Ehime sits on the western coast of Shikoku — a prefecture of ancient hot springs, spectacular island cycling, feudal castles, and more varieties of citrus than you thought possible. It’s one of Japan’s most underrated destinations.
Top Attractions
1. Dogo Onsen
One of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts — over 3,000 years old — Dogo Onsen Honkan is a magnificent wooden bathhouse that inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki Hayao’s “Spirited Away.” Bathing in these ancient waters is a deeply moving experience.
2. Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route
A 70km cycling route across six islands connected by spectacular bridges over the Seto Inland Sea — consistently ranked one of the world’s top cycling routes. The combination of bridge engineering, island scenery, and traditional village life is extraordinary.
3. Matsuyama Castle
One of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles, Matsuyama sits on a forested hilltop above the city — reached by ropeway. Its three-storey keep offers sweeping views over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
Food & Drink
Ehime is Japan’s top producer of Mikan (satsuma oranges) and grows over 20 varieties of citrus. Tai Meshi (sea bream rice — two styles: Matsuyama’s Oven-baked or Uwajima’s raw over rice) is the local specialty.
Getting There
From Osaka, the Ishizuchi limited express reaches Matsuyama in about 2.5 hours.
