Ehime Museums | Best Places to Learn About Ehime History, Art & Culture

Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku offers a more relaxed and traditional experience of Japan. The largest city on the island, Matsuyama, only has a population of just over half a million, and the countryside is dotted with quaint towns to explore. All throughout Ehime, you will also find a number of fantastic museums. Discover the history and culture of the region, and take in some beautiful artwork as well. From the Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture to the Towel Museum of Art, there are many fun, educational, and unique Ehime museums you can visit.

1. Ehime Museum of Art

Located in the heart of Matsuyama, the Ehime Museum of Art is a designated historic site and a must-visit attraction on your travels through the city. The museum opened in 1998 to succeed the Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art, which originally opened in 1970. Today, the museum houses a collection of nearly 12,000 works, both by famous and local Japanese artists and celebrated artists from abroad, like Monet and Cezanne. The Ehime Museum of Art describes itself as a “participatory” museum where visitors can not only view but create their own works of art. Visit the Prefectural Atelier to try out techniques like making prints, weaving, woodworking, photography, and pottery.

Visiting the Ehime Museum of Art

The Ehime Museum of Art is open from 9:40 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except for Monday, with final admission until 5:30 p.m. However, the museum is open on the first Monday of every month or on national holidays, closing on the following Tuesday instead.

Admission is 310 yen for adults and 200 yen for high school students. Younger children may enter for free.

The museum is a one-minute walk from Minami-Horibata Station, which can be reached via the city’s tram line.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

2. Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture

The Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture is located in the city of Seiyo, south of Matsuyama. It is dedicated to the history and folklore of Ehime, particularly of the prefecture’s southern region. The museum opened in 1994, and its modern architecture serves as a contrast to the largely rural surroundings. Inside, the exhibitions center around four different historical periods — prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, the Edo period, and the modern period. The Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture contains full-sized replicas of a historic house, temple, and shopping street, as well as portable shrines called omikoshi which are featured in the region’s festivals. Visitors to the museum can stop for lunch at the on-site restaurant and pick up souvenirs at the gift shop.

Visiting the Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture

Operating hours for the Ehime Prefecture Museum of History and Culture are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (final admission at 5 p.m.). It is open every day of the week except Monday unless it is the first day of the month or a national holiday, when it closes on Tuesdays instead.

Admission is 520 yen for adults and high school students, 270 yen for seniors (65+), and free for younger children.

To reach the museum by train, take the express train from Matsuyama Station to Unomachi Station. From there, you can take a bus or a 30-minute walk.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

3. Towel Museum of Art

With a name that is sure to pique your interest, the Towel Museum of Art should be high on your list if you are spending time in the Imabari area. It is a unique museum that celebrates the high-quality towels for which the area is famous. Though more of an entertainment venue, the Towel Museum of Art does offer displays of exquisite traditional towels and allows visitors to view the towel-making process. Other highlights include a room with nearly 2,000 large spools of thread, as well as all sorts of quirky artwork and sculptures made from towels. It’s a fantastic place to snap some pictures for social media.

Visiting the Towel Museum of Art

The Towel Museum of Art is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for older children (13-17), 400 yen for younger children (under 12), and 400 yen for seniors (65+).

The closest train station to the museum is Imabari Station. From there, you can catch a taxi to journey the rest of the way.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

Photo credit: IG@beautifulbay4488

4. Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture masterfully showcases his talent. Toyo Ito is known for such marvels as the Serpentine Gallery in London and the Tower of Winds in Yokohama. The Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture showcases both the work of its architect and other aspects of Japanese architecture. It is located on Omishima Island, the largest island within Ehime Prefecture, where it perches on the coast overlooking the sea. Toyo Ito took the stunning natural surroundings into account when designing the museum buildings, which resemble the deck of a ship.

Visiting the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture

The Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday. If the Monday is a holiday, then it is closed on Tuesday instead. The cost of admission is 840 yen for adults and 420 yen for students.

To reach the museum from Shikoku Island, you can take the famous Shimanami Kaido sightseeing route. Another option is to hop on a ferry at the Imabari Port ferry terminal.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

5. Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall

Another excellent exhibit on Omishima Island that you shouldn’t miss is the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall on the grounds of Oyamazumi Shrine. Founded more than 1,000 years ago and dedicated to gods of war, the shrine served as an important pilgrimage site for warriors. Over the centuries, the pilgrims offered up countless swords, armor, and other types of equipment in exchange for victory in battle or to express gratitude after a successful battle. These artifacts are now housed in the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall, comprising the largest collection of samurai military equipment in Japan. In fact, it holds the majority of the country’s samurai artifacts which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.

Visiting the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall

The Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission time for Oyamazumi Shrine is from sunrise to 5 p.m. Entry to the shrine is free, but the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall has an admission fee of 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for students over 16, and 400 yen for children.

As the shrine is located on Omishima Island, it can be accessed by car, bus, or bicycle along the Shimanami Kaido.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

Photo credit: IG@j7ocean

6. Botchan Train Museum

Though small in size, the Botchan Train Museum is a fun little spot that you should pop in to check out while in Matsuyama. The exhibit takes visitors through the history of Iyotetsu Railway, the transport company which has been serving the city since 1887. Displays include a replica of the old Matsuyama cityscape, historical photographs, and a replica of the Iyotetsu No. 1 locomotive. Though train enthusiasts will get a particular kick out of it, the Botchan Train Museum is appealing to people of all interests and all ages. Plus, it is located right next to a Starbucks, so you can get a treat on the way in or out!

Visiting the Botchan Train Museum

The Botchan Train Museum is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there is no entry fee to come in and have a look around. It is centrally located in the Iyotetsu Group Building, a three-minute walk from Matsuyama City Station.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

7. Ikazaki Kite Museum

Ikazaki Kite Museum is an interesting museum located in the former town of Ikazaki, which today is a part of Uchiko. Every year on May 5th, the Ikazaki region holds a Kite Fighting Festival where participants attach blades to their kites and try to cut the strings of opponent kites. Even if you don’t get a chance to see the festival, you should pay a visit to the Ikazaki Kite Museum, which houses hundreds of kites from Japan and all over the world. Marvel at the kites in all shapes, sizes, and designs, including traditional fighting kites. You can also rent a kite to fly at the nearby riverbend or make your own kite to take home.

Visiting the Ikazaki Kite Museum

Ikazaki Kite Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Monday, unless the Monday is a national holiday. The entry fee is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for students, and it includes a kite rental. If you would like to make your own kite, it will cost an additional 1,000 yen.

The museum is a quick taxi ride from Uchiko Station. Alternatively, bicycle rentals are available at the station at a price of just 700 yen for the day.

FIND HISTORIC HOTELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR EHIME MUSEUMS 

Discover hotels near top museums in Ehime

Smile Hotel Matsuyama

Cinnamon Guest House Dogo

Ogata House