Ehime: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Ehime Prefecture is a captivating tourist destination located in the northwestern part of Shikoku region, attracting numerous travelers from across the nation as a popular destination. Blessed with a warm Seto Inland Sea climate, this region represents a harmonious blend of beautiful natural landscapes and rich historical culture, truly embodying the essence of Japan’s charm in a concentrated tourism area.

Dogo Onsen, the flagship attraction of Ehime tourism, boasts a 3,000-year history as Japan’s oldest hot spring and is renowned as the setting for Natsume Soseki’s novel “Botchan.” At the Dogo Onsen Honkan, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, visitors can enjoy luxurious bathing while experiencing the atmosphere of the Meiji era, with traditional ryokan and modern hotels lining the hot spring district.

Matsuyama Castle stands as one of the twelve original castles, serving as a precious cultural heritage and offering spectacular views of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea from the summit of Mount Katsuyama at 132 meters above sea level. In spring, it captivates tourists as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, displaying different seasonal expressions throughout the year.

Speaking of Ehime’s culinary royalty, it’s undoubtedly the mandarin oranges that boast the nation’s top production volume. Various citrus fruits including Satsuma mandarins, Iyokan, Dekopon, and Setoka can be enjoyed year-round, with abundant sweets and souvenirs made from oranges readily available.

Fresh seafood utilizing the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea is another major attraction of Ehime, particularly the exquisite fish and shellfish caught in waters known for Imabari sea bream and Uwajima pearl cultivation. Regional specialties such as Imabari yakibuta tamago meshi, Uwajima tai-meshi, and Matsuyama’s nabeyaki udon offer diverse local cuisine experiences that represent the true pleasure of Ehime tourism.

The Shimanami Kaido, a series of beautiful bridges connecting Honshu and Shikoku, receives high acclaim both domestically and internationally as a cycling and driving course. This representative tourism route of Ehime allows visitors to fully enjoy the stunning scenery woven by calm seas and blue skies while touring the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.

The historical townscape of Uchiko Town preserves merchant architecture from the Edo to Meiji periods, offering atmospheric street walks that feel like time travel. Experiential tourism is also well-developed, including traditional craft activities like Japanese candle making and historical learning at the Japan wax museum.

Ehime Prefecture is filled with diverse attractions that cannot be fully experienced in a single trip, serving as a tourist destination that captivates all visitors with its perfect combination of rich nature, historical culture, and delicious cuisine.