Ehime is a prefecture located on Shikoku Island in the southwestern part of Japan and is famous for its beautiful seaside views, amazing seafood dishes, and onsens. Choosing where to stay in Ehime means visitors get to pick from the best areas in the region. Whether travelers are interested in visiting hot springs or enjoy spending some time exploring castles and historical sites, the perfect area is waiting for them. This guide will help travelers find the best Ehime hotels, detail the best areas to visit, and help travelers plan their visits to this gorgeous prefecture.
Matsuyama – Dogo Area
Matsuyama is famous for its onsens, and visitors who are hoping to take a dip in these traditional hot springs are in for a treat, as there is an abundance in the city. “Dogo” refers to the underground hot springs that provide water to the area’s many onsens, and it also refers to the area around Dogo Onsen. The Dogo area is famous for its many ryokans, which are traditional Japanese-style hotels. With shopping, an abundance of onsens, and other great attractions, there’s plenty to see in this area.
- While in Matsuyama, visitors should make a stop at Dogo Onsen, which is the most famous onsen in the area. With its beautiful architecture, the onsen draws the eye with its three-tiered look, ornate roofs, and wooden accents. Within, the onsen is cavernous and offers a variety of pools and areas where visitors can relax. It’s even said that this onsen has inspired movies and has been frequented by famous guests. Truly, when one thinks of onsen in Japan, Dogo Onsen is probably what comes to mind.
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Matsuyama – Okaido Area
Travelers to Matsuyama who love to shop are in for a treat when they stay in Okaido. The area is home to Okaido Shopping Street, a massive shopping arcade where visitors can grab great things to eat and buy souvenirs to take home. “Okaido” means big street, and that’s what this is, a big street that’s full of shops and eateries. The popular ward also is next door to Matsuyama Castle.
- Throughout the year, special events that range from flea markets to a dance parade are held in Okaido. Visitors who hope to catch a glimpse of thriving Japanese markets should not miss a visit to Okaido Shopping Street.
Top Hotels in Dogo & Okaido
Dougoya Ryokan
Dogo Onsen Dogo Funaya
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
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Imabari
Imabari is the second-largest city in Ehime and is famous for its towels. Imabari towels have been crafted in the area for more than 100 years, and today the city has more than 100 factories used for the art of towel making. The factories specialize in everything from creating the yarn and dyeing it to crafting towels and more. These towels are characterized by their amazing absorbency and should sink within 5 seconds of entering water. And with the Towel Museum of Art, which is dedicated to the craft of towel making, there is a lot to learn about Imabari‘s specialty art.
- Imabari Castle is one of the main landmarks of the city and was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century. This historic landmark is surrounded by a seawater moat, which rises and falls with the tide. The beautiful tiered castle draws the eye, while the natural splendor of the area shines all around this magnificent construction. Visitors who love historical relics and armor should check out the castle’s collection during a visit.
- For a special treat and amazing views of Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, visitors should stop by Itoyama Park. The green space is on the northern part of Imabari and offers unparalleled views of the water and the bridge.
Top Hotels in Imabari
Ikidane Cyclist Hostel & Cafe Shimanami
Hotel Ajour Shionomaru
Imabari Kokusai Hotel
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Ozu Area
Ozu is a history lover’s dream. This remarkable town still retains a traditional Japanese look, with many houses and businesses that feature architecture that dates to the Edo and Meiji periods, between the 17th and 19th centuries. The top attraction in Ozu is undeniably Ozu Castle. While the current structure is the product of several renovations and additions, the most recent being a castle tower restoration that was completed in 2004, the castle grounds have stood in Ozu since the 14th century. Recently renovated, Ozu Castle gives visitors a glimpse into the past as it closely resembles how the castle originally looked and was built using mostly traditional methods. The tiered castle, with its quartet of turrets, stands out proudly. Within, exhibits showcase the history of Ozu with artifacts, maps, and information about the surrounding area. At the top, visitors can enjoy an impressive view of Ozu and the river below.
- Visitors who enjoy fishing should also stop in Ozu as this area offers some of the best traditional fishing in Ehime. In the summer, visitors can even experience cormorant fishing. This fishing method uses trained cormorant birds to catch fish and pull them into waiting boats.
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Uchiko Area
Uchiko is a town that’s located about 20 minutes northeast of Ozu. Uchiko is surrounded by lush forests and fertile land and is the perfect stop for history and nature lovers. Uchiko is famous for its wax, and wax merchants in the town gained their fortunes in this trade. Today, one of the town’s most prominent attractions is the Kamihaga Residence, which doubles as the Japanese Wax Museum. The Kamihaga Residence is the former home of a prominent merchant family, the Kamihagas, and is now a place where visitors can explore the history of the merchants from the area and learn about the art of wax making.
- Uchiko also features stunning 18th-century architecture. The white, plaster-covered buildings stand out against the street and are the perfect subjects for gorgeous photographs.
- Also popular in Uchiko is the kabuki theater. Fans of the performing art, kabuki, should make a stop at Uchiko-za. The original theater was built in 1916 and was used for kabuki performances and bunraku, which is a traditional Japanese puppet show that dates to the 17th century. In later years, the theater was considered for demolition due to aging, but when locals rallied for its restoration, Uchiko-za was restored and reopened in 1985 as a playhouse. It is now used as a base for artistic and cultural activities and is considered an important piece of Japanese history. The historic landmark is notable for its rotating stage, box seating, dressing room and hanamichi, a long, raised platform that runs from left of center-stage through the audience. The hanamichi serves as the main entrance for characters taking the stage, but it also is where audience members can give actors flowers after their performances. For this reason, the hanamichi is sometimes lovingly called the “flower path.”
Top Hotels in Ozu & Uchiko
NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town
Hostel & Tatami Bar Uchikobare
Super Hotel Ehime Ozu Inter
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