Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Ehime Area

  • Kirosan Observation Park
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    4.5
    226 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Yoshiumichouminamiura 487-4
    A scenic observation park situated on top of Mt. Kiro in Yoshiumi Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. The park is one of the best view spots on the Shimanami Kaido Expressway, and offers a sweeping view of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first three tower suspension bridge; the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan’s three most majestic rapid tides; and the city of Imabari. Another highlight of the park is that visitors can enjoy excitingly different scenery depending on the time of day—in addition to the invigorating scenery during daylight hours, there’s also the beauty of the sun setting into the sea as well as the impressive sight of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge lit up at night. The road leading to the park is steep and full of curves, so particular care needs to be taken by visitors seeking to reach it by bicycle.

    If you are biking, be prepared for a lung-busting climb but its worth it! The views of the Kursushima Straits and the bridge are incredible.

  • Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum
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    3.5
    348 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Ichibanchou 3-20
    “Saka no Ue no Kumo” (Clouds above the Hill) is a novel by Ryotaro Shiba, depicting the modernization of Japan through the life stories of brothers Yoshifuru and Saneyuki Akiyama, and poet Masaoka Shiki. Many materials related to the novel as well as the three main characters are exhibited in the museum. The four-story building with a basement was designed by Tadao Ando, and is made as a space expressing “clouds above the hill”.

    The story behind the museum lends itself to understanding a little in forming of modern Japan and specifically around 3 individuals enlighten approaches at that time. The museum is housed within a...

  • The Towel Museum
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    3.5
    250 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Asakurakami
    This is a specialist towel museum located in Japan’s leading towel production area, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Housed within a building reminiscent of a European castle there is also a 33,000 square meter European style garden with flowers blooming throughout the year. Inside the museum visitors will find a whole range of items on display made out of towel and cloth by the writer, painter and product designer Atsuko Matano. Visitors can also take a look around the place where towels are made and have their own unique embroidery stitched into a towel they’ve purchased. There is also a shop which sells Shikoku souvenirs with a focus on towel products.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this place - it was very interesting and had a great stock of towels. I wished that I had of purchased some to bring back home.

  • Bansuisou
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    4.0
    269 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Ichibanchou 3-3-7
    Bansuisou located in the southern foothills of Shiroyama around Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture is an European-style residence with an authentic French design built in 1922 as a second house for Sadakoto Hisamatsu Earl, a descendant of a former landlord in Matsuyama Province. The marvelous building employed a design of the French renaissance style with a Mansard roof and a continuous arching balcony, and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2011. It was used as a gorgeous socializing place where celebrities from every walk of life gathered and royal family members who visited the prefecture stopped over. At present, it holds events and exhibitions as Ehime Prefectural Art Museum Annex.

    The villa is a very handsome building, located just below Matsuyama castle and very close to one of the main streets through town. English signage is minimal inside, but entrance is only ¥300 and the...

  • Dogo Park
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    4.0
    269 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Matsuyama-shi Dogo Park
    This park in Dogokoen, Matsuyama City was developed around the Yuzuki Castle Ruins, a national historic site. The park, which is surrounded by the castle’s outer moat, retains archeological features such as earthwork fortifications and allotment of land. It also features recreations of samurai houses and a history museum that exhibits artifacts unearthed during archeological surveys, among other items. Many people also visit the park in the spring to see its famous cherry blossoms.

    It is close to Dogo station, just a short walking distance. It is not a big park but a nice park to walk around and take some pictures.

  • Tobe Zoological Park of Ehime Prefecture
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    4.5
    116 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Iyoguntobechou Kamiharamachi 240
    This prefectural zoo, located within the Ehime Prefectural Sports Complex in Tobe Town, Iyo County, Ehime Prefecture, has the largest site area of any zoo in Western Japan. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views without the hindrance of cages and fences due to the use of natural features around the site. Visitors can see about 180 species and 1,000 animals in the zoo including Peace, the first successfully hand-reared polar bear in Japan, African elephants, and some clever chimpanzees. The zoo also holds events throughout the year including the Night Zoo, where visitors can observe the animals at night.

    I visited this small/medium sized zoo with a friend. It was off season on a weekday. So we almost had the zoo for ourselves. There is a good variety of animals from all around the world. The zoo is...

  • Imabari City Murakami Pirate Museum
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    4.0
    91 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Imabari-shi Miyakubocho Miyakubo 1285
    This museum, located in Miyakubo Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, preserves and displays artifacts related to Noshima Murakami, one of the Murakami pirates who was called “Daimyo of the seas” and who controlled Setouchi during the Sengoku, or warring states, period. The museum displays important artifacts and related works on the Noshima Murakami clan, as well as old documents, reconstructed models, and pieces unearthed during excavations. The restored Japanese armor and battle surcoat (a sleeveless campaign jacket worn over armor), said to have been actually worn, are must-see exhibits. The observation room with views overlooking the ruins of Noshima Castle, and the area where visitors can try on for themselves some armor and garments are also popular.

    I was on a tour so didnt plan on stopping here but is was so interesting. The artifacts of the museum was okay but the story and history of these pirates made the stop worthwhile. Especially if...

  • Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum
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    4.0
    108 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Dougokouen 1-30
    Located roughly five minutes’ walk from Dogo Onsen Station, the Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum has on display manuscripts and works by Masaoka Shiki, a leading writer of haiku poetry who was born in Matsuyama, as well as letters exchanged with Natsume Soseki and other major literary figures with whom he was friendly. The Museum provides detailed displays on the history of Dogo and Matsuyama, on the times in which Masaoka Shiki lived, and on his friendships and acquaintances. Special events are held on an occasional basis, and the Museum also functions as a community center for the local community.

    道後温泉駅から徒歩3分ほど。道後公園内に立地している4階建ての文化施設で、2-3階が博物館となっている。入館料は400円。展示室内は愚陀佛庵(復元)を除き撮影不可。 展示は全体の4分の1が道後・松山の歴史、残りが正岡子規の生涯に関する解説・資料展示となっている。正岡子規は松山の生まれで、松山市駅近くには「正岡子規誕生邸址」の石碑も立つ。教科書にも載る明治を代表する俳人であるが、浅学のため有名な「柿...

  • Birthplace of the Akiyama Brothers
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    4.0
    110 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Matsuyama-shi Kachimachi 2-3-6
    This museum is located in Kachi-machi 2-Chome, Matsuyama City. The building is a recreation of the birthplace of the Akiyama brothers Yoshifuru and Saneyuki, whose military exploits were famously depicted in Shiba Ryotaro’s historical novel “Saka no Ue no Kumo.” The museum exhibits a variety of materials related to the brothers. Bronze statues of the brothers have also been erected on the grounds.

    秋山兄弟が暮らしていた家を再現した資料館です。ボランティアガイドの川端さんという博識な女性が秋山家の暮らしぶりや、秋山兄弟の人となり、展示物について丁寧に詳しく説明してくださいました。秋山真之の銅像は彫が深く西洋人のように見えるのですが、その理由はイタリア人の芸術家がイタリアで真之の写真を参考に彫り上げたからだとか。兄の好古は晩年北予中学校の校長に就任し、一人この家に住んだそうです。毎日学校に一番...

  • Itoyama Park / Kurushima Strait Observatory
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    4.5
    43 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Imabari-shi Koura Cho 2-5-2
    This park in Koura-cho 2-Chome, Imabari City is located at the base of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, which runs along the Shimanami Kaido. The park features a facility with exhibits about the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. There is also an observatory that offers great views of the Kurushima Strait, which is known for its rapid currents.

    来島海峡大橋を眺めることができます。売店のほか、トイレが整備されています。道向かいの展望台の方が、より絶景を見れます。

  • Ehime Prefectural Science Museum
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    4.0
    43 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Nihamashi Ojouin 2133-2
    The science museum has three permanent exhibition halls (the nature hall, the science and technology hall and the industry hall) and a huge planetarium 30 meters in diameter which has featured in the Guinness Book of Records. The centerpiece of the museum is a real dinosaur robot that moves. The museum plays host to many temporary exhibitions and hands-on events making it a great place to come for the whole family.

    愛媛県総合科学博物館(えひめけんそうごうかがくはくぶつかん)は、愛媛県新居浜市大生院(えひめけんにいはましおおじょういん)にある博物館だ。 1994年に設置され、当時は世界最大のプラネタリウムとして人気を博した(現在は名古屋市科学館に次いで世界2位) 2021年9月3日、この日は鈍川温泉ホテルに宿泊していた。 チェックアウトし、車で先に進んだ。 この日は、あいにくの大雨だ。 今治市玉川近代美術館...

  • Ehime Prefectual Museum of Art
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    3.5
    60 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Horinouchi
    The art museum was opened in 1998 in Horinouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture based on the themes of see, create, and learn. The museum is home to a collection of about 11,900 art works including the collection of the former Ehime Prefectural Art Museum, works of art from local artists and well known contemporary Japanese artists, as well as pieces of work from international artists such as Monet and Cézanne. The museum’s permanent collection changes about five to six times each year. Their temporary exhibitions on various themes are also very popular. There is also a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal or cup of tea with views of Matsuyama Castle.

    Because it was raining I decided to visit this museum. It is a beautiful and modern building close to a park and to the castle. The main collection was not available that day, but there were two very...

  • Ehime Kodomo no Shiro
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    4.0
    46 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Matsuyama-shi Nishinomachi Otsu 108-1
    This theme park is located in Nishinomachi, Matsuyama City. It is comprised of five different zones: Children’s Town, Event Plaza, Creation Hill, Adventure Hill, and Fureiai Forest. Each zone has a variety of indoor and outdoor playground equipment, rides, and other attractions to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities and workshops such as arts and crafts classes and interacting with nature. The park also hosts a number of seasonal events.

    ボブスレーやボート、モノレールなど、子どもの喜ぶ乗り物がたくさんあります。授乳室も完備されていて安心です。

  • Nanraku Park
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    4.0
    25 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Uwajimashi Tsushimachouchikaie A 1813
    This Japanese garden opened in 1985 in Tsushima Town, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture and has been chosen as one of Japan’s top 100 urban gardens. Two large ponds sit at the center of the park, which features approximately 150 kinds of trees and around 200,000 specimens. The flowers that grow in the various seasons are a sight to behold. The park grounds are dotted with sights such as a farmhouse from the mid-Edo period, a teahouse near a ridge, a rest area modeled after a fisherman’s house, a teahouse in the Sukiya style, and more. There are several events as well, such as the Plum Festival in February, the Nanraku Park Outer Moat Cherry Blossom Festival from late March until April, and the Nanraku Park Moon Viewing Festival in September.

    We loved this garden. We were there during peak cherry blossom time and the outside of the garden is ringed with cherry blossom trees. There are also some inside the garden as well. The garden is...

  • Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum
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    3.5
    53 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Dougosagidanichou 459-1 Yamanote hand garden Place
    Located within the Yamanote Garden Place—within its collection of cafes and English gardens, you’ll find this Japanese-glass art museum. Surrounded by water, verdure, and a glimmering garden during nighttime illumination, the museum interior features a modern design and black&red motif. 300 items are on display here—the most in west Japan—from the red glass of Shinrokaku, symbolic of Dogo Onsen, giyaman glass from Edo period, faceted glass, vidro glass, and Japanese glass works from the Meiji and Taisho periods. The works that utilize the garden glass and water are also noteworthy.

    As I am interested in glass works, I planned to visit here in advance. Although the museum itself is not that big, I believe it would be worth visiting. The glasses are so beautifully made and those...

  • Museum of Commercial and Domestic Life
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    4.0
    44 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Kitagunuchikochou Uchiko 1938
    The Museum of Commercial and Domestic Life is located in Uchiko Town. The building that houses the Museum is itself of great interest, having formerly been an apothecary’s shop that operated during the Edo and Meiji periods. Mannequins and period utensils are used to recreate the scene in the apothecary’s shop as it would have been in years gone by; the unique, highly-realistic mannequins surprise visitors by welcoming them using authentic phrases (researched with experts familiar with the period). The realistic scenes—which include the owners’ family eating together with the apprentices, the housemaid cooking a meal, and little details such as someone talking to himself as he works—are very popular with visitors. Models are used to present information about Uchiko Town’s history and way of life, famous local individuals, etc.

    OK, it has talking dolls, but after the experience of the whole town in general, and the wax factory, it comes off second best. Can be missed.

  • Yoshiumi Rose Park
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    4.0
    42 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Yoshiumichoufukuda 1292
    Yoshiumi Rose Park in Oshima Yoshiumi Port hosts 3,500 rose bushes of 400 varieties from around the world on a site of about 2.8 hectares. It’s one of the few places in the country with over 100 kinds of heirloom roses, including their “Josephine Collection.” The best time to see them is mid-May to early June and mid-October to early November. Many visitors come for late May’s Rose Festival. You can also purchase rose seedlings and mini-roses at a nearby shop.

    Lovely park, surprisingly large, nice diversion off the bike way. There was not much flowering in September.

  • Seki Art Gallery
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    4.0
    37 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Matsuyama-shi Dogokitamachi 4-42
    This art museum is located in Dogokita-machi, Matsuyama City. It features a collection of modern Japanese and western-style paintings from the Meiji to Showa period s by artists such as Yokoyama Taikan, Kuroda Seiki, and Tsuguharu Foujita. In addition to several galleries and a video room, the museum also features special collection of works by Auguste Rodin. The centerpiece of this collection, which is entitled “Rodin’s Room,” is a marble statue of a faun (forest fairy).

    道後温泉から近いので、思い付きで初めて訪れた美術館ですが、 本当に素晴らしかった。 建物も展示作品も暖かみのある雰囲気を持ち、整然とした一体感を 感じました。穏やかな時間と空間、とてもセンスが良い。 図録を見ると、今回見た作品を遥かに凌ぐ数が載っています。 年に数回、作品の入れ替えをするそうなので、その都度訪れようと 思います。 オルゴールも毎回、リクエストしなくては! 狭い路地を入ったところに...

  • Museum of Ehime History and Culture
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    4.0
    19 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Pref. Seiyoshi Uwachounomachi 4-11-2
    This museum introduces and exhibits items related to the history and folklore of Ehime Prefecture. The expansive structure houses four historic and folklore exhibit rooms, and workshop classrooms. In addition to the displayed objects, on display are many scale-model replicas of iconic structures such as pit dugout dwellings, a town house during the Sengoku Age of Civil Wars, and a pre-war village main street, each depicting respective periods, affording one a sense of being transported back in time.

    It’s strange to find such a fine museum on Ehime’s history and culture in a small city like Seiyo rather than Matsuyama city. But it’s in an idyllic setting on top of a mountain. Entry is 510 yen per...

  • emifull MASAKI
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ehime Iyo-gun Masakicho Tsutsui 850-ban
    This shopping mall is located along National Route 56 in Tsutsui, Masaki Town, Iyo County. It is comprised of Emi-Mall which features fashion retailers, sundries shops, and other stores, Emi-Amuse which features a movie theater and other facilities, Emi-Gourmet which features rows of restaurants, and an annex featuring electronics retailers, furniture stores, and other shops. Its vast grounds include a merry-go-round, a walking course, a dog park, and other attractions.

Ehime Areas

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Stretched across the northwest corner of Shikoku island, Ehime is a nature-rich prefecture boasting beautiful coastlines and a rural center where mountains play host to 26 of the Buddhist temples that make up the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Matsuyama is home to an original post-feudal castle as well as Dogo Onsen, one of the country’s oldest natural hot springs. The northern city of Imabari marks the entrance to the Shimano Kaido, a road that crosses six spectacular bridges and several islands, forming a route between Shikoku and mainland Honshu.

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