Situated in the northwest quarter of Shikoku Island, just off the southwest region of Japan, Ehime Prefecture is a picture-perfect vacation escape for those who wish to enjoy some peace and quiet amid lush scenery. This prefecture is home to the thriving metropolis of Matsuyama and a handful of other smaller cities and towns. Some of the most pristine attractions within the prefecture are Ehime parks and recreational spaces, which invite visitors to stroll around their flora and fauna adorned walkways and find a nice green patch to kick back and relax.
8 Most Popular Parks in Ehime Prefecture
Whether you are visiting Ehime Prefecture for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, take some time to explore the parks and natural recreation spots the region has to offer. Not only are these parks full of history, but they all are just a short distance from the hotels, hostels, and resorts of the area. No matter what your reason is for being in the area, be sure to take some time to smell the flowers, lay out on the grass with a good book, watch the streams gently flow, and look for wildlife lurking in their native lands.
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1. Nanrakuen Garden
Seemingly pulled from the page of a fairy tale, Nanrakuen Garden is an idyllic Japanese park clad in fragrant cherry blossom trees and perfectly manicured gardens. This natural space is located in the city of Uwajima and is one of the largest parks in the region. At the park you will find a gift shop, a central pond, and paved walkways that wind throughout the grounds.
Nanrakuen Garden is open most months of the year, and it is coveted by those who love to take photographs. Admission into the park is 310 JPY per person for adults and 150 JPY for kids up to 18 years of age.
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2. Kirosan Observatory Park
Kirosan Observatory Park is located at the top of Mt. Kiro and offers visitors beautiful and unobstructed views of the harbor of Seto Inland Sea below. The observatory is located at a height of approximately 1,007 feet (307 meters) above sea level. Kirosan Observatory Park is known for its long winding staircase and interesting architecture. Along the trip up to the observatory, you will see sculptures of sea creatures and information plaques. For a completely different experience, visit this park after dark so you can check out all of the lights of the city and harbor below.
This park is situated at the southern end of Oshima Island and is open throughout the year.
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3. Tatarashimanami Park
If you are looking for a relaxing seaside oasis to take a leisurely stroll in the sunshine, look no further than Tatarashimanami Park located along the shoreline of Imabari. Tatarashimanami Park is situated along the base of the picturesque Tarara Bridge, and it features a promenade for strolling and lush green grassy patches that are ideal for a picnic or lounging around with a good book in hand. At the park, you will also find a retired coast guard helicopter that is worth checking out.
Tatarashimanami Park is open to the public each day of the year.
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4. Shikoku Karst
A pristine natural area where cattle can be seen grazing along the hillside and local wildlife runs free, Shikoku Karst is situated in the central region of Ehime Prefecture and is a place where you can get lost in your thoughts while taking in all of the scenery. At Shikoku Karst, visitors will see grasslands and meadows, mountains and valleys, and an abundance of natural foliage. At its highest point, Shikoku Karst cascades up into the sky nearly a mile (1,400 meters) above sea level and is full of nature trails that beg to be explored.
This park is open all year, and the scenery changes dramatically with the coming of each new season. Along the main trail, you will get the opportunity to see a 600-year-old horse chestnut tree.
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5. Omogo Gorge
Take an exploration that is off the beaten path when visiting Omogo Gorge in the Kumakogen countryside. This park is best visited during the fall season when the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. While exploring this natural park, be sure to check out the giant rock formations that make up the gorge, and spend some time admiring the crystal clear water of the rivers and ponds.
Omogo Gorge is open all year, and admission is free. There is also a free parking lot for vehicles at the entrance to the park. Also located near the gorge is the Omogo Sangaku Museum which is open most days of the year from 9:30am to 5pm. Inside the museum, guests will find an assortment of exhibits showcasing rocks, minerals, and plants that are found around the gorge.
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6. Nametoko Gorge
Nametoko Gorge is another picture-perfect natural park that features an expansive gorge, rivers and streams, hiking trails, and an abundance of flora and fauna to discover. This park is located in the remote wilderness region of Uwajima, and it is open for visitors to explore everyday of the year. Nametoko Gorge is popular among those who love canyoning, hiking, rafting, fishing, and getting closer to nature. The gorge’s most popular feature is the channels of granite rock that cut through the wilderness making formations that look like natural art. Hike deep into the woods, and you will be greeted by Yukiwa Falls, which is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in all of Japan.
There is free parking located at the park entrance and no admittance fee to get in.
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7. Tenshaen Garden
A peaceful oasis located in the central area of Uwajima is where visitors will come across the pristinely beautiful Tenshaen Garden. The garden and surrounding buildings were constructed in 1866 in celebration of seventh Feudal Lord Munetada Date at the time of his retirement from service. Throughout the garden, visitors will find stone sculptures and ornate walls surrounding the scenic ponds. The landscape is manicured, yet keeps its natural ruggedness and charm. This is a place where you can walk in the footsteps of history and admire the same scenery of nobility.
Tenshaen Garden is open throughout the year except for a brief closing period between the second Monday of December to the last Monday of February. The garden’s hours of operation are from 8:30am – 5pm April through June and from 8:30am – 4:30pm July through March. The admission fees for the park are as follows:
- Adults – 500 JPY
- Senior Citizens, over 65 – 300JPY
- Children, under 5 – Free
- Children, 6 – 12 years – 100 JPY
- Children 13 -15 years – 200 JPY
- Children 16 -18 years – 300 JPY
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8. Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle)
Step back in time, and learn about the history of Japanese samurais when strolling the grounds of Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle), near the heart of downtown Matsuyama. The castle was originally built in the 1300s, but has long since faded away and has been transformed into the scenic park and garden that it is today. Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle) is best visited during the spring season when the cherry blossom trees throughout the property are in full bloom. Also located around the property are benches, perfectly landscaped flower beds, and plenty of lush greenery.
This park is located up on the hillside, so while visiting, you can check out views of the city and Seto Inland Sea below. Around the property, you will also find remains of the old castle as well as a moat, some of the original walls, and historic artwork. Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle) is the ideal place to learn about the fascinating history of Matsuyama at your own pace.
Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle) is open to visitors all year long. For those who are driving, there is paid parking in the front of the park.
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