30 Must-Visit Recommended Tourist Spots in Ehime

Ehime Prefecture is a tourist destination famous for its haiku and hot springs. Sandwiched between the Shikoku Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea, Ehime's natural environment has nurtured this culture and climate. The blessings of Ehime can be enjoyed as Ehime gourmet food, from seafood to mountain produce. From small children to old couples, there are plenty of tourist spots where you can experience history and nature as pure as Pon Juice! Here we will introduce 30 tourist spots in Ehime that you should definitely check out.

1. Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle, the symbol of Matsuyama City, towers over the city. Built by Kato Yoshiakira, one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, it later became the castle of the 150,000 koku Hisamatsu Matsudaira clan, a related clan. It has one of the 12 remaining castle towers in Japan, and 21 other structures remain, second only to Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Most of them are clustered around the summit, which is 132 meters above sea level, creating a majestic landscape that no other castle in Ehime has.

There is a ropeway and lift from the eastern foot of the mountain to the top, making it convenient for sightseeing. The mountainside is also lush with greenery, so it is especially recommended to visit during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

2. Besshi Copper Mine

Besshi Copper Mine is located in the mountains of Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, and is known as the "Machu Picchu of the Orient." The brick-built townscape that suddenly appears on the high mountain resembles Machu Picchu, which is why it is called the "Machu Picchu of the Orient." Copper was mined there for about 280 years from 1690, and at one time it boasted the world's largest production volume.

The mine site still has tunnels and powder magazines that transported supplies, as well as a substation for running trains, making it a popular tourist spot in Ehime. The Tonaru Historical Museum on the premises introduces the history of the Besshi Copper Mine. Admission is free, so feel free to stop by.

Besshi Copper Mine, where you can see fantastic views, can be accessed by private car or by shuttle bus from the foot of the mountain. The road to get there is very narrow and can get crowded, especially during the tourist season, so please make sure you have plenty of time.

3. Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is a must-visit for tourists in Ehime. It is also known as the oldest hot spring in Japan, and is mentioned in the "Nihon Shoki." It has flourished as a hot spring resort since ancient times, and is said to have cured many injuries and illnesses.

Dogo Onsen, where history and culture blend together, has many famous hotels and inns, such as "Honkan," which is rumored to be the model for "Spirited Away," and "Funaya," which was visited by Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki. If you want to see the model site for Aburaya in "Spirited Away," go to "Honkan," and if you want to stroll through the garden praised by the great poet, go to "Funaya."

In addition, the hot spring town connecting Dogo Onsen Station and Honkan is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and shared baths used by locals. Relax with your loved ones while eating your way through the charming streets of Ehime.

4. Ichihiro Towel Museum

The Ichihiro Towel Museum is filled with the "art" of towels. It is a complex facility with a towel workshop, towel collection, restaurant, and museum market, and is a popular tourist spot in Ehime. There is a large parking lot, so it is a good idea to reserve a cheap rental car in Ehime Prefecture and head there by car.

The highlight is the towel workshop and collection area on the 3rd floor. You can purchase a wide variety of towels, from original towels to character towels. You can embroider your favorite towels at the workshop. Why not make a one-of-a-kind original towel as a souvenir of your trip?

The museum is surrounded by a Western-style garden with a lawn and flowers as the main theme, and seasonal flowers such as lavender, cherry blossoms, and marigolds bloom. After enjoying the towel museum, enjoy a leisurely stroll.

5. Imabari Castle

The development of the town of Imabari began with the construction of Imabari Castle. It was built by Todo Takatora, who was renowned as a master of castle construction and was also in charge of the layout of Edo Castle, and is characterized by its wide moat and orderly stone walls. The moat is directly connected to the sea, and the water level rises and falls with the tides, and saltwater fish sometimes swim in it.

Although the original buildings no longer exist, many structures have been restored, including a mock castle tower, turrets, and gates. From the top floor of the six-story castle tower, you can see not only the city of Imabari, but also the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and the mountains of the Ishizuchi mountain range on the other side! At night, the castle is lit up under the supervision of a lighting designer, and the scenery is particularly fantastic during cherry blossom season.

6. Japan Food Research Institute Food Culture Museum (Palace Factory)

Nihon Shokken, a company well known for its TV commercials, is headquartered in Ehime Prefecture, and its tourist facility, the Food Culture Museum, displays Japanese and international food cultures, ham, sausages, and other food-related exhibits. There are museums that will make you hungry just by looking at them, such as the Palace Food Culture Museum, which is modeled after the Belvedere Palace, the World Food Culture Museum, where you can learn about food cultures around the world, and the History Museum, where you can learn about the history of Nihon Shokken.

The World Food Culture Museum is recommended. You can learn information that you don't get in your daily life, such as ingredients from all over the world, cooking utensils, tableware, and dining etiquette.

There are two tour courses: the Palace Course, which takes you around each spot in order, and the Food Culture Museum Course, which includes lunch. Reservations are required, so be sure to call early to match your Ehime sightseeing schedule.

By the way, there is also accommodation on site, and the rooms are clean and have a feel of "premium rooms" and "guest rooms." After visiting the museum, stay at the hotel and enjoy a great trip to Ehime.

7. Omishima Island

Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture, one of the Geiyo Islands in the Seto Inland Sea, is home to Oyamazumi Shrine, the head temple of the Mishima Shrines scattered throughout Japan, and is known as the "Island of the Gods." The shrine is home to precious old trees that have been growing there since ancient times, and the "Camphor Trees of Oyamazumi Shrine" in particular are a national natural monument.

The Miyanoura area surrounding the shrine is full of accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other facilities that make it a great base for sightseeing. You can use this as a base to tour the other islands of the Geiyo Islands. If you're sightseeing in Ehime, be sure to visit Omishima, one of Ehime's most famous power spots.

8. Railway History Park in Saijo

The Railway History Park in Saijo is a tourist spot with excellent access, located right in front of Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line. It is roughly divided into three areas, one of which, the Shikoku Railway Cultural Museum, displays real 0-series Shinkansen and locomotives. The museum is divided into a north building and a south building, separated by the Poppo Bridge that spans the station, and a mini steam locomotive runs around the parking lot in front of the south building, making it popular with children and tourists!

In addition, there is a memorial hall for Shinji Sogo, the president of Japanese National Railways who worked hard to build the Shinkansen, and a tourist exchange center that introduces the whole of Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture! At the tourist exchange center, you can sample the artesian spring water called "Uchinuki." It is a useful tourist destination as a gateway to tourism in western Ehime Prefecture and as a base for gathering information.

9. Kurushima Strait Rapids Sightseeing Boat

The Kurushima Strait, a difficult passage in the Seto Inland Sea, was called Kurushima first and Naruto second. In the past, it was difficult to pass by boat without the help of the Murakami Navy, based in Kurushima, off the coast of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. You can experience the violent currents firsthand on the Kurushima Strait rapids observation boat in Ehime. You can observe the whirlpools that occur here and there depending on the tide, and see the remains of a pirate castle.

In recent years, the view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the largest bridge on the Shimanami Kaido, as you pass under the bridge while looking up, has become popular with tourists. By the way, please note that the boarding point is not on the Shikoku side, but on Oshima, across the strait! You can purchase your ticket at the Yoshiumi Ikiikikan Roadside Station. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a school of dolphins or a submarine.

10. JR Shimonada Station

The JR Yosan Line is divided into two lines, one that runs along the mountain side between Iyo City and Ozu City, and one that runs along the sea side. The latter is a tourist line in Ehime affectionately known as the "Loving Iyonada Line"! The scenery of the Iyonada Sea continues endlessly from the train window. Shimonada Station, which is located along the way, is a small unmanned station that is particularly known as a tourist spot. Until the national highway was built just below it, it was known as "the station closest to the sea in Japan".

It became a tourist destination after being used as a location for the Seishun 18 Ticket poster and for many dramas, movies, and commercials. As it faces northwest, the sunsets are particularly beautiful, and the sun sinking into the horizon in a straight line is nothing short of romantic.

11. Kirosan Observatory Park

Kirosan Observation Park in Ehime Prefecture, designated as part of the Setonaikai National Park, is a tourist spot with an outstanding view. The design, by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's leading architects, is modern yet blends in well with nature, achieving an exquisite balance.

At the Panorama Observation Bridge, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Ehime Prefecture and its surrounding areas, including the world's first triple suspension bridge, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, and the tidal currents of the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's three fastest tides.

The night view is also wonderful, and the illuminated Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the sparkling city lights of Imabari City are very romantic and perfect for a date. The beauty of the Seto Inland Sea is completely different between day and night. If you are visiting Ehime, this is a must-visit tourist spot.

12. Gujeong Observatory

Gokujo Observatory is a popular tourist spot in Ehime that was designated a "sacred place for lovers" in 2012 as a suitable place for proposals. Since it was designated a sacred place for lovers, many couples have come to visit.
The view from the observation deck on the mountainside is spectacular. During the day, you can see the Seto Inland Sea, and at night, the night view of Shikokuchuo City spreads out below you.

Access is only by car, so tourists from far away will need to rent a car or take a taxi. Be sure to check the weather forecast and make arrangements for a rental car in advance to have a memorable trip to Ehime with your partner.

13. Shiozuka Plateau

Shiozuka Kogen is Ehime's paragliding mecca. From summer to autumn, you can watch many paragliders soaring through the sky. If you're not satisfied with just watching, there are also schools where you can try it out, so be sure to check it out.

It straddles Ehime and Tokushima prefectures, and on the eastern Ehime side is the Shiozuka Kogen Observatory, where you can enjoy a view that stretches all the way to the Seto Inland Sea. It is also known as a tourist spot where you can see the beautiful starry sky, and on a clear day you can see a sky full of stars with the naked eye. If you're visiting Ehime and want to experience the vastness of the sky, be sure to visit Shiozuka Kogen.

14. Uwajima Castle

Uwajima is the central city in the southwestern part of Ehime Prefecture. Its symbol, Uwajima Castle, is one of only 12 remaining castle towers in the country. Although it is small with only three floors and three stories, the tower is impressive with its gorgeous decorations that herald the arrival of a peaceful era.

The foundation of the current castle was built by Todo Takatora, who is said to be a master of castle construction. At the time, it was a floating island-like castle facing the sea, isolated from the mainland by a moat. Later, Hidemune Date, the eldest son of Masamune Date, established the new Uwajima Domain, which continued until the Meiji Restoration. At the end of the Edo period, it is also known for having produced one of the four wise lords, Munenari Date.

Another highlight of the castle is the lush primeval forest that covers the hills! Walking step by step towards the main citadel surrounded by lush greenery, you will definitely feel refreshed.

15. Tenshaen

Tenshaen is a national scenic spot located southwest of Uwajima Castle, the symbol of Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. It was built by Date Munetada, the lord of the Uwajima domain at the end of the Edo period. The name Tenshaen comes from a Chinese poem by Date Masamune, Munenobu's ancestor. It is a stroll-style garden with a large pond at its center, and features 20 types of rare bamboo and bamboo plants.

The highlight of this elegant daimyo garden is the Shirafuji Taiko Bridge that spans the pond! In early summer, white wisteria blooms on the arched wisteria trellis that spans the pond. The garden is also famous for the beauty of its irises, and in early June when they are in full bloom, it becomes a popular spot for tourists. This is a daimyo garden that Ehime is proud of, filled with many other attractions, such as the inscribed and old stones that are placed in various places in the garden and the cool moss path.

16. The Streets of Unomachi, Uwamachi

Uwacho and Unomachi in Ehime Prefecture are famous tourist spots for their townscapes that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. During the feudal period, it flourished as a local town and post town, but in modern times, the development of transportation networks caused the city center to move away from Uwacho and Unomachi. As a result, people suddenly disappeared, and miraculously, the traditional townscape was preserved in good condition without being destroyed.

Today, many tourists visit to get a glimpse of the townscape. Uchiko and this place are the two places that have the most atmosphere in Ehime Prefecture. Uwacho in Ehime is a town where you feel like you could get lost in the Edo period.

17. Uchiko Townscape

Along with Uwamachi Unomachi, Uchiko Town in Ehime Prefecture has become a tourist destination with its historic streetscape. This area has many fine buildings of merchants who made their fortunes from mokuro (wood wax) until the Meiji era, and efforts have been made to preserve them for future generations. It is interesting to note that although it has the same historic streetscape, it has a completely different origin from Uwamachi Unomachi, which could be said to be the product of chance. In addition to the

main street, there are many other attractions worth visiting, such as the beautiful wooden Taisho-era playhouse Uchikoza, the Mokuro Museum, and the Commerce and Life Museum, which give a glimpse into life at the time. It is also a good idea to visit the two major historic streetscapes in Ehime Prefecture in succession. If you visit Ehime, be sure to come and experience the charming Uchiko Townscape.

18. Uwakai Observation Tower

Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture, is close to the border with Sukumo City, Kochi Prefecture. The 110m-tall Uwakai Observation Tower stands on a hill where the ria coast is particularly complex. Located at the top of Mazeyama, it is a tourist spot with a spectacular view, reaching an altitude of about 260m above sea level! Beautiful scenery of the southern tip of Ehime Prefecture, including Sukumo Bay and Misho Bay, wrapped in green and blue, spreads out before you.

The unique feature of this observation tower is that the observation deck itself, which offers a 360-degree view, rises and falls. The donut-shaped observation room rotates as it rises, so you can enjoy the view in all directions just by sitting there, without having to walk around! There are also tourist spots such as the Shiden Kai Exhibition Hall and Minami Rakuen nearby, so you can take your time to immerse yourself in Ehime sightseeing.

19. Ozu Castle

Ozu City is located at the junction of Matsuyama City, the prefectural capital of Ehime Prefecture, and the southern part of the prefecture. Ozu Castle, built on the banks of the Hijikawa River that runs through the city, was the residence of the Kato clan, which had a fief of 60,000 koku throughout the Edo period. All that remained of the building were four turrets, including the kitchen turret, but the four-story, four-storey castle tower was restored in wood in 2004. This castle tower is a rare example of a full-scale restoration blessed with many documents, including not only blueprints but also old photographs and models of the wooden frame, and has attracted attention not only in Ehime but also nationwide.

It is also the tallest wooden building in Japan after the war, and would not have been allowed under the current Building Standards Act. After nearly two years of negotiations with the people of Ehime, the construction was approved as an exception. In other words, it is a rare wooden building that you won't see anywhere else, and it is worth seeing! If you are visiting Ehime, be sure to stop by.

20. Nagahama Bridge

The Hijikawa River runs through Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture. Nagahama Ohashi Bridge, which spans the river's mouth, is the oldest swing bridge still standing in Japan. This bright red truss bridge is a national important cultural property that is affectionately known to locals as the "Red Bridge"!

The bridge is designed so that the center part of the bridge rises up when a ship passes through, but today it is opened and closed only once a week on Sundays for tourists. In the summer, the entire bridge is illuminated with lights, making it very romantic! The red bridge girders are enchantingly lit up against the summer night sky of Ehime.

Winter is also a great time to visit Nagahama Ohashi Bridge! In the early morning of early winter, a natural phenomenon called the "Hijikawa Storm" occurs, and the mist generated in the river passes through the bridge and blows into the sea in one go. Nagahama Ohashi Bridge, surrounded by the white mist of the river, creates a fantastical landscape that is a little different.

21. Yawatahama

If you are visiting Ehime, you should not forget Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture, where maritime trade was once so prosperous that it was nicknamed "Osaka of Iyo." Even today, it is one of the leading trading ports in Western Japan and is a lively region serving as the western gateway to Shikoku. The town's nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere, along with the varied ria coastline, is also attractive and popular with tourists.

The specialty dish "champon" is Yawatahama's soul food, which was introduced from Nagasaki and other places and evolved uniquely in Yawatahama, Ehime. Its light chicken-based soup is loved by locals! Be sure to visit Yawatahama, which has an interesting culture that shows influences from various regions in Ehime Prefecture.

22. Cape Sada

The Sadamisaki Peninsula in Ehime Prefecture juts out from the western edge of Shikoku. At the tip of this peninsula, also known as "Japan's longest and thinnest peninsula," is Sadamisaki. It is about 30 km in a straight line from Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture, which is at the base of the peninsula, to Sadamisaki. From the cape, you can see Saganoseki in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, across the Bungo Channel, and you will have the ocean spreading out before you all to yourself! There are also tourist spots scattered around the area, such as the remains of wartime forts and artillery batteries.

There is one more thing to see when visiting Sadamisaki. National Route 197, which runs along the ridge of the peninsula, is a melody line where the tires play music as you drive along it. There is also the "Setomachi Agricultural Park Roadside Station" on the way to the melody line, which is a good place to take a break or go shopping.

23. Tobe Zoo

Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo uses a "panorama method" of displaying animals, using moats instead of fences. It is a popular tourist spot in Ehime, with a reputation for allowing visitors to see animals in their natural state. Approximately 823 animals of 170 species are waiting for you to visit the zoo. Peace, the polar bear who was raised healthily through artificial feeding, is the first in Japan, and is the most popular among tourists for his charming appearance and actions.

This is "Ehime's friendliest zoo," where every effort has been made to make the animals as relaxed as possible. If you are visiting Ehime, be sure to stop by and feel warm and gentle.

24. Mount Ishizuchi

Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest mountain in western Japan, surpassing Ehime Prefecture. It is called Mt. Ishizuchi because of its main peak, Mt. Tengu, Mt. Misen, where the shrine is located, and Mt. Sasaga Mine.

Mt. Ishizuchi is also a sacred mountain, and is a popular tourist spot that attracts many worshippers and tourists regardless of the season. The recommended climbing route is the course that takes you by ropeway from the base station to Jojusha station on the middle slope. There are three chain sections on the mountain path from Jojusha to the summit, which takes about three hours. In all cases, you will have to hold on to chains to climb vertical rocks over 50 meters, so if you are not confident in your physical strength, you should take a detour.

Mt. Tengu looks like a demon's horns when viewed from Mt. Misen. Its appearance seems to reject anyone who comes, but in autumn, the red leaves shine on the rock surface, making it the most popular tourist and photography spot. The view from the top of Mt. Tengu is also a 360-degree panoramic view!

You can see the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains to the north, and Kyushu's Kuju Mountains to the west. Mt. Ishizuchi offers beautiful scenery in every season, so it's a place that climbers can enjoy at any time.

25. Shikoku Karst

"A playground in the sky" "Japan's New Zealand"... Such tourist spots are in Ehime Prefecture! Shikoku Karst is one of the three major karsts in Japan, and it has the highest elevation. The gentle sloping plateau, which is unique to karst plateaus, spreads across Ehime and Kochi prefectures. The beautiful scenery is truly a "playground in the sky".

Cattle grazing is also popular, and it's no wonder it is called "Japan's New Zealand"! The idyllic atmosphere is perfect for sightseeing. The soft serve ice cream you can eat on the plateau is rich and delicious. It is also a popular spot for stargazing, and in summer you can clearly see the Milky Way.

If you are visiting Ehime, why not visit Shikoku Karst and refresh yourself in the plateau air?

26. Nibukawa Onsen

Nibukawa Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is one of the "Three Hot Springs of Iyo." During the Edo period, it served as a therapeutic hot spring for the Imabari Domain, healing the wounds of samurai. It is one of Ehime's proud hidden hot springs. It is only a few minutes by bus from Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, so it is also attractive that you can take a day trip to bathe there while sightseeing. It is also known as the "Beauty Hot Spring," and is expected to have skin-beautifying effects.

Located a little deep in the mountains, it is not too crowded, and the atmosphere is calm and relaxing, as it is not too touristy. If you are looking to relax and soothe yourself in a quiet hot spring while sightseeing in Ehime, we recommend Nibukawa Onsen.

27. Botchan Train

Many people may think of "Botchan" when they hear "Ehime and Matsuyama". A streetcar with the appearance of a steam locomotive runs through Matsuyama City, the setting of Natsume Soseki's masterpiece "Botchan". This is the "Botchan Train" and it is a standard first ride for tourists who visit Matsuyama!

The reason it is popular is not only because of its retro feel, but also because it connects Matsuyama's major tourist spots such as Dogu Onsen, Matsuyama Station, and Furumachi! It is a very convenient means of transportation for sightseeing. Make a reservation early according to your sightseeing schedule. Also, you must
see the train changing direction at the "Matsuyamashi Ekimae" tram stop, pushed by the station staff! It is the best part of sightseeing in Ehime.

Once you get on board, you will feel a sense of nostalgia with the lantern-style lights in the wooden car and the friendly conductor. Take a ride on the "matchbox-like train" and pretend to be the main character of "Botchan" who is assigned to a junior high school in Matsuyama, and enjoy the scenery of Matsuyama.

28. The Big Ferris Wheel

Just because it has a name like "Kururin", doesn't mean it actually spins! How about a 15-minute trip in the sky, slowly going round and round while taking in the panoramic view of Matsuyama, Ehime? If you ride the giant Ferris wheel on the rooftop of Iyotetsu Takashimaya, you can enjoy the view from 85 meters above the ground.

During the day, you can see the Seto Inland Sea in the distance, and at sunset, you can enjoy the sunset, and of course the night view of Matsuyama at night. The Ferris wheel is popular with children and adults, locals and tourists alike.

If you have a one-day pass for the tram or circular bus, which are the means of transportation for sightseeing in Matsuyama, you can get a discount. What's more, you can even get it for free during your birthday month! Make sure to include some time on the Ferris wheel in your sightseeing itinerary for Ehime and Matsuyama.

29. Clouds Above the Hill Museum

One of Japan's leading historical novelists is the late Ryotaro Shiba. This museum is based on one of his most famous works, "Clouds Above the Hill," and is a must-see tourist spot in Ehime for Shiba fans and history buffs.

The building was designed by Tadao Ando, ​​another of Japan's leading architects. The innovative triangular design is also impressive! Matsuyama, Ehime, is promoting urban development based on the theme of "Clouds Above the Hill," and this building, which can be said to be a symbol of the city, is worth a visit just to see. All of the characters in the novel, including Masaoka Shiki, Akiyama Yoshifuru, and the Akiyama brothers Saneyuki, were from Matsuyama, Ehime.

There are also valuable materials such as their handwritten manuscripts, so it is well worth a visit. It is also close to Matsuyama Castle, so we recommend visiting it together with a tour of the castle.

30. Dogo Park

Dogo Park is less than a five-minute walk from the Dogo Onsen Main Building. This park, on a small hill surrounded by a double moat, is the site of Yuzuki Castle, the castle of the Kono clan, who served as the guardian of Iyo Province. After the war, it became a zoo for a long time, but in recent years, a full-scale excavation survey was conducted in conjunction with its relocation to Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo. Based on the results, the samurai residences and vassals' living quarters were restored! A museum was also built, and the park was reborn as a full-fledged historic site park in Ehime.

The park is also known as a famous cherry blossom spot representing Ehime, and many citizens and tourists come to view the flowers in early spring. If you go up to the observation deck on the hill, you can see the city from a different angle than Matsuyama Castle! You can also see the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea in the distance. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan, and is a tourist spot that is rapidly gaining attention in Ehime Prefecture.

◎Summary

What did you think? I hope you were able to understand that Ehime is not just about mandarin oranges, but also about its beautiful nature and unique regions. Using these 30 recommendations as a reference, be sure to visit Ehime Prefecture, which is full of attractions, by choosing your favorite Ehime sightseeing route.