visitors to do all year round. We’ve only scratched the surface and there are many more sites to explore and experiences to have in all corners of the prefecture. Here are a few more to add to your itineraries:
- JR Shimonada station: this single platform station with an ocean backdrop has been featured in movies and dramas.
- Seiryo Sake Brewery: at over 130 years old, this historic brewery harnesses the fresh water flowing beneath Mount Ishizuchi along with Ehime-grown ingredients to produce a truly local drink.
- Dogo Haikara Dori Street: step back through time and stroll though this old shopping street that retains a turn of the 20th century vibe.
5 Comments
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Gene Hennigh
What's not to like? The views seem marvelous and looking at the castle cannot but make me think of it peopled as it was in the old days. This is truly a wonder for me. The sight-seeing train, the Onsen, and the Sake alone would be worth the trip. I'd like to live there. Alas, I'm too old to get there but I still marvel at the offerings of the place.
asiafriend
I have been to Matsuyama many times, in fact, much of Shikoku. Matsuyama Castle lit up at night is a beautiful sight. The mandarin oranges, called mikans (unshuu oranges) are fantastically delicious and exported around the world. A great place to visit.
ArtistAtLarge
I could look at those views every day, forever.
George
Ehime sucks. I live here. I notice there is nothing mentioned about southern Ehime in the article. Because it sucks. There is nothing here.