11 recommended sightseeing spots in Matsuno Town, Ehime Prefecture. Let’s go to the refreshing “Forest Country”!

Matsuno Town in Kitauwa District is a nature-rich town known by the catchphrase “Forest Country.” True to this name, over 80% of the town’s area is covered by forests! Along with the breathtaking beauty of forests, valleys, and waterfalls, Matsuno Town offers many unique attractions. Here are our recommended spots.

1. Be Moved by the Pristine Nature of the Valley: Nametoko Valley

Nametoko Valley is a representative tourist destination in Matsuno Town, known as the “Forest Country.” This massive 12-kilometer-long valley lies along the upper reaches of the Meguro River, a tributary of the Shimanto River, and is part of the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. It offers a full experience of refreshing natural beauty with many sights and activities.

With its smooth rock surfaces and crystal-clear water, refreshing waterfalls, and lush green forests, the scenery is stunning. Highlights include “Deai-name,” where beautiful water patterns form over a single rock slab; the majestic “Yukiwano Taki,” one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls; and “Senjojiki,” a vast bedrock stream. As you explore the area, you’ll be captivated by the ever-changing natural beauty. It’s also a popular spot for canyoning, where you can enjoy a natural waterslide! Various tours are available, so why not give one a try?

2. Two Waterfalls Embraced by Mountain Silence: Amagataki Park

Located upstream in the Okunogawa Valley, this natural park features two waterfalls: Amagataki and Himetaki. Amagataki is a grand and beautiful waterfall, flowing dynamically in two stages down a rock wall about 30 meters high. A viewing platform is set directly in front of the waterfall, offering a breathtaking view.

Next to Amagataki is the smaller Himetaki, whose cool and elegant appearance suits its name perfectly. The viewing platform is about 200 meters from the parking area via a walking trail. Surrounded by the quiet of the deep mountains, the sound of the flowing water is truly cleansing. Let the misty shower refresh you with a boost of negative ions!

3. Rich in Nature: Niji no Mori Park

Known throughout Matsuno Town as a tourist spot that offers multiple ways to enjoy your visit, Niji no Mori Park is also a roadside station. A river flows nearby, allowing visitors to relax and spend an entire day surrounded by the natural richness typical of Matsuno.

Within the spacious grounds, you’ll find the park’s highlight aquarium, a glass studio where you can try glass-making, a market hall selling fresh ingredients and local specialties, a food corner famous for its gelato, and a restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely end up staying longer than planned. Matsumaru Station is located just across the river.

4. A Cozy and Heartwarming Aquarium: Osakana-kan

Among the facilities in Niji no Mori Park, Osakana-kan is especially popular with families. The aquarium mainly features freshwater fish that live in the Shimanto River. Though modest in size, it houses a surprisingly wide range of species, including the elusive Akame, arapaima, otters, and even small crocodiles.

The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, allowing for close-up viewing, which is a delight. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the penguins! Watching their carefree behavior in this homey (or maybe quirky?) environment is truly heartwarming. With daily feeding times, weekend strolls, and occasional events, it’s worth keeping an eye on their schedule.

5. Freshly Picked Tomatoes All Year Round: Forest Country Farm

Tomato lovers won’t want to miss this spot. While tomatoes are often associated with summer, at Forest Country Farm, you can enjoy tomato picking (for a fee) all year long. In fact, winter is said to be a hidden peak season...

Winter-harvested tomatoes are said to be sweeter than their summer counterparts. Besides the tomato greenhouses, there’s a greenhouse where you can buy seasonal flower seedlings and ornamental plants. The park also offers bicycle rentals. Why not enjoy a refreshing ride from Matsuno Town to Nametoko Valley or the Shimanto River?

6. Japan’s Scenic Beauty Spreads Across the Mountainous Area: Yuzuriha Terraced Rice Fields

Selected as one of the “Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields in Japan,” the terraced paddies of the Yuzuriha settlement stretch across a secluded mountain village near the border with Kochi Prefecture. These traditional stone-constructed terraces rise in steps, creating a geometric beauty that harmonizes perfectly with the scattered village homes and the natural forested environment, forming a stunning landscape. It’s a scene that reflects the quintessential beauty of Japan—something perhaps even more poignant in modern times. Incidentally, it’s also known as a place where you can see red dragonflies.

7. A Medieval Castle Remnant That Evokes History: Kagomori Castle Ruins

A medieval castle site located atop a hill surrounded by three rivers. Full-scale excavations began in 1991, and now parts of the ruins have been restored, along with reconstructed buildings that bring the past vividly to life. You can feel the weight of history at this timeless site. The view of Matsuno Town from the hilltop is another highlight.

There are two paths to the castle, both accessible on foot from Matsumaru Station. If coming by car, parking is available at the Furogadani entrance. Be sure to pick up a pamphlet at the station, which will be helpful for your visit.

8. An Enormous and Impressive Tree: The Reversed Staff Ginkgo of Yakushidō

A giant ginkgo tree standing solemnly within the grounds of Okuuchi Yakushidō. It is called the “Reversed Staff Ginkgo” due to a legend involving the revered Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi.

Long ago, when Kōbō Daishi visited this area, he used a ginkgo branch as a walking staff while descending the steep mountain path. He is said to have planted the staff into the ground at Yakushidō, from which this great tree sprouted. During the season when the tree is adorned with yellow leaves, the scene is breathtaking. When the leaves fall, the ground becomes a carpet of gold. It’s said to produce about 50 kilograms of ginkgo nuts annually. This tree is cherished and carefully protected by the local people.

9. A Time Slip to the Edo Period: Meguro Furusato-kan

An impressive building located in the Meguro area near Nametoko Valley, recreated in the style of a traditional Edo-period landowner’s residence. The interior faithfully reproduces the living spaces of the time, offering a glimpse into historical daily life and making it an enjoyable place to visit even just to look around.

Only the exhibition room in the storehouse requires an admission fee. The main attraction is the “Meguro Mountain Model,” a rare judicial document over 300 years old, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This ginkgo wood model was used in a land dispute between the Uwajima and Yoshida domains. Be sure to stop by and take a look when visiting.

10. Honoring a Local Haiku Genius: Shiba Fukio Memorial Museum

This memorial museum is dedicated to Shiba Fukio, a haiku poet born in Matsuno Town. Rising like a comet during the Taisho to early Showa period, Shiba Fukio gained attention for his extraordinary talent before his untimely death at age 26. His birthplace has been renovated into a museum displaying related items, diaries, and other materials.

Around the museum, you’ll find “Haiku Paths” with stone monuments inscribed with Fukio’s verses scattered throughout the area. Why not walk the same paths he once did and reflect on the emotions conveyed through his haiku?

11. Soothe Your Fatigue at the Day-Use Hot Spring: Forest Country Poppo Onsen

In the Matsumaru area, known for its nostalgic townscape, this day-use hot spring inside Matsumaru Station is perfect for a relaxing break after sightseeing. The charming signage with cute lettering suits the name “Poppo Onsen.”

There are two types of baths: the wooden “Meiji no Yu” with a warm, classic atmosphere, and the rock-style “Nametoko no Yu,” inspired by famous local spots. These baths alternate for men and women on even and odd days. The onsen also features a unique open-air bath made from sake barrels and a mist sauna. A free footbath is another delightful touch. It’s an ideal place to unwind after exploring the Matsumaru area or visiting the Kagomori Castle Ruins.

◎ Summary

Matsuno Town preserves untouched nature and conveys the timeless beauty of traditional Japan. It’s the perfect destination for a vacation aimed at refreshing your spirit or spending a leisurely time. You’re sure to feel the warmth of a community devoted to protecting and celebrating the charm of Matsuno.

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