Best Places to Visit in Ehime Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Ehime Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Ehime Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Ehime Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Ehime Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Ehime Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Ehime Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Ehime Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Ehime Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Ehime Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Ehime Prefecture
- Transportation To Ehime Prefecture
Welcome to Ehime Prefecture, Japan! Located on the island of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. With its stunning coastline, picturesque mountains, and charming rural landscapes, this prefecture is a paradise for nature lovers. Be sure to visit the famous Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles, and take a relaxing dip in the rejuvenating hot springs of Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea, such as the art-filled Naoshima Island and the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or cultural immersion, Ehime Prefecture has something for everyone.
Ehime Prefecture Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Ehime Prefecture
1. Matsuyama: Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture and offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern attractions. The city is famous for its iconic Matsuyama Castle, which sits atop a hill and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, and indulge in a relaxing bath in its traditional wooden bathhouses. Matsuyama is also home to the Botchan Train, a charming retro-style tram that takes you on a scenic journey through the city's streets.
2. Uchiko: Uchiko is a small town in Ehime Prefecture that is known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. Walking through the streets of Uchiko feels like stepping back in time, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow alleyways. The town is also famous for its Uchiko-za Theater, a beautifully restored kabuki theater that still hosts performances today. Visitors can also visit the Uchiko Wax Museum to learn about the town's history of wax production and even try their hand at making their own wax crafts.
3. Imabari: Imabari is a coastal city in Ehime Prefecture that is renowned for its Imabari Towels. These high-quality towels are known for their absorbency and softness, and visitors can learn about the towel-making process at the Imabari Towel Museum. Imabari is also home to the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges, which offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. The city's Imabari Castle is another must-visit attraction, with its impressive stone walls and beautiful gardens.
4. Ozu: Ozu is a picturesque town located along the Hijikawa River in Ehime Prefecture. The town is famous for its well-preserved samurai residences, which showcase the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the samurai class. Visitors can explore the Ozu Castle, a reconstructed castle that offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Ozu is also known for its Ozu Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.
5. Niihama: Niihama is a city in Ehime Prefecture that is renowned for its Niihama Taiko Festival, one of Japan's largest taiko drum festivals. During the festival, the city comes alive with vibrant performances and parades, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Niihama is also home to the Niihama City Museum of Art, which houses a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks. Visitors can also explore the Niihama Castle Ruins, which offer a glimpse into the city's feudal past.
6. Yawatahama: Yawatahama is a coastal city in Ehime Prefecture that is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. The city's Yawatahama Port is a popular starting point for ferry trips to the nearby islands of Oshima and Ukushima, where visitors can enjoy pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Yawatahama is also home to the Yawatahama City Museum of History and Folklore, which showcases the region's rich cultural heritage.
7. Seiyo: Seiyo is a rural town in Ehime Prefecture that offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is known for its beautiful Seiyo Sake Brewery, where visitors can learn about the traditional sake-making process and even sample some of the local brews. Seiyo is also home to the Seiyo Space Center, a unique attraction that allows visitors to learn about space exploration through interactive exhibits and simulations.
8. Uwajima: Uwajima is a coastal city in Ehime Prefecture that is famous for its Uwajima Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles. The castle is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Uwajima is also known for its Uwajima Bullfighting, a traditional event where bulls compete against each other in a ring. Visitors can also explore the Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival, a lively celebration featuring traditional dances and performances.
9. Matsuno: Matsuno is a small town located in the mountainous region of Ehime Prefecture. The town is known for its Matsuno Gorge, a stunning natural attraction with crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Visitors can hike along the gorge's trails and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Matsuno is also home to the Matsuno-ji Temple, one of the Shikoku Pilgrimage temples, which attracts pilgrims from all over Japan.
10. Ikata: Ikata is a town in Ehime Prefecture that is famous for its Ikata Nuclear Power Plant, which offers guided tours for visitors to learn about nuclear energy and its role in Japan's energy production. The town is also known for its beautiful Ikata Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can also relax and unwind at the Ikata Onsen, a hot spring resort that offers rejuvenating baths and stunning views of the sea.
Hotels Map Of Ehime Prefecture
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Tours And Activities In Ehime Prefecture
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Food & Drinks To Try In Ehime Prefecture
1. Iyo Mandarin Oranges: Ehime Prefecture is famous for its delicious Iyo Mandarin Oranges. These oranges are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, making them a must-try when visiting the region.
2. Seafood: Being located on the coast, Ehime Prefecture offers a wide variety of fresh seafood options. From succulent oysters to delectable sashimi, seafood lovers will be in paradise here.
3. Uwajima Taimeshi: Uwajima Taimeshi is a local specialty in Ehime Prefecture. It is a dish made with steamed rice topped with a generous portion of grilled sea bream. The combination of the tender fish and flavorful rice is simply mouthwatering.
4. Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Sando: This is a popular local sandwich in Ehime Prefecture. It consists of grilled pork, a perfectly cooked egg, and a tangy sauce, all sandwiched between two slices of soft bread. It's a delicious and filling snack that you shouldn't miss.
5. Sake: Ehime Prefecture is known for its high-quality sake production. Take the opportunity to visit a local brewery and sample some of the finest sake in Japan. The smooth and rich flavors of Ehime sake are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
6. Yuzu-flavored dishes: Yuzu is a citrus fruit that is widely used in Ehime Prefecture's cuisine. From yuzu-flavored ice cream to yuzu-infused sauces, you'll find a range of dishes that showcase the unique and refreshing taste of this fruit.
7. Sanuki Udon: Although Sanuki Udon is more commonly associated with Kagawa Prefecture, it is also popular in Ehime Prefecture. This thick and chewy wheat noodle dish is typically served in a flavorful broth and topped with various ingredients such as green onions and tempura.
8. Matcha: While matcha is not exclusive to Ehime Prefecture, it is still worth mentioning as it is a popular drink in Japan. Enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony or indulge in matcha-flavored desserts like matcha ice cream or matcha-flavored mochi.
9. Mikan Juice: Mikan is another type of citrus fruit that is grown in Ehime Prefecture. The juice made from these sweet and tangy fruits is incredibly refreshing and a perfect choice for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
10. Ehime Craft Beer: For beer enthusiasts, Ehime Prefecture offers a range of craft breweries that produce unique and flavorful beers. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or a smooth lager, you'll find a beer that suits your taste in Ehime.
Best Time To Visit Ehime Prefecture
The best time to visit Ehime Prefecture, Japan is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, which is from March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, with cherry blossoms blooming all over the prefecture. This is a great time to visit popular attractions such as Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In autumn, which is from September to November, the weather is also mild, and the foliage turns into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This creates a stunning backdrop for exploring places like Matsuyama Botanical Garden and Uwajima Castle. It is important to note that Ehime Prefecture can get quite hot and humid during the summer months of June to August, and the winter months of December to February can be cold, especially in the mountainous areas. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visiting during these seasons if you are not comfortable with extreme temperatures. Overall, the spring and autumn seasons offer the most comfortable weather and the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Ehime Prefecture.
Flight Calendar For Ehime Prefecture
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Transportation To Ehime Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Ehime Prefecture is Matsuyama Airport, which is located in Matsuyama City. There are domestic flights available from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to your destination in Ehime Prefecture.
2. By Train: Ehime Prefecture is well-connected by train. The main train station in the prefecture is Matsuyama Station, which is served by the JR Yosan Line and the Iyotetsu Railway. You can take a train from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, to Matsuyama Station. From there, you can transfer to local trains or buses to reach your final destination in Ehime Prefecture.
3. By Ferry: If you are coming from other parts of Japan, you can also consider taking a ferry to Ehime Prefecture. There are ferry services available from Hiroshima and Osaka to Matsuyama Port. The ferry journey can be a scenic and enjoyable way to reach Ehime Prefecture.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and drive to Ehime Prefecture. The prefecture is accessible via major highways, such as the Matsuyama Expressway and the Nishiseto Expressway. However, please note that driving in Japan may require an International Driving Permit and familiarization with local traffic rules.
Once you arrive in Ehime Prefecture, there are also local transportation options available, such as buses and taxis, to help you get around the prefecture and explore its attractions.