Have you heard of the Komobuchi Peninsula in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture? (Pronouncing "Komobuchi" can be a bit tricky for some.) This peninsula boasts breathtaking vistas recognized as an Important Cultural Landscape, offers fresh seafood, and provides a full range of experiences from sightseeing to gourmet delights. In this article, we introduce you to the charms of Komobuchi.
Where is Komobuchi Located?
Komobuchi Peninsula is located in the western part of Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture, jutting out into the Uwa Sea. With its mountains meeting the sea head-on, it forms a ria coastline. The Komobuchi district, which gives the peninsula its name, is situated at the tip of the peninsula along the seashore, facing toward Kyushu within Ehime Prefecture.
“Yusimizuga Ura no Danbata” – The Terraced Fields of Yusimizuga Ura, Recognized as an Important Cultural Landscape
There is a phrase used to describe terraced fields and rice paddies: “tilling the land all the way to heaven.” “Yusimizuga Ura no Danbata” perfectly embodies that sentiment. In the Uwajima area, these terraced fields are simply called “danbata.”
Due to the limited arable land along the coast, the slopes were historically cultivated to grow miscellaneous grains. Over time, these fields transitioned from growing crops such as sweet potatoes and mulberry trees for sericulture to potatoes.
Although many of these terraced fields decreased significantly during the Heisei era, an NPO called “Danbata wo Mamorou Kai” was established in Heisei 12 (2000) and spearheaded their revival. Praised for its beauty, this site was designated as one of Japan’s three Important Cultural Landscapes in July Heisei 19 (2007). It has also been featured as one of the “Japan Rural 100 Views” and in “Uwajima’s 24 Scenic Spots.”
The area comes alive with events such as the “Furusato Dandan Matsuri,” held for one day between April and May, and the “Danbata Light-up,” held for one day between August and September. Additionally, the NPO runs a restaurant and direct-sales shop (where they sell the original “Danbata” shochu), further enhancing the local charm.
Name: Yusimizuga Ura no Danbata
Address: 2323-3 Yusuko, Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture (Managed by the NPO “Danbata wo Mamorou Kai”)
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.uwajima.org/spot/index8.html
The World’s Narrowest!? “Hosoki Canal”
Hosoki Canal is located in the central area of the Miura Peninsula. Owing to the way Komobuchi Peninsula juts out into the Uwa Sea and the necessity for ships to detour to avoid seasonal winds, this location has historically faced various challenges.
Numerous excavation projects were proposed from the Meiji period onward, and it was finally completed in 1961. In the southern Iyo region, where long, narrow peninsulas are common, the canal has become an indispensable feature. A bridge spans the canal, and if you ride a fishing boat or high-speed vessel passing through, you can look up at this remarkably narrow Hosoki Canal.
Tojima
Tojima is a small island located about 20 kilometers west of Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture, with a population of around 500 and an area of 2.81 square kilometers. It lies just off the tip of the Komobuchi Peninsula and is entirely included within the Ashizuri-Uwa Sea National Park.
The surrounding sea is notably deep, with depths of up to 60 meters, and the strong tidal currents bring nutrient-rich waters from the seabed, making it an excellent fishing ground. The island is especially famous for its yellowtail, which is marketed under the name “Tojima Ichiban Buri.”
Tojima is also renowned as the burial site of Ichijō Kanesada, a Sengoku-era warlord and Christian daimyo. Defeated by the Chōsokabe clan of Tosa in 1574 during their campaign to dominate Shikoku, he hid on the island and passed away 11 years later, being interred at Ryūshū-ji Temple. Even today, the locals revere him as “Ichijō-sama” or “Miya-sama.”
Hiburi Island
Hiburi Island is located further west on the Kyushu side, beyond Tojima. The entire island is shaped like a mountain, so flat areas are scarce, and it is characterized by steep cliffs—especially along its western coast.
The island is small enough that walking around it takes just over two and a half hours. Its winding bays are well-known spots for rocky shore fishing and single-line fishing. In addition, the island features sea caves and reef formations, making it a popular beach destination during the summer. Hiburi Island was also a filming location for the 1976 NHK taiga drama “Kaze to Kumo to Niji to,” making it an attractive destination for location tours.
Name: Tojima/Hiburi Island
Address: Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.uwajima.org/course/index10.html
And, of Course, Enjoy the Sea’s Bounty!
Since the late Showa period, the region has embraced aquaculture, with pearl and yellowtail farming becoming major industries. The fish, lovingly raised in Ehime, are marketed under the name “Aiiku Fish” and are shipped nationwide. When visiting the Komobuchi Peninsula, be sure to indulge in the local seafood delights!