2026 Ehime Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

JR Shimonada Station in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture Known as the "closest station to the sea," this scenic spot frequently appears as a filming location for dramas and movies. With the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before you, sitting on a bench makes you feel as if you're floating on the water. The view is especially beautiful at sunset, when the orange sky and sea blend seamlessly, attracting many visitors for photo opportunities. Trains run infrequently, so it's important to check the train schedule in advance. Snapping a photo with the red tourist train, the "Iyonada Monogatari," is also popular. However, priority is given to passengers on this train when taking photos nearby! Be sure to listen carefully to the explanations given by the station volunteers. If you're visiting by car, you can use the free parking lot near the station, but please be aware of narrow roads and follow traffic rules. The tranquil sea and nostalgic station building create a scene straight out of a movie. Be sure to experience it. ▪︎▪︎ 📍JR Shimonada Station Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City ⚠️While it's possible to get there by train, we recommend renting a car. ▪︎▪︎ #JapanTravelGuide #Ehime #ShimonadaStation #DomesticTravel

Imagine turning on a faucet and having an endless stream of fresh citrus juice—it sounds like a fairy tale, but it's a reality in Matsuyama, Ehime. Ehime, located in Shikoku, boasts the largest variety of citrus fruits in Japan, with over 40 types and ongoing hybrid innovations. In recent years, varieties like Shiranui, Satsuma mandarin, and Iyo citrus have started gaining international recognition. You might think all citrus tastes the same, but stepping into this shop will change your mind. Here, you can choose three out of five popular citrus juices for just 770 yen. Simply turn on the tap to fill your glass. The differences in color and aroma are immediately noticeable, and once you take a sip, the distinct sharp acidity, gentle sweetness, and lingering aftertaste of each variety become clear. I opted for the shop's recommendations: Natsuumi, the trendy Shiranui, and the intriguingly named Kiyomi. Natsuumi offers rich sweetness with restrained acidity and layered fruitiness; Shiranui stands out with its bold aroma and tangy flavor; while Kiyomi, a hybrid of Satsuma mandarin and Trovita orange, delivers a perfectly balanced sweet and sour profile. The shop also displays a "family tree" of the citrus varieties, allowing visitors to trace their origins while tasting. Additionally, they sell Ehime's famous Imabari towels and other local specialties. Interestingly, Matsuyama streets also feature single-variety citrus juice taps. If you ever visit Matsuyama, don't miss this unique experience. 📍Address: 3 Chome-2-45 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004, Japan 🚗 A 5-minute walk from Okaido Station on the tram line.

Starting from Songshan Station, it takes about fifty minutes to reach the most beautiful unmanned train station, Xiatan Station. The buses here cannot use transportation cards, so you have to buy tickets on site! After getting off the bus, you can take a few photos near the station (there are a lot of people). Walk along the road on the right and you will see a small rocky beach. I went down the stairs toward the beach and after a short walk you can see the railroad tracks. There are three in total. There are fewer people here than at the station, so you can take more photos. There will be many students sitting together in the car after 3 o'clock. It will be more convenient if you drive yourself. Weather is a very important factor in travel, only come on sunny days~ Xiatan Station 📍Address: 〒799-3311 3-8 Okubo, Sokai-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture #AprilGoodDestinations2025 #Shikoku #Shikoku #Ehime #ShikokuTravel

📍Ehime Prefecture We spent two days and one night touring Ehime Prefecture. We planned to fulfill my niece's request to ride the Anpanman train. However, the hot springs are fun for adults and children alike. Here are the places we visited. ⚫︎Anpanman train The train was filled with Anpanman. The kids were in a good mood and it was a happy memory. ⚫︎Dogo Onsen streetscape A retro station building that retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era. There are many photo spots such as the "Botchan train" and the clock tower. 📸 A must-see spot for eating and buying souvenirs. ⚫︎Enmanji Temple Enmanji Temple is located near the main building of Dogo Onsen. The colorful love luck item "Omusubi ball" is photogenic and cute. ✨ ⚫︎Shimonada Station A popular spot for watching the sunset. 🚉 I learned that it was a filming location for the drama "HERO", so it's a must-see spot for my generation. The sea just around the corner from the station is a spectacular spot #Ehime #EhimeTrip #DomesticTrip #0YenTrip

The shortest route connecting Kyushu and Shikoku! Boarding time is 1 hour and 10 minutes. [National Route Kyushu Ferry]🚢 Did you know that you can go directly from Kyushu to Shikoku, and from Shikoku to Kyushu? You can actually cross in a flash✨ It connects Saganoseki, Oita Prefecture, and Misaki, Ehime Prefecture. What's more, even though it's a boat, it's treated as a national highway😊 It's a national highway that is a series of roads, including over the sea⭐️ You can board the boat if there is space available without a reservation, but if you make a reservation online, you can get your ticket by just holding up the QR code! The great thing is that if you purchase a round-trip ticket, you can freely change your return trip after the ticket is issued! If you suddenly want to stop by a tourist spot or go home earlier than planned, just go to the ferry terminal without contacting them and they'll let you on if there's space on the ferry👍 (Reservations are prioritized) The interior of the ship has been renovated and is beautiful✨ In addition to traditional seats where you can lie down, there are also counter seats with a view outside and reclining chairs. The seats with desks are spacious and perfect for families. The kids' corner is spacious, and there are also observation seats and private rooms available for a fee. The shop is small and sells bento boxes, but it closed shortly after we departed, so I recommend buying yours early 😊 Experience a comfortable boat trip on the National Highway Kyushu Ferry ✨ 💰Price per person: 1200 yen for passengers only 🚗Car (including passenger fee for 1 person) 5700 yen for less than 3m 7900 yen for less than 4m 9800 yen for less than 5m #National Highway Kyushu Ferry #Ehime #Oita #Kyushu to Shikoku Ferry #Transportation information #Domestic travel tips

When talking about traveling in Japan, we often think of Tokyo or Osaka first. Little is known about Ehime, the tranquility of Ehime amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo While others are wandering around popular places🚶we have walked through the streets and seaside of Ehime, leisurely savoring its unique Japanese style~ · 📍Destination: Ehime, Shikoku, Japan ✈️Transportation: Airplane (transfer to Songshan Airport) · [Guide to check-in at tourist spots] ❶Xiatan Station Spirited Away Holy Land Seaside Station🚉 Tourists come here admiringly The stop signs and station seats are the points where the film is released. Opposite is the blue sea, just take a photo and it becomes the wallpaper ❷The same maritime railway track from "Spirited Away" 10 minutes walk from Xiatan Station Walk down the path🛤️ You can see the romantic maritime railway track Feel like you are in an animation and feel the unique atmosphere ❸Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Cycling resort Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi 🚴 The scenery of the cross-island bridge is quite spectacular, with a panoramic view of the sea🌊 You can rent bicycles at SHIMANAMI It takes about 5 minutes to ride to the bridge, which is very convenient🌉 ❹Guilaoshan Outlook Park The best time to go is in the evening on a sunny day Drive/cycle to the parking lot and then walk to the top You can see the beautiful sunset over the Seto Inland Sea🌅 ❺Orange juice comes out of the tap Songshan has a particularly interesting experience Orange juice comes directly from the tap here! Different faucets correspond to different flavors🍊 There are more than ten flavors 👅 fresh and delicious ❻Dogo Hot Spring There is a long history here. You can enjoy the hot springs and relax. The surrounding buildings are antique🍃There are general shops and exclusive private rooms upstairs (extra charge required) Tips: There are still private rooms reserved for the royal family for visiting (the walls are covered with gold foil) ❼Towel Museum The towels inside range from traditional to creative designs, which is dizzying. The production process is also shown, and the Moomin towel exhibition is great for making movies. ❽Starbucks Dogo Onsen Station Store The architectural style of this house is very distinctive Taking the photo from a distance, it feels like a movie location There is a commercial street next to it, so you can go shopping~ ❾Wolong Villa There is also a quiet place called "Wolong Villa" in Ehime, Japan. Stepping into the Japanese-style garden, the wind blows through the green bamboos. Sitting on the ground under the pavilion, sipping fragrant tea, looking up, the beautiful scenery in the courtyard is picturesque, and time seems to have stopped, with only the fragrance of tea and tranquility remaining.

First time in Ehime! So, I'd like to introduce some recommended spots in Ehime Prefecture, which I visited for the first time✨ There are many tourist spots such as Dogo Onsen, Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, Uwajima Castle, Imabari Castle, etc.! I hope this will be helpful when you get lost🙌 [Recommended spots] ・Shimonada Station Shimonada Station has been the location for many movies and dramas. It is also famous as a station where you can see the sunset🌇 You can see the sea right in front of the platform, so it feels open! ・Dogo Onsen Renovations were completed in July 2012, and the entire building was reopened, including the Dogo Onsen Main Building, Asuka no Yusen, and Botchan Karakuri Clock♨️ You can also stroll around the arcade street and pick up souvenirs and a meal! It's nice to start and end your day in a hot spring. ・Uwajima Castle Uwajima City is about 2 hours south of Matsuyama City. It has Uwajima Castle and Tenshaen Gardens. Uwajima Castle, located in the city, sits atop a small hill. It is one of the 12 remaining castle towers. ・Imabari Castle A castle in Imabari City! If you visit the castle tower, you can also visit the turret. The weather was nice, so the Shimanami Kaido was clearly visible from the castle tower. At the turret, we were able to learn how attacks were made from the castle during wars. ・ Clouds Above the Hill Museum The Clouds Above the Hill Museum is based on the novel "Clouds Above the Hill." You can explore the museum while learning about the culture and history of the Taisho period depicted in the novel. If you like modern times, you might be hooked! 【Food】 ・Sushiemon Sushiemon is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant with its main store in Uwajima. There is also a store in Matsuyama city, but we went to the main store in Uwajima! It was refreshing to be able to eat nigiri sushi made from fresh fish caught at the fishing port 🐟✨ ・Original Uwajima Taimeshi "Marumizu" If you search for taimeshi, you will definitely find "Marumizu". It is written as "Marumizu" and pronounced as "gansui". I heard that there is a restaurant near the ropeway to Matsuyama Castle, so I had it for dinner on my last day in Ehime! It was my first time eating taimeshi, and it was delicious 😋 ・Dogo Pudding As the name suggests, it is a pudding from Dogo Onsen 🍮𓌈 The store name and product name are both "Dogo Pudding", so it's easy to remember! You can buy a pudding and eat it in the store, or you can walk to the Sky Walk and eat it while looking down at Dogo Onsen town ✨ Dogo Pudding has a two-layer structure of mandarin jelly and pudding. You can enjoy both jelly and pudding 🍮 If you visit Ehime, please try the taimeshi!! ! ! ! ! #Ehime #EhimeTrip #EhimeSightseeing #DogoOnsen♨️ #DogoPudding #UwajimaCastle #ImabariCastle #ShimonadaStation

#Overseas Travel#Japan Travel A park built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Matsuyama City➡️ Songshan Comprehensive Park shows the friendship with the sister city of Freiburg in Germany. The mountaintop observatory in the park is specially designed in the style of a European castle. The view of the Matsuyama Plain from the observatory is truly unique. ✅There are also many children's play facilities in the park ✅There are flowers and nature to enjoy in all seasons ✅It is a place suitable for a family to visit, and it is also a recommended place for parents and children😆😆 transportation 15 minutes walk from JR Matsuyama Station

This inn was designed entirely by master architect Kisho Kurokawa. 👏 Enjoy a nostalgic yet modern Japanese space with genuine hospitality! The large public bath is filled with 100% Dogo Onsen water. The food was also delicious. 🍚 I was able to relax and enjoy this inn. 😊 [Dogokan] Address: 7-26 Dogo Tako-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture #StayHome #HotSprings #HotSpringTrip #HotSpringInn #RetroStreetscape

Shimanami Kaido is located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Seven or so islands are connected between Imabari and Hiroshima Prefecture via large bridges, and cycling is recommended! The spots with the large bridges on the prefectural borders are particularly impressive! There is a lodging near Omishima Island in the middle, and since it would be tough to cycle the whole way in one day, we stayed there. Enjoy delicious food while taking in the views and cycling! #freespot #greatviews

Shimonada Station I was able to experience something out of the ordinary. #summertrip#greatview

2020.3.1#Breathtaking view Kirosan Observatory, Oshima, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture An observation deck with one of the best views on the Shimanami Kaido ✨ Climb the stairs of the tasteful observation deck and you'll be greeted by the expansive blue sky, blue sea, and islands of the Seto Inland Sea. No matter where you look, this 360° view promises to impress. The view of the world's first triple suspension bridge, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, is also super amazing from here. #Breathtaking view #Free spot

Garyu Sanso is located on the banks of the river that runs through Iyo-Ozu, Ehime Prefecture's Little Kyoto. This building has long been popular as a villa overlooking the scenic Garyu-buchi Falls, and is especially soothing in the summer, with its lush greenery. Of course, you can enjoy a variety of scenery in each season. #Ehime #Iyo-Ozu #Forest bathing #Secret summer resort #Summer trip #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Garyu Sanso #Summer trip

"Sada Misaki Hanahana" at the tip of the Sada Misaki Peninsula is an Ikata Town Tourism Exchange Facility with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. It's right next to the ferry terminal, so it seems like a lot of customers use it before and after boarding the ferry! Fresh seafood was on sale at the seafood market. #tourismsupport #Ehime #souvenirs #cafe #cafehopping #souvenirs #tourismsupport #gourmettrip

Dogo Onsen Shopping Street in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture After warming up in the hot springs, have a meal at this shopping street! The food stalls also serve Daruma Ramen, a dish only Ehime people can enjoy (lol) Please try it out and see how it tastes (๑>؂•̀๑) tehepero #supporttourism

The Sadamisaki Peninsula in Ikata-cho, Ehime Prefecture, is one of my favorite view spots. The beautiful sea, the mountains visible on the opposite shore, and the windmills on top of them. It's a special view that can only be seen here. The breakwater that the high school students were in the middle of drawing was also a cool design. It's a place I'd like to visit on a clear day, at sunset, and at various times of the day! #supporttourism #Ehime #seasideviews #amazingnature #supporttourism #greatviews

"Oriko no Sato" in Ikata-cho, Ehime Prefecture, is a traditional culture experience facility that uses a building that was once an elementary school. Here, you can experience sashimi weaving ✨ It felt difficult at first, but as I continued, I got used to it and it became fun ♪ The building had a nostalgic feel to it, and the sea in front of me was a beautiful color, so it was a wonderful place. #supporttourism #Ehime #seasidescenery #traditionalculture #supporttourism

Ehime, Japan, is a small city in Japan that is not as flashy as Tokyo or Fukuoka, but is full of small charms. With the Dogo Onsen with a long history and antique trams that run hundreds of times a day, it feels like you have traveled back in time in a time machine.

Ehime Prefecture Dogo Onsen has a history of 3,000 years and is one of the three ancient springs in Japan, attending rheumatism.

Shimonada Station is an incredibly romantic seaside train station in Ehime Prefecture. It's a bummer we went on a rainy day, but it was still beautiful in its own way. Shimonada Station is a tiny, unmanned station on the JR Yosan Line. It’s located right next to the ocean with absolutely nothing blocking the view. Its biggest selling point is its "openness." You can sit on a bench on the platform, snap a few photos, and gaze out at the endless sea—no buildings, no power lines in the way. It's simply gorgeous. There's also a cute coffee truck right behind the station. If you visit at the right time, especially during sunset, the view is absolutely stunning. It’s too bad it rained when we visited. Judging by the photos inside the station, the actual sunset must be breathtaking to see with your own eyes. If you're heading to Shimonada Station from Matsuyama, the main way is to "take a direct local train all the way." Just hop on the JR Yosan Line from Matsuyama → Shimonada. You'll need to plan ahead a bit, though, because the trains don't run very frequently. Alternatively, you can always rent a car and drive there!

📍 Dogo Onsen (Matsuyama, Ehime) Known as Japan's oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen ♨️ The historic wooden main building creates an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you've traveled back in time. The hot spring town features charming streetscapes, delicious local food, and souvenir shops. Taking a leisurely stroll in a yukata is highly recommended 🍊 It's a special place to heal both body and soul while fully immersing yourself in traditional Japan. One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen offers a truly timeless experience. Its iconic wooden bathhouse creates a nostalgic atmosphere, as if stepping back in time. Stroll through the charming streets in a yukata, enjoy local food, and soak in the relaxing hot springs—perfect for both body and soul.

#springtravel If you are looking for a castle that feels like a real adventure, Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture is a total win. It sits right on top of a massive hill in the middle of the city, so you get to take a cable car or a chairlift just to reach the front gates. The views on the way up are already worth the trip. This fortress is one of the few originals left in the country, meaning you get to explore authentic wooden halls and steep stairs that haven't changed in centuries. The complex is huge with plenty of hidden corners and stone walls to explore. Once you reach the top of the keep, the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea is absolutely stunning. It is a fantastic mix of history and scenery.

☕️ Naru Cafe: A super cozy, traditional wooden house cafe in Uchiko with prices so good you'll do a double-take! If you ever find yourself strolling through the historic district of Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture and need a break from exploring the rich history, we highly recommend stopping by to recharge at Naru Cafe (なるとカフェ). It's a newly renovated Kominka-style (traditional Japanese house) cafe that exudes an incredibly warm and inviting vibe. 🍳 A breakfast set so good you'll say "Oh my God!" We dropped by late in the morning before they started serving lunch, so we decided to give their breakfast set a try. Honestly, we were blown away by the presentation and the price! The set comes with a thick, fluffy slice of toast topped with jam, a side of pasta and salad, plus yogurt drizzled with luscious blueberry sauce. All of this for just 450 yen! That translates to just over 100 Thai Baht. Even the pot of fruit tea we ordered to pair it with cost more! It was a super filling and budget-friendly breakfast, packed with the comforting, home-cooked flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. ✨ The ultimate atmosphere for relaxation The cafe is conveniently located right next to major cultural landmarks, making it very accessible. The vibe inside is wonderfully peaceful, making it the perfect spot to "rest your legs" after a walking tour around Uchiko Town. Aside from their famous breakfast, they are also well-known for their Shaved Ice, which features vibrant colors and an iconic, photogenic look. If you visit in the afternoon, it's an absolute must-order. It looks great in photos and is the perfect treat to beat the heat! Sipping tea in an old wooden house, surrounded by the simple and rustic lifestyle of Uchiko, was truly a moment that made this trip perfect. If you're a cafe hopper looking to experience that adorable UCHIKOGENIC charm, you definitely can't miss checking in at Naru Cafe!

🌸 "Little Meguro of Uchiko": A Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot at Uchikonigomizo Bridge If you're tired of the crowded cherry blossom spots in big cities, let me introduce you to a hidden gem in the charming small town of Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture. This beautiful canal-side cherry blossom viewing spot is so stunning that I've dubbed it the "Little Meguro of Uchiko"! 📍 A Beautiful Accidental Discovery I stumbled upon this location while casually pinning walking routes on a map app. The spot is located right around Uchikonigomizo Bridge. When I actually walked there to see it in person, I was absolutely blown away! Even though the cherry blossoms weren't in full bloom when I visited (March 29, 2026), the surrounding atmosphere was incredibly enchanting. ✨ Unmissable Highlights What makes this spot so special is the line of cherry trees running along the canal. The real standout here is the weeping cherry trees (Shidarezakura), with their branches gracefully cascading toward the water's surface—quite different from the more common Somei-Yoshino variety. The vibe here is incredibly peaceful, with only the soothing sounds of flowing water and a gentle breeze, making it feel wonderfully private and romantic. 📸 Recommended Photo Spots On the Uchikonigomizo Bridge: Take a shot facing the canal to capture the waterfront walkway framed by beautiful cherry blossoms. Along the Canal Walkway: I highly recommend walking down closer to the tree trunks for some stunning close-up shots of the weeping cherry blossoms. If you're planning a trip to Shikoku and want to experience the traditional spirit of Japan beautifully blended with nature, definitely add this spot to your itinerary. I promise it'll be one of the best memories from your trip!

Sharing a chill 4-day, 3-night Shikoku itinerary using the Setouchi Area Pass: From beautiful castles to a dreamy seaside train station. If you have the Setouchi Area Pass in hand and want to cross over to experience the unique charm of Shikoku, I highly recommend it—it’s totally worth it! This trip focuses on Ehime Prefecture, a city known for its castles and ancient hot springs. Let's check out this perfectly curated plan together. Day 1: Heading to Matsuyama, the Land of Cherry Blossoms Starting from Kansai Airport, we took the Shinkansen to Okayama, then transferred to the JR Yosan Line Limited Express straight to Matsuyama. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. After checking in at Hotel Vista Matsuyama, we went for a stroll at Shiroyama Park Yasuragi Square. The evening atmosphere under the cherry blossoms, complete with live garden music and food trucks, was a truly healing way to kick off the trip. Afterward, we went on a shopping spree at Okaido Shopping Street, a fantastic covered arcade that's super fun to explore. Day 2: Stepping Back in Time at Uchiko and Ozu Castle Today, we focused on architecture and history. We started by strolling past the mustard-colored walled houses in Uchiko, then headed over to admire the elegance of Ozu Castle. The absolute highlight was waving flags to welcome the special sightseeing train along the Hiji River—an unforgettable and deeply touching moment. Day 3: Legendary Onsen and a Seaside Train Station In the morning, we captured the breathtaking beauty of Matsuyama Castle surrounded by sweet pink cherry blossoms. From there, we headed to the Dogo Onsen area, stopped by to watch the dancing Botchan Karakuri Clock, and put our legs to the test by climbing the 135 steps of Isaniwa Shrine to pray for good fortune. Don't miss out on a relaxing foot bath with a city view at Sora-no-Sanpomichi, and make sure to soak in the magical vibes of Dogo Onsen Honkan, the 100-plus-year-old wooden bathhouse that inspired a famous anime. We wrapped up the day by taking a train to Shimonada Station, one of Japan's most picturesque seaside train stations. Just sitting there, gazing at the sky meeting the deep indigo sea alongside the charming pastel blue local train, was a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Day 4: Farewell Shikoku, Returning to Honshu After getting our fill of Ehime, we used our pass to head back to Honshu. The pass still has remaining validity (it’s good for 7 days in total), giving us the freedom to continue traveling through Kansai, Sanyo, or even all the way to Fukuoka. It’s honestly the perfect pass for anyone wanting to fully explore both regions!

Step back in time and stroll through Yokaichi Old Town, the mustard-colored charm of Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture. If you ever visit Shikoku, particularly Ehime Prefecture, you absolutely cannot miss checking in at "Yokaichi Old Town" in Uchiko! This preserved historical district perfectly captures the ambiance of the Edo and Meiji eras, earning its designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan. Convenient Transportation: We kicked off a bright new morning by hopping on the JR Yosan Line - Limited Express from JR Matsuyama Station. In just 27 minutes, we arrived at Uchiko Station! It’s incredibly fast and convenient, making it absolutely perfect for a one-day trip. Energy-Saving Walking Route (Pro Tip!): A major tip I want to share is to start your walking tour from "Kosho-ji Temple." The best part about this route is that it’s downhill the entire way, saving you from breaking a sweat hiking up the hills. It makes for a very relaxing stroll while conserving a ton of energy! Kosho-ji also houses a breathtakingly beautiful and serene reclining Buddha statue—a truly auspicious starting point for the day. Highlights Along the Way: Both sides of the street are lined with houses featuring unique soft yellow or mustard-colored walls. We stopped by the Yokaichi and Gokoku Town Preservation Center to learn about the history of how this town flourished through the production of Japan Wax. After that, we marveled at the grandeur of a wealthy merchant family's estate at the Kamihaga Residence, and snapped some photos in front of the Honhaga Family Residence with its remarkably exquisite architecture. After a bit of tiring walking, we recharged at Naru Cafe, a cozy little spot tucked away in an old building. Slowly sipping coffee and soaking in the old-town vibe was simply the best! Afterward, we explored the local way of life at the Townhouse Museum and visited the historic Moribun Brewery (森文醸造), which greets you with its distinctly fragrant aroma. Final Impressions: Yokaichi Old Town isn't just a picturesque spot for photos; it's a true journey back in time to experience the roots of Japanese culture. Every step taken on the cobblestones and past the historic walls creates a precious memory. If you're ever in Ehime, you absolutely have to experience it for yourself!

Experience the serene camping lifestyle along the Oda River at Chisei Park: The magic of spring in Uchiko ⛺🌸 If you want to catch a glimpse of the simple yet joyful lifestyle of the Japanese, I highly recommend checking out Chisei Park in Uchiko. This isn't just your average park; it's a relaxing riverside haven along the Oda River that perfectly blends natural beauty with local culture. The vibe when I visited was extra special because the cherry blossoms along the river were in full bloom. Their soft pink petals popped beautifully against the clear blue sky and the gentle flow of the river. Suspended above the water were "carp streamers" (Koinobori) fluttering in the breeze, set up by locals in advance to celebrate Boys' Day in May. They are a symbol of strength that adds such a cute and lively touch to the scenery! Since it was a Sunday, I got to witness an impressive authentic Japanese-style camping scene. Locals were out pitching tents and going all out with their camping gear, having a great time, yet amazingly maintaining a sense of peace and quiet. Everyone was super respectful of each other's personal space, making the overall atmosphere incredibly chill and relaxing. It totally makes sense why this is such a beloved activity among the Japanese, whether they're here to enjoy the spring sakura or to soak in the crisp air during the highly popular autumn season. I decided to take a stroll along the river up to the Karari suspension bridge (Karari Bridge), which offers a stunning viewpoint. If you cross the bridge to the other side, you'll find Restaurant KaRaRi, a popular dining spot serving dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's the perfect place to refuel after a breezy scenic walk. Taking a walk through Chisei Park made me realize that sometimes, true happiness is simply sitting by the river, watching the flowers bloom, and seeing the smiles of the people around you. If you're traveling to Ehime, you absolutely have to stop by and soak up this wonderful vibe! 🍃✨

Spiritual blessings amidst cherry blossoms at Koshoji Temple: The perfect serene starting point for your trip to Uchiko's old town 🌸 Koshoji is a true hidden gem in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture, that spiritual seekers and photography lovers simply shouldn't miss. The best way to kick off your exploration of Uchiko's historic district is by taking a taxi straight from JR Uchiko Station to this temple first. This way, you can easily stroll down the hill through the Yokaichi Old Town on your way back without the tiring uphill walk. The taxi fare is just around 1,000 yen, which is totally worth it when split among friends. As you step onto the temple grounds, you'll be greeted by elegant wooden architecture and a tranquil atmosphere perfectly suited for a sacred sanctuary. The main highlight drawing spiritual travelers here is the massive "Reclining Buddha," the temple's principal deity. Making a wish here is a unique experience—the temple provides specific incense and candles tailored to your exact needs, whether for health, success, or good fortune. Lighting incense and praying before the Buddha's compassionate face, surrounded by the soothing scent of incense, brings an incredible sense of peace to the mind. Beyond its spiritual significance, Koshoji Temple transforms during spring, with blooming pink cherry blossoms beautifully contrasting against the dark, ancient wood. It's a breathtaking and magical sight. Best of all, there is no admission fee, though visitors are kindly asked to explore quietly and respectfully to preserve the serene beauty of the Buddhist way of life. If you're planning a trip to Shikoku Island and want to start your day with positive energy and good blessings, be sure to check in at Koshoji Temple before wandering through the historic district. You're guaranteed to leave with a full heart and stunning photos! ✨🙏