History / Culture / Tour Spots in Ehime Area

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Ehime
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Imabari Castle

4.0

333 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Torichou 3-1-3 Imabari castle management office

Imabari Castle was built in 1602 by Takatora Todo, a military commander who did well in the famous Battle of Sekigahara and consequently controlled a large territory in the province of Iyo. The castle sitting on the coast is unique in Japan with its seawater moat and entrance for ships. Most of the buildings were destroyed after the Meiji Restoration with only the inner moat and the stone wall of the castle remaining, but the castle tower and the iron gates were reconstructed after 1980 restoring the castle to its former glory. Inside the castle itself visitors will find many important artifacts on display including armor worn by the feudal lords and pictures and writings, etc.

Superbly restored. Great views from the tower. Alas, very little English. Nice gardens and surrounds
Ishite-ji Temple

4.0

291 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Ishite 2-9-21

Located in the Ishite district of Matsuyama City, the Ishite-ji Temple is a Buzan sect Shingon Buddhist temple. The temple’s formal name is Kumano-san Kokuzo-in; it is the 51st temple visited on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The Ishite-ji Temple is famous for its association with Emon Saburo, a renowned early pilgrim who according to legend was reborn so that he could help restore the temple. The temple was first built in 728 by Ochino Tamazumi, the lord of Iyo Province. Initially, it was a Hosso school Buddhist temple, named the Anyo-ji Temple. However, following a visit by the monk Kukai in 813, it was transformed into a Shingon Buddhist temple. Besides the Niomon gate (a designated National Treasure), the Ishite-ji Temple also has several Important Cultural Properties, including the Hon-do (main hall) and a three-storey pagoda.

I came in from the east side and came across lots of stone statues. It’s a bit of a mess in that end with cardboard boxes and everything looking a bit ill-kept. Lots of caves and strong smell of...
Oyamazumi Shrine

4.5

254 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Omishimachoumiyaura 3327

Oyamazumi Shrine is the head shrine overseeing the nationwide Yamazumi Shrine and Mishima Shrine dedicated to the god, Oyamatsumi. The shrine is located in Mishima Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Since ancient times the shrine has been used as a place of worship for the gods of the mountains, sea and war. It has been visited by naval commanders, Japan’s first Prime Minister, Hirobumi Ito, Isoroku Yamamoto of the former Imperial Navy, as well as leaders from the Maritime Self Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard. As well as the sacred camphor tree said to be 2,600 years old in the grounds of the shrine, visitors can also see a group of ancient trees, the oldest in Japan and designated as a National Natural Treasure. The main shrine building, worship hall and Hokyoin pagoda have been designated as national important cultural properties. There are also many important cultural properties including some national treasures stored and on display in the treasure hall.

I was struck with awe to find such a solemn shrine on a small island in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. It has 3 museums and 2 of them have kept a lot of historical materials including swords and...
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

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

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.
Isaniwa Shrine

4.0

259 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Sakuradanichou 173

The Isaniwa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsuyama City. The exact date of the shrine’s founding is unclear, but the fact that it is included in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of Shinto shrines compiled in the mid-Heian era) indicates that it is a very ancient shrine that has been in existence for at least 1,000 years. The shrine buildings that the visitor sees today are the result of rebuilding in 1667 on the orders of Matsudaira Sadanaga, the local daimyo. According to tradition, the rebuilding was undertaken in gratitude for the granting of a wish that Matsudaira might hit the target consistently during a yabusame horseback archery contest in Edo Castle. The new shrine buildings were modeled on those of the Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kyoto.

A second cousin to the more popular shine it is worth walking up the long set of stairs to see the city below. This is an active shrine and you can expect to see worshipers here. Take a few...
Ozu Castle

4.0

125 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Ozushi Ozu 903

This is a castle which is said to have been constructed at the end of the Kamakura period by Utsunomiya Toyofusa who entered the domain as a protector. Thereafter, the castle was restored by the castle fortification expert, Todo Takatora, and the castle town was prosperous as the center of politics and economy of the Iyo Ozu feudal clan. Due to deterioration, the castle keep was demolished in 1888, but thereafter it was restored in 2004. It is a wooden keep reconstruction which was faithfully reproduced based on historical facts. Four turrets such as the kitchen turret and the southern corner turret have been designated as an Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

At last, a castle in the middle of town. Not mountain climbing, just a gentle stroll. Inside is just average, but its a pleasant enough place to stop off for a coffee.
Bansuisou

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...
Garyu Sanso (Mountain Villa)

4.5

128 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Ozushi Ozu 411-2

This is a mountain villa of 9,930 square meters which commands a view of the picturesque landscape around the Hiji River, the “Garyu depths”, the villa was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2016. This is the villa which the wealthy merchant, Kouchi Torajiro constructed during the Meiji period to spend his final years; the Sukiya-zukuri style (Japanese traditional architectural style) of the building and the traditional Japanese landscape garden are wonderful. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery at your ease with green tea at “Furoan”. This site gained one star from “Michelin Green Guide Japan” in 2011, attracting attention.

Loved the quietness and history of this old Japanese home and garden. Lovely walk around the house and garden. Staff were very helpful with imparting their knowledge and keen to answer questions.
Imabari City Murakami Pirate Museum

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 Castle

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Marunouchi

Matsuyama Castle is the only castle among the surviving 12 castles which now has a keep. It was selected as one of the 100 best castles of Japan in 2006. Kato Yoshiaki started the castle construction in 1602, and it is the last complete castle to have been constructed in Japan, which was completed over the longest length of time (approximately a quarter century) in Japanese architectural history. The inner citadel of the castle is located on the summit of Mt. Katsuyama at an altitude of 132 meters, while an outer citadel and a third citadel are at the base of the mountain; it is a huge castle and is counted as one of the coalition of the three largest flatland mountain castles in Japan. You can see from Mt. Ishizuchi to Iyo-nada with one sweep of the eye from the top floor of the large castle keep—that scenery is magnificent.
Iwayaji Temple

4.5

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Kamiukenagunkumakougenchou Nanatori 1468

This temple belongs to the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is located in KumakogenTown in Kamiukena County, Ehime Prefecture, and it is the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The hall erected to look like it is embedded in a large rock is one of the striking features of this sacred mountain site. It is said that in 815, a female deity gifted the mountains to Kukai, where he proceeded to sculpt stone and wooden statues of Acala. The wooden statue is enshrined in the main hall as the principal image. The stone statue is enshrined in a cave as a statue rarely shown to the public and is said to be the principal image for the whole mountain. The temple grounds were designated a national Places of Scenic Beauty, and the Kobo Daishi hall that was rebuilt in 1920 is a National Important Cultural Property. The “seriwari-zenjo” site where Kukai is said to have meditated is also worth visiting.

We met a bunch of cool local Japanese henro on the way out of this temple, which made our ability to navigate the forest trail far easier without speaking any Japanese. This is a beautiful Temple...
Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum

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

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...
Yokomineji Temple

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Saijoushi Komatsuchouishiduchi 2253

This is the head temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and is located in Komatsu Town, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, and it is the 60th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It is situated halfway up the north face of Mt. Ishizuchi, famous as a sacred site and for the highly treacherous “falling pilgrim” road that must be used for access until the forest road is completed for cars to use. En no Gyoja laid the foundations in 651. Afterward, Kukai visited and established the temple after conducting the secret “hoshi” ritual. The principal images in the main hall are Dainichi-Nyorai and Zao Gongen Mishotai, which have been designated as prefectural Important Cultural Properties. Around the beginning of May, rhododendrons bloom along the face of the cliff to the side of the main hall. Note that the forest road is not accessible during winter. Large buses cannot access the road.

素晴らしい遍路寺ですが、ここは西日本の最高峰、石鎚山の中腹に位置する寺院。アクセスは今でこそ楽にはなっているが、かつては「遍路転がし」の道と呼ばれた再難所寺でもあった。縁起も西暦６５１年に遡る１３７２年の歴史を有する古寺。行基に始まり、弘法大師空海、石仙上人等の大きな名前に由来する名刹。一時、石鎚神社の別当寺とされた時期もあったが、神仏分離令により石鎚山西遥拝所横峰社となり明治末期に再び横峰寺とな...
Ehime Prefectural Science Museum

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...
Taisan-ji Temple

4.5

47 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Taisanjichou 1730

This is a temple of the Shingon sect Chizan School in Taisanji Town, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and the 52nd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It is said that the hall was built overnight by Manonochoja in 586. The main hall, designated as a National Treasure is the third and was constructed in 1305, and this temple is the largest of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhist sect. A Buddhist idol enshrined by the priest Gyoki and seven statues of eleven-faced Avalokitesvara are designated as Important Cultural Properties. There is a custom of making an offering of rice Shamoji spoons to the Shotokutaishi-do to have academic achievement.

第５２番札所太山寺松山市の郊外にあり近くにはプロゴルファー松山英樹選手の冠がついたゴルフ練習場もありました。無料の駐車場は仁王門をくぐった先にあります。駐車場から国宝の本堂までは坂道がだらだらと続き少し時間がかかりますが雰囲気はよかったです。
Yu Jinja Shrine

3.5

107 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Matsuyama-shi Dogoyunomachi 4-10

This shrine is in Dogoyuno-machi, Matsuyama. The ancient shrine was apparently built on the decree of the Keiko Emperor, the 12th emperor of Japan, and venerates the deities Onamuchinomikoto and Sukunabikonanomikoto. When the Dogo Onsen source spring was damaged by earthquake, tales say that prayers here resulted in it being restored, and now every March they hold the Yugitosai hot spring prayer festival to commemorate it.

not so big and we got heavy rain that day. just take a look and not so many people here but just one staff and two cats. ha.
Ehime Prefectual Museum of Art

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...
Bekku-san Nankobo

4.0

47 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Bekkuchou 3-1

Located around seven minutes’ walk from Imabari Station, Bekku-san Nankobo is the 55th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The Temple’s full name is Komyo-ji Kongo-in Nankobo; it is the only temple on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage route that has the character “bo” (meaning a priest’s or monk’s residence) as part of its name. The Temple was established as a Buddhist temple associated with the Oyamazumi Shinto Shrine, at which worshippers pray for the safety of people traveling by sea. The tranquil atmosphere of the Temple precincts makes it popular with both tourists and locals as a place to come and relax. The Kotohira-gu Hall and the Daishi Hall with its pyramidal roof, both of which escaped damage during bombing raids in the Second World War, are particularly worth seeing. The Temple also has calligraphic works and a bamboo hat that belonged to Kawamura Kizan (the first calligrapher to receive the Japan Art Academy Award) which were given to the Temple as offerings.

１３００年の歴史を誇る古寺中の古寺。四国霊場第５５番札所の名刹です。ここの仁王門は実に素晴らしい、壮大でかつ威厳が感じられる。四国霊場の中でも「坊」と云う名称を有するのは唯一、ここだけ。ここは瀬戸内海に浮かぶ大三島の大山祇神社の別宮として創建されたものらしい。従って、寺院としての山号も「別宮山」とある。真言宗醍醐派寺院で本尊は大通智勝如来と云う珍しい名称の仏像。仁王門に安置されている多聞天同様、素...

Ehime

Matsuyama Tobe Uchiko Imabari / Shimanami Kaido Mt. Ishizuchi / Shikoku Karst Ozu / Uwa / Sadamisaki

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Ehime Areas

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.