Ehime Prefecture is an island oasis filled with rustic charm and natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to the region, we have put together a fun-filled 3-day Ehime itinerary to ensure you see all of the best attractions.
Day 1 Ehime Itinerary | Matsuyama
With a rich and poetic history that dates back to antiquity, Matsuyama is the largest city in the prefecture and has an abundance of attractions and landmarks to check out while visiting. Here is a look at some of the top things to do.
Matsuyama Castle
Constructed between the years of 1602 to 1628, Matsuyama Castle is one of only 12 remaining castle towers from the Edo Period of rule in the region. Most of the original structure remains today. However, the main castle tower had to be rebuilt in 1854 after suffering catastrophic damage from a lightning strike in 1784.
Matsuyama Castle features 21 buildings, and most are open to the public. Within the buildings are museums that showcase historic weaponry, clothing and uniforms, and written documents from the Edo Period. The castle is fortified with ornate stone walls and iron gates, and there are over 200 fragrant cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom during the spring. Visitors can hike up to the castle on foot or catch a ride on the ropeway cable car at the base of the mountain.
Dogo Onsen
Japan is famous for its mineral-rich onsens and you can experience what all of the fuss is about for yourself by making the journey over to Dogo Onsen, which is located just to the east of downtown Matsuyama. This onsen is coveted by locals and visitors alike and features a traditional bathhouse and day spa of sorts that was erected in 1894. Dogo Onsen provides you with a relaxing respite after a long day of sightseeing. Along with the bathhouse, visitors will find historic shrines and temples that were used by the Imperial Family on the property, as well as shopping and dining opportunities.
Botchan Train
A beautiful engineering marvel that provided ground transportation to Matsuyama for over 67 years, Botchan Train is a must-see attraction for those who have a passion for trains and want to learn more about the history of the city. Botchan Train was constructed in the 19th century and took its inaugural journey through the city in 1888. The train and corresponding museum are located near the center of downtown, within walking distance of several other local attractions. The train is still operational to this day, and visitors can take a quick 20-minute ride with paid admission at the museum.
Isaniwa Shrine
Regarded as an Important Cultural Property, Isaniwa Shrine is one of the three main shrines located in the city of Matsuyama. Boasting a bright red facade and plenty of ornate Japanese design work and hand-carved engravings, this shrine perfectly portrays the Hachiman-zukuri-style architectural that was popular during the time of its construction. The exact time period of the shrine’s construction is not known, but it is believed to date back over 1,000 years.
Visitors are welcome to tour the inside of the shrine to learn more about the history of the imperial families, warfare, religious practices, and early education. Isaniwa Shrine is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
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Day 2 Ehime Itinerary | Imabari
Situated along the Seto Inland Sea on the northern side of Ehime Prefecture, Imabari is the island’s second largest city and it is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and rustic charm. This city is a cycling hub, and it is home to many fascinating historic shrines and landmarks.
Shimanami Kaido Cycling
Hop on a bicycle and cross the islands via a series of seven bridges that span over Seto Inland Sea. Shimanami Kaido cycling is a popular tourist activity that allows you to spend the day out in nature without venturing too far away from the downtown region. While on your island hopping adventure, you will come across miles of sandy beaches, shopping and dining hot-spots, and several historic temples. In total, there are about 43 miles (70 km) of bridges to explore and memories to be made. Bring a camera so you can capture all of the breathtaking views.
Bicycles are available to rent along Shimanami Kaido, and the bridges are open for riding day and night.
Imabari Castle
Presenting a stately appearance near the coast of Seto Inland Sea, Imabari Castle is one of the three great Mizujiro (water castles) in Japan. This castle was constructed by renowned castle builder Todo Takatora in 1602 for the feudal clan. The castle was constructed of stone and white stone masonry and features a moat that is fed directly from the sea. It features traditional Japanese architecture, complete with plenty of hand-engraved detailing work.
There is a small admission fee to gain entry into the castle and interior museums, but there is no charge to stroll the grounds or check out the Shinto shrines on the exterior of the castle.
Towel Museum of Art
Imabari is a mecca of towels that has continued production for more than 120 years. If you are looking for an attraction that is a little bit quirky, look no further than the Towel Museum of Art, located 25 minutes by car from the downtown region of Imabari City. The Towel Museum of Art was opened in 2020, and it invites visitors to stop inside the factory and learn how the towels are made. Within the bright and colorful museum and factory, guests can check out art made from towels as well as learn about the weaving techniques that make them so soft, fluffy and absorbent. There is an onsite restaurant, and of course, there is also an onsite gift shop where you can purchase some new towels.
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Day 3 Ehime Itinerary | Ozu
The last stop on a fun-filled Ehime Prefecture itinerary is a visit to the city of Ozu. Ozu is a medieval castle-town developed as the center of Ozu Domain in 1608 during the Edo period. Ozu is a quiet river town that is most regarded for its historic clan castles and rustic cities. Here are the top attractions to see while visiting.
Ozu Castle
Nestled in on the hilltop of the city is where you will find Ozu Castle. The original construction of this castle took place in the 1300s, and it has been refurbished several times over the years. Featuring a bright white facade and traditional Japanese design work, Ozu Castle was built almost entirely from treated wood. Inside the castle, visitors will find a museum with samurai armor and other historic relics on display. The castle grounds boast breathtaking views of the river. For a romantic experience, visit at dusk when the lights of the surrounding city and river ports are illuminated.
Ozu Old Town
An idyllic old town community that features perfectly landscaped gardens and shrubbery, rustic Japanese buildings, and endless stone-paved streets and pathways that beg to be explored, Ozu Old Town is a must-add adventure to any Ehime itinerary. In the old town, you will find art galleries, cafes, boutique stores, and an abundance of history museums. Ozu Old Town is quiet, and the locals roll out the red carpet for guests.
Most of the attractions in Ozu Old Town are open from 9am to 5pm daily.
Garyu Sanso
Located just outside the town of Ozu, Garyu Sanso is a quaint riverfront villa that was constructed around 1907 by thousands of artisan builders. This wooden structure features ornate Japanese architecture and is open for the public to wander through. Not only will you get to check out beautiful craftsmanship on the inside, but the exterior is just as impressive. The villa is surrounded by rock art and native shrubbery, which gives the property a peaceful ambiance. There is also a small tea house at Garyu Sanso.
Explore Old Town of Uchiko
Complete with historic stone buildings, ornate store fronts, and centuries-old tea houses, be sure to explore Old Town of Uchiko while you are in Ozu. The old town has not changed much since it was erected in the 18th century and provides visitors with a glimpse into the clan history of the region. While there, you can visit an old-time candle shop and the famed Uchikoza Kabuki Theater where Kabuki actors perform and puppet shows are still performed to this day.
FIND HOTELS IN MATSUYAMA, IMABARI & OZU
Discover hotels & places to stay in Ehime
Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel
Imabari Urban Hotel
Hostel & Tatami Bar Uchikobare
