Ehime Hidden Gems
Citrus groves along the Inland Sea, and a hot spring said to be the oldest in Japan, beneath a hilltop castle.
9 spots
Climate & Best Season
Mild and sunny on the coast, wetter and cooler in the southern mountains. Good year-round; citrus peaks in winter.
Famous For (Food)
- Mikan and other citrus
- Taimeshi (sea bream rice)
- Jakoten
- Botchan dango
Signature Sights
- Dogo Onsen
- Matsuyama Castle
- Shimanami Kaido
- Uchiko historic street
Dogo Onsen Honkan — Japan's Oldest Hot Spring Bathhouse
Dogo Onsen Honkan stands three stories tall in dark wood and white plaster, looking like a castle designed for bathing i…
Matsuyama Castle — Hilltop Fortress with Original Keep
Matsuyama Castle occupies the 132-meter summit of Mt. Katsuyama in central Matsuyama City, one of only twelve Japanese c…
Ishite-ji Temple — Cave Temple with 88 Statues
Ishite-ji is Temple #51 of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, a large Buddhist complex featuring a towering three-story p…
Tobe Pottery — Traditional Blue and White Ceramics
Tobe-yaki is Ehime's signature ceramic style, characterized by thick white porcelain hand-painted with indigo-blue botan…
Ehime Mikan — Citrus Capital of Japan
Ehime Prefecture produces 20% of Japan's mikan (mandarin oranges), making citrus the region's defining agricultural prod…
Botchan Ressha — Vintage Steam Locomotive Replica
The Botchan Ressha is a restored vintage steam locomotive (actually diesel-powered replica) operating as a tourist tram…
Taimeshi — Sea Bream Rice Two Ways
Taimeshi (鯛めし, 'sea bream rice') is Ehime's signature dish, existing in two completely different regional styles: Matsuy…
Nanrakuen Garden — Plum Blossoms and Iris
Nanrakuen is a traditional Japanese landscape garden built in 1688 for the lord of Matsuyama Domain, featuring seasonal…
Jakoten — Fried Fish Cake Street Food
Jakoten (じゃこ天) is Ehime's signature fish cake made from small fish (jako — tiny sardines or anchovies) ground whole with…