Much less tourist-trodden than other parts of the country, Ehime is an underrated prefecture that offers a chance to explore the traditional side of Japan. The prefecture is located on the northwest coast of the island of Shikoku, which lies below the main island of Honshu. From visiting historic sites in the capital city of Matsuyama to taking in the beautiful natural sights at Mount Ishizuchi, there is no shortage of places to visit and fun things to do in this warm and sunny region. Let’s take a look at some of the most unforgettable experiences to be had in Ehime.
1. Bathe in the relaxing waters at Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen is the oldest and most renowned hot spring in Japan. It has a history stretching back thousands of years and was first mentioned in the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest surviving historical record and written work. The hot springs resort sits at the edge of Matsuyama, and even though the sprawling city now engulfs its grounds, it retains a traditional and laid-back feel. Come and soak in the warm waters at one of Dogo Onsen‘s three public bathhouses.
The most famous of the bathhouses is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, an ornate, three-story wooden structure constructed in 1894. A labyrinth of rooms, passages, and stairways, Dogo Onsen Honkan served as the inspiration behind the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.” To the west of the main bathhouse lies Dogo Onsen Tsubaki-no-Yu, a favorite among locals. Originally built in 1953, it features large bathing rooms with a granite waterspout in the middle. The newest bathhouse in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, which opened in 2017. This Asuka period-style bathhouse is steeped in symbols referencing the history and lore of the hot spring. It also features open-air baths.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
2. Step back in time at Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is located in the heart of Matsuyama, on top of a 433-foot hill overlooking the city. Not only is it a must-visit attraction in Ehime, but it is among the top castle towers to see in all of Japan. Originally constructed in 1603, Matsuyama Castle is one of only 12 castles that have survived into the post-feudal era. Though the original structure was struck by lightning, it was faithfully recreated in 1854 and stands today as one of the best examples of feudal architecture in the country. The complete design allows visitors to imagine how the castle might have been in its prime. In early April every year, the grounds of Matsuyama Castle are also a prime spot to see the cherry blossoms.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
3. Tour the Shimanami Kaido (Nishi Seto Expressway)
The Nishi Seto Expressway — more commonly known as the Shimanami Kaido — is a 40-mile-long route connecting the island of Shikoku with the main island Honshu across the Seto Inland Sea. It begins in Onomichi in Honshu’s Hiroshima Prefecture and ends in Imabari in Ehime. Along the way, it passes through Mukaishima Island, Innoshima Island, Ikuchi Island, Omishima Island, Hakata Island, and Oshima Island. The route spans numerous bridges and is famed for its breathtaking views. There are also plenty of attractions to stop at just off the Shimanami Kaido, including the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art on Ikuchi Island and Dolphin Farm Shimanami on Hakata Island.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
4. Experience Shimanami Kaido by bicycle
Shimanami Kaido was designed and built with an integrated bicycle route that mostly parallels the road, with small divergences on the islands. The cycling route is about 43 miles in length, but it doesn’t have many large inclines and can be completed in a day. However, you certainly don’t have to do the entire route in one go. There are bicycle rental and drop-off locations all along the Shimanami Kaido so that you can tackle it at your leisure or only complete a smaller section.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
5. Enjoy a day of adventure at the Besshi Copper Mine
Opened in 1691, the Besshi Copper Mine was one of the most important mines in all of Japan, playing a key role in the country’s modernization. It operated for 282 years, until its closure in 1973, and produced around 700,000 tons of copper during its span of operation. If you are interested in more of the mine’s history, you can begin your day at Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum, which features five exhibits relating to the mine’s operation.
Today, a portion of the mine’s old facilities at the base of the mountains are used for the Minetopia Besshi theme park, one of the quirkiest attractions in Ehime. Here, you can ride a miniature steam engine along the tracks that were once used to transport copper from the mines. The park has a second section called the Tohnaru area where you can find the last remnants of the mine’s ore storage depot. Tohnaru is often called the “Machu Picchu of the Orient” because the ruins look like the site of an ancient forgotten city.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
6. Visit Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso in Ozu
Ozu is a quaint city just southwest of Matsuyama. It is sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto” for its historical appeal. The main attraction in Ozu is Ozu Castle, located on top of a hill by the Hijikawa River. A beautiful wooden structure, the castle dates back to the early 14th century. Though it was destroyed and demolished at various times during its history, Ozu Castle was eventually reconstructed using traditional techniques for an authentic look both inside and out. It houses fascinating historical exhibits and artifact displays.
Garyu Sanso is a nearby villa also situated along the river. It was designed to resemble the famous imperial villas of Kyoto and was also built using traditional methods. Visitors to Garyu Sanso are instantly impressed by the rustic charm and elegant atmosphere. The main building is a large, thatched-roof house with simple but intricately decorated rooms. Behind the house, you’ll find a tranquil, mossy garden with stone-slab paths that make it easy to explore. The garden also contains a classic tea house that sits on a lofty platform looking over the water.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
7. Wander through Yokaichi Gokoku Old Town in Uchiko
Uchiko is a charming traditional town located just southwest of Matsuyama. It was a highly prosperous district in the 18th century with a flourishing wax and paper production industry. Today, the main draw in Uchiko is the historic Yokaichi Gokoku Old Town. This traditional street, roughly 2,000 feet in length, is lined with merchant houses that have been wonderfully preserved over the years. Their plaster walls, latticework, and original decorative details remain intact, and most of the houses remain inhabited as well. The area has been classified as an “Important Preservation District” by the Japanese government.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
8. Go canyoning at Nametoko Gorge
Nametoko Gorge, located at the foot of Mount Onigajo in the southwest of Ehime, offers a perfect spot for canyoning. An adrenaline-pumping nature sport, canyoning involves traversing gorges and canyons using a variety of techniques like jumping off waterfalls and slipping down natural rock water slides. Nametoko Gorge is particularly well known for its abundance of natural chutes, one of which is the incredible Yukiwa Falls. Participants also get to dive into deep pools, rappel down giant rock faces, and float in calm, clear water. With friendly guides available to offer help and advice, canyoning at Nametoko Gorge is a great activity for people of all skill levels.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
9. Hike to the top of Mount Ishizuchi
Hiking is also a popular way to experience the natural and rugged beauty of Ehime. The most well-known hike is the trek up to Mount Ishizuchi, a 6,503-foot-high peak in the east of the prefecture. Mount Ishizuchi is not only the tallest mountain on Shikoku but in all of Western Japan as well. The mountain is popular among hikers for its spectacular vistas and challenging climb.
There are two main trails you can take to the top of Mount Ishizuchi. The steeper Omotesando route takes about 3.5 hours and begins at the top of the ropeway, while the easier Tsuchigoya Hut route takes 2.5 hours and starts higher up the mountain. Both trails eventually converge, and all climbers must traverse the near-vertical cliffs at the top using chains anchored into the rock. The panoramic views and serene atmosphere at the mountaintop makes the whole journey worthwhile.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
10. Take the Seawalker underwater stroll in Uwajima
Another top activity for the adventurous traveler is the Seawalker excursion, which lets you take a stroll through an underwater garden in the city of Uwajima. Participants are provided with specialized diving helmets, making it possible to breathe as you walk around on the ocean floor. You don’t even need to remove glasses, contact lenses, or makeup to participate. Take in the stunning coral and colorful fish off the island’s southwestern coast in an area protected as the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. The park is divided into different zones, and the Seawalker adventure can be found in the Uwakai Marine Park zone — the very first designated marine park in Japan. The best way to take in this part of Ehime is definitely underwater.
FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN EHIME TODAY
Discover hotels & places to stay in Ehime
Hotel Mielparque Matsuyama
Hotel Patio Dogo
Uwajima Oriental Hotel
