Traveling in Ehime
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Ehime
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What’s New in Japan for 2020
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- There are many reasons that so many visitors flock to visit Japan every day, from delicious cuisine such as Sushi and Yakitori, to tradition and culture such as Shrines, Temples, and castles, and of course pop culture like Anime and gaming. In 2020 the Olympic and Paralympic games will be coming to Japan and as a result the country is seeing a huge amount of new attractions, festivals, and other changes. If your interests are cultural, we will give you the scoop on where you can stay in a historical castle, where you can see the best art exhibitions and when famous Shrines will finish their current renovations. If you’re looking for excitement, we have the details on what’s new in Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan. If you don’t mind traveling a bit, we can even lead you to the world’s largest Godzilla, also new in 2020. To make sure you make the most of your Tokyo 2020 trip, read on! Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 Tokyo will be taken over by the Olympic (July 24, 2020 – August 9, 2020) and Paralympic (August 25, 2020 – September 6, 2020) Games in 2020. This means that the city is seeing a slew of upgrades to athletic facilities, such as a new national stadium, new stores, transportation, and much more. Visitors can expect a futuristic vision in the 2020 games as Japan intends to use cutting edge technology (such as robotics) to make sure Olympics fans in Tokyo and beyond can all join in on the spectacle. Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 New national stadium Please note that there will be changes in Japan’s usual national holidays due to the Olympics. Marine Day and Sports day will be moved to July 23 and 24 while Mountain Day to August 10, the day after the closing ceremony. The aim of this change is to reduce traffic congestion, but it can also affect opening and closing hours in stores and restaurants. National holidays due to the Olympics Exciting New Worlds Coming to Tokyo Disneyland and USJ (Universal Studios Japan) ― Tokyo Disneyland New Fantasyland In 2020 Tokyo Disneyland will be expanding with its ‘New Fantasyland’ based on the world of Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Adults can enjoy a hefty dose of nostalgia as they stroll through Belle’s village which will include Maurice’s Cottage and Gaston’s Fountain (but likely no sheep). The ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’ will take place in the castle itself. The area will also feature Disneyland’s first full scale indoor theater, the Fantasyland Forest Theater. Over in Tomorrowland visitors can spend time with adorable Baymax on ‘The Happy Ride with Baymax’. New Fantasyland The Happy Ride with Baymax ― Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been extremely secretive about its new expansion, Super Nintendo World. Newly released images seem to indicate that there will Mario Kart and Yoshi themed rides and an area dedicated to Donkey Kong. The new expansion will be open to the public before the start of the 2020 Olympics so look forward to having your own Mario Party in USJ! Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World Futuristic Aquariums, Miniature Theme Parks, Godzilla and More! ― Shikoku Aquarium 四国水族館 in Kagawa In March 2020 the Shikoku Aquarium will officially open its doors. This “Next-Generation Aquarium” has a theme of showing off the wonder of Shikoku’s waterscape so visitors can enjoy not only observing fish but also seeing how they act in their natural habitats and how they change with the seasons. This aquarium will also feature a Shark Shadow Aquarium, where you can see the large shadowy profiles of Hammerhead sharks as well as a large dolphin area which promises a spectacular sunset over the Seto Inland Sea. Shikoku Aquarium ― Small Worlds Tokyo in Tokyo In Tokyo a new type of theme park is set to open, Small Worlds Tokyo will be home to miniature areas based in reality and fantasy. Feel like a giant by passing through the Gulliver tunnel and then take your time enjoying the Sailor Moon, Evangelion, Global Village, Space Center, and Kansai International Airport models. It’s not just viewing though; advanced 3D mapping is available so that you can join your favorite area and make items to display as well. It’s set to open April 25, 2020 and will make the perfect indoor adventure if you are caught in rainy spring weather. Small Worlds Tokyo Evangelion Area ― Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate 厳島神社 in Hiroshima Popular sightseeing place and UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine has unfortunately been covered by scaffolding for renovation as of June 2019. These repairs are expected to take one year so visitors can expect this beautiful floating Shrine to be fully viewable by summer 2020. Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate ― DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMMかりゆし水族館 in Okinawa Okinawa, already famous for its wealth of natural beauty, will be opening a new aquarium in April 2020, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium. Their focus will be blending art installations with underwater environments to create a new type of aquarium enjoyment. It’s not far from Naha airport so it is much more easily accessible than the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is good news for those who have limited time on the island. DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMM Kariyushi Aquarium ― Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street 国際通りのれん街 in Okinawa Over in Naha the street known as “the miracle mile” is set to get some new editions as the site of Mitsukoshi welcomes the new Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street. Those who are interested in the varieties of Japanese cuisine available in Okinawa will love the new food court and shoppers are sure to be delighted by the variety of shops. All of the stores will open in February 2020. Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 18. January. 2020
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20 Spots in Japan That Inspired Ghibli Films
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- Attention Ghibli fans! Ghibli Park is set to open in the fall of 2022, bringing some of the studio’s most iconic films to life in a theme park setting. So to get you excited for its launch, here are 20 spots that are all some way or another connected to Ghibli. Ghibli Park Image photo Set to open in the fall of 2022, Ghibli Park will recreate the fantasy worlds created by the studio in Aichi Expo Memorial Park. Three different areas will open initially - Youth Hill, Big Ghibli Warehouse and Dondoko Forest - with an additional two areas - Mononoke Village and Witch Valley - coming in 2023. Aside from reproduced landscapes and buildings from popular Ghibli anime films, the theme park will also feature video installations, children’s playgrounds, shops, and cafes. There will be attractions based on “My Neighbor Toto” and “Spirited Away” while the main gate will resemble the buildings from “Howl’s Moving Castle”. Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition After its initial run in Hiroshima two years ago (and subsequent exhibitions in Nagoya, Kanazawa and Tokyo), the Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition is taking place at Huis Ten Bosch Museum in Nagasaki from July 13 to September 23, 2019. It focuses on the work of long-time Studio Ghibli producer, Toshio Suzuki, with engaging artworks and calligraphy by Suzuki himself. Learn about his early inspiration in Showa-era manga and see a three-meter-tall depiction of Yubaba and Zeniba from “Spirited Away”. After exploring the exhibition, you can shop for limited-edition merchandise featuring all your favorite characters, then grab themed dishes at the Tea Salon on the first floor of Huis Ten Bosch.URL:http://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/events/ Toshio Suzuki & Studio Ghibli Exhibition Ghibli Museum, Mitaka Ghibli Museum Ghibli Museum Another exhibition not to miss is the Ghibli Museum, which is situated in Inokashira Park in the city of Mitaka.It’s a destination to immerse yourself in the characters and scenery from some of the studio’s most famous films, as well as discovering the art and techniques of animation.See a replica of the Catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro” and a 3D zoetrope with characters from the 1988 film, then step into the mock animation studio to learn about illustration techniques.Remember that you need to reserve tickets well in advance to visit the museum and that you can’t just turn up!URL:http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/Popular tours： Studio Ghibli Museum Tickets—Preorder & Last-Minute Tickets Ghibli Clock (Nittele Big Clock) Ghibli Clock Ghibli Clock Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, the Ghibli Clock is a 10-meter-high x 18-meter-wide automated clock in Tokyo’s Shiodome district. It was sculpted by 3D modeling artist Kunio Shachimaru who also created a robot soldier on the roof of the Ghibli Museum. Coincide your visit with its five weekday movements (12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm), with an additional one on weekends at 10:00 am. Be sure to arrive at least 3 minutes before the hour when all the action begins! A-san no Niwa (“Mr. A’s Garden”) Mr. A’s Garden Mr. A’s Garden Designed by Studio Ghibli founder, Hayao Miyazaki, A-san no Niwa (“Mr. A’s Garden”) is situated in the leafy residential Tokyo neighborhood of Asagaya. It originated as an old house dating from the Taisho era that people said was the kind of house that Totoro (from the Studio Ghibli classic “My Neighbor Totoro”) would live in.It became known locally as the “Totoro House” but sadly burned down during a fire in 2009. After Hayao Miyazaki heard about the tragedy, he decided to design a beautiful park in its place, centered around a small building that’s actually a public restroom. Nukumori no Mori(“Forest of Warmth”) Forest of Warmth Forest of Warmth Located in the city of Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, Nukumori no Mori (“Forest of Warmth”) is a fairytale-like village nestled in an enchanted forest that’s gaining in popularity for its Ghibli-esque atmosphere. It’s clustered with cottages and mushrooms that appear as though they’ve been built by elves or fairies, as well as a handful of stores selling jewelry, gifts, and cakes. The main store is called the Cottage of Warmth and is packed with furniture, ceramics, and candles for visitors wanting to create their own fairytale house. It also has a room dedicated to Studio Ghibli items, such as puzzles, toys, and tableware.URL:http://www.nukumori.jp/ Attractions based on particular anime films Attractions based on particular anime films If you’re looking for attractions themed around a particular Studio Ghibli anime film, we’ll introduce some of the most popular spots to visit below. ―Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Tomonoura Tomonoura Tomonoura Ponyo, the eponymous fish heroine of Ghibli’s 2008 nautical adventure, was created during a two-month research trip to Tomonura. Don’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of it: this tiny port town at the southern end of Hiroshima Prefecture’s Fukuyama City is small but incredibly picturesque. For the full scoop on its history, visit the Museum of History and Folklore, then walk along its coast for Ponyo-esque scenes of busy fishermen, bobbing boats and Edo-period stone lighthouses.Read moreThe Studio Ghibli Heritage in TomonouraThe scenery in the 2008 movie “Ponyo” is largely derived from Tomonoura.” … Tomonoura ―My Neighbor Totoro #1 Satsuki and Mei’s House Satsuki and Mei’s House Fans of “My Neighbor Totoro” can head to Satsuki and Mei’s House at the Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute City. It’s a life-size recreation of the house where Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei lived and was created for the World Exposition in 2005 that was themed around “Nature’s Wisdom”. #2 Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory #3 Totoro's Forest Totoro's Forest Totoro's Forest ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 22. September. 2019
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33 of the Best Things to Do in Hiroshima
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- Hiroshima is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to visit on Japan’s “Golden Route” and resonates with many foreigners due to its atomic bomb history. But aside from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the city is also the access point for the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, as well as the sacred Shimanami Kaido cycling route. With numerous small islands to explore and local delicacies to taste, there are plenty of reasons to stay a little longer. In this article, we’ll introduce 33 of the best things to do in Hiroshima to help plan your visit. Photograph Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine Itsukushima Shrine Situated in the middle of Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is a small island that’s an easy day trip from Hiroshima. It’s famed for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine and its bright orange torii gate that appears as though it’s floating on water at high tide. Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine comprise one of Hayashi Gahō's “Three Views of Japan”, which were selected in 1643 and have become iconic scenes in the country. Aside from this 6th-century Shinto shrine, the island is also home to the Museum of History and Folklore and the beautiful Momijidani Koen (“Red Maple Valley Park”). N.B. Please be aware that the torii gate is currently undergoing major renovations and a completion date has not yet been announced. Sample the local oysters at Kakiya Kakiya No trip to Miyajima is complete without sampling the local specialty - oysters! The clear streams of the Ota River are renowned as prime places for oyster aquaculture and Kakiya, a restaurant on Miyajima, offers one of the best oyster lunches in the region. Here you can have your oysters fried, grilled or au gratin, as well as eaten fresh from the water. Their menu is available in English so it’s easy to order and there’s a good selection of beer and sake to accompany your meal. Kakiya Eat conger eel at Anago-Meshi Ueno Anago-Meshi Ueno Another local specialty is conger eel and the Anago Meshi Ueno restaurant serves some of the best. It’s located directly in front of the ferry port that takes you to Miyajima, so it’s a convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat or a takeaway lunch box to enjoy on the island. Their conger eel is caught in the waters near Miyajima and served with a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce, with small, medium or large servings available. Anago-Meshi Ueno Explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome For many visitors to Hiroshima, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are high on their list of things to do. The Atomic Bomb Dome was originally opened as the Product Exhibition Hall in 1915 and after the atomic bomb “Little Boy” was dropped at the end of World War II, it was the only structure left standing near the hypocenter of its impact. It’s been left as a constant reminder of the destruction that was caused and the thousands who lost their lives. The Atomic Bomb Dome is surrounded by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was designed by Japanese architect Kenzō Tange. It’s dotted with sculptures and monuments in memory of the victims and lies in what was once the bustling center of Hiroshima. Be sure to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum where you can learn about the city before the bombing and the impact it left. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Take in the views of Hiroshima from the Orizuru Tower Orizuru Tower Situated on the east side of the Atomic Bomb Dome is the Orizuru Tower, which takes its name from the folded paper crane that became a symbol of peace in the aftermath of World War II. It features a rooftop observation deck that offers sweeping views of Hiroshima City, stretching all the way to Miyajima on a clear day. After viewing the cityscape, you can pick up unique Hiroshima gifts in the first-floor shops. Orizuru Tower Stroll through the Shukkeien garden Shukkeien garden Situated adjacent to the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is this tranquil garden, which was established in 1620 during the Edo period. It suffered extensive damage following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and served as a refuge for victims in the aftermath. Today, it has been reconstructed to its former glory, with valleys, mountains and forests represented in miniature form while following traditional Japanese aesthetics. Shukkeien centers around a tranquil pond, with a pathway leading to several teahouses where you can stop and enjoy the views. Shukkeien garden See Hiroshima Castle illuminated after dark Hiroshima Castle Also reconstructed following the nuclear attack was Hiroshima Castle (also known as “Carp Castle”), which dates to 1958. The original Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 by the feudal lord, Mori Terumoto, and served as the heart of the town. The modern castle centers around the main keep that’s five stories tall and is surrounded by a protective moat, a shrine and a scattering of ruins. If you want to learn more, you can visit the history museum inside the castle and discover how it was reconstructed. Aside from exploring during the day, be sure to return after dark when Hiroshima Castle is beautifully lit up. Admire the yōga and French Impressionist works at the Hiroshima Museum of Art Hiroshima Museum of Art The Hiroshima Museum of Art is situated in Hiroshima Central Park and is renowned for its collection of French Impressionist paintings that are displayed alongside traditional Japanese prints. Works by Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh are all featured in the gallery spaces, as are paintings by Japanese artists in a Western style. See yōga Western-style oil paintings by leading exponents such as Kuroda Seiki and Kishida Ryusei, then marvel at the bronze statue of Venus by Maillol. Hiroshima Museum of Art Visit Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, the current home of Hiroshima Toyo Carp Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium If you’re a sports fan, then don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium where the Hiroshima Toyo Carp compete. Founded by citizens in 1950, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp are now hugely popular and it can be difficult to get tickets to games. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with a game day (or you can’t get tickets), you can still explore the stadium on a tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at areas that are usually off-limits to the public. See where the players get ready and where they warm up, then step onto the field to experience the stadium from their perspective. Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Feast on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura or Mitchan Mitchan If you’re visiting Hiroshima, don’t pass up the opportunity to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is unique from other okonomiyaki around Japan. The story began when Isao Ise opened an okonomiyaki stand in 1950 and it was later taken over by Mitchan who began to enhance the recipe with soba, creating a layered okonomiyaki. You can try this local delicacy at one of the seven Mitchan stores in Hiroshima that exist today, with the oldest one in Hatchobori. Alternatively, head to Okonomimura, a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki food court where you can select from 24 different okonomiyaki restaurants. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 21. July. 2019
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Shikoku Overview
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- The smallest of Japan’s four mainland islands, Shikoku is found in the southwest of the archipelago and made up four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. What Shikoku lacks in size it makes up for with some of the country’s best beaches, luscious green mountains, and a fascinating history that encompasses both religion and trade. Although admittedly less accessible than other parts of mainland Japan, the reward for the extra travel time is calmer cities, uncrowded sights, and a whole host of undiscovered places.Shikoku is a popular destination among nature buffs and with good reason. The 225-kilometre-long island has a rich and varied landscape with its mountainous centre flattening out into fantastic sand beaches which stretch around the entirety of the island. A highlight of the island’s natural side is its rivers; Yoshino River is famous for river rafting while Shimanto River is better suited for a calm boat trip passing by Kochi Prefecture’s picturesque scenery. Cyclists often take on the challenge of travelling from the north of Ehime Prefecture across the six suspension bridges back to Honshu island via the Shimanami Kaido. As well as watersports and cycling, Shikoku offers myriad outdoor activities including mountain climbing, paragliding, and bungee jumping.With much of the southern part of the island uninhabitable, the majority of Shikoku’s cities are located around the northern coastline. Historical sites include castles, the old Besshi copper mine, and Dogo Onsen, believed to be one of the country’s oldest natural hot springs. The cities are also top spots for trying out the local cuisine. As well as seafood a popular choice thanks to the neighbouring oceans, the country is well-known for its udon noodles, notably sanuki udon which has its roots in Kagawa Prefecture, as well as citrus fruits and Tokushima ramen.Shikoku has had religious significance for centuries thanks to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is a 1,200-kilometre circuit consisting of 88 Buddhist temples which many pilgrims and tourists come to complete, whether just a leg of the trail or the whole course. The mountainous areas, as well as the island’s other less urban areas, are a good representation of rural Japan with a distinct lack of the usual busy, convenience store-laden streets. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 24. February. 2018
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Minetopia Besshi
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- Minetopia Besshi is an unusual and unique place to visit in Ehime, especially if you’re travelling with children. It’s a theme park built on the remains of one of the three biggest old copper mining towns, which was once responsible for the modernization and industrialization of Japan. Copper mining began in Besshi in 1691 producing around 700,000 tons of copper until its closure in 1973. Minetopia, which is located in the once lively mining town is spread over two locations; the Hadeba area and the Tohnaru area. The theme park is in the Hadeba area at the base of the mountain, where visitors can learn more about the mine and how it was developed over time until it was decommissioned in 1973. You can enter actual mines and see dioramas that show how the Edo period used manual labor to extract copper. There’s also a children’s park, restaurants and a popular onsen to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing. The second area is higher on the mountain in the Tohnaru area and is known as the “Machu Picchu of the Orient”. Minetopia Besshi The long standing ruins present here invoke a resemblance to the ancient sky city of the Incas, but that’s where the similarity ends. The structure, said to be built around 1905 sits 750 metres high in the mountains and was the mining quarter from 1916 to 1930, until the quarters were moved to the Hadeba area. This town was almost single handedly responsible for the progress of Japan into the modern era and had a population of 5,000 inhabitants with corporate housing, schools and theatres lining the streets. Now, the crumbling brick structures are all that are left of a once vibrant and booming mining depot. Minetopia Besshi A sharp slope with a narrow canal was used as a ropeway to haul the daily necessities, newspapers and mail to the town nestled high in the mist enveloped slopes from the foot of the mountain, where Minetopia is now located. It was eventually converted into a staircase consisting of more than 200 steps. But tourists don’t have to worry about scaling them as a sightseeing bus departs from the theme park to take visitors up to the ruins. Once at the terraced slopes of the town, visitors can wander around the time-worn structures and experience something that could have come straight from a Ghibli movie. Minetopia Besshi ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Ehime
- 20. February. 2018
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What to Do in Uwajima
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- While the bulk of Shikoku’s cities are concentrated in the north of the island, Ehime Prefecture’s most southern city Uwajima is an exception and a spot that benefits from abundant attractions amongst a backdrop of the majestic Shikoku countryside. Uwajima Castle Uwajima Castle Up on a hill overlooking the city sits Uwajima Castle, originally built by daimyo Todo Takatora in 1596. On top of its beautiful setting, the castle is celebrated for its remaining donjon, or castle keep, which is one of the last remaining originals in Japan. The grand entrance to the castle leads into a beautiful wooden interior which houses a mini-museum exhibiting samurai outfits and an incredible replica of the castle’s exterior design. The castle’s unique point - and one of the main reasons Takatora was regarded as an ingenious castle designer - is its outer walls which are made up of five uneven sides. Tensha-en Garden Tensha-en Garden Tucked away in the south of Uwajima City, Tensha-en Garden takes up an important part of the ground; originally the garden of a feudal lord and now one of the pride and joys of the city. The 300-yen fee rewards visitors with a typical Japanese garden made up of beautiful walkways going past water features, over arched bridges, and through thickets of trees. The garden’s diverse flora ranges from colourful wisteria and iris plants to mysterious bamboo groves. Pearl shops Pearl shops The neighboring Uwa Sea is a hotspot for pearls and, as a result, Uwajima has no shortage of pearl shops. While the numerous stores allow visitors to pick up all sorts of special jewelery, the locals are proud of the skill and time that goes into pearl farming and exhibit explanations and tools used in the process in store with the Shinju Kaikan even putting on video screenings as well as displaying works from the Pearl Design Contest. Buying pearls in Uwajima is more than just a random purchase but is an opportunity to learn about the unique story behind these precious little jewels. Danbata Terrace Fields Danbata Terrace Fields The center of Uwajima City sits in a picturesque part of Ehime Prefecture but heading out of the center brings you to even more charming views. The Danbata Terrace Fields perched on a steep hill overlooking the Uwa Sea to the west of Uwajima City makes for a good day out. While the area can be reached by car in an hour, the fastest and most scenic route is via the Seiun Kisen ferry which takes passengers from Uwajima Port to Mizugaura Port in a 35-minute shortcut across the ocean. Warei Shrine Warei Shrine On a 10-minute stroll up from Uwajima Station across one of the rivers that branches off from the Uwa Sea lies Warei Shrine. Dedicated to the god of the fishing industry - an important figure in the seafood-rich Shikoku island - this Shinto shrine is frequented by many a local fisherman coming to worship for a year of good catches. Warei Shrine is most recognizable for the huge gate at its entrance which is said to be one of the largest stone torii gates in Japan. Warei Shrine ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 20. February. 2018
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Matsuyama Overview
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- While much of Shikoku remains fairly unheard of, Matsuyama City has been a famous name for centuries. As the largest city in the whole of Shikoku, the prefectural capital of Ehime, and home to both history-rich sites Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama has a reputation as one of the liveliest and most attraction-packed cities in Shikoku.If there’s one thing that’s kept the visitors flooding into Matsuyama in the last millennium it’s the extra hot natural spring water of Dogo Onsen. While the area has been a source of bathing relief for centuries, it is just since 1894 that the most famous of the bath houses Dogo Onsen Honkan has been a central landmark in the city. Now the face of Dogo Onsen, this three-storey wooden structure is often the first place associated with Matsuyama City which popular culture is much to thank for, notably the much loved Miyazaki film “Spirited Away”.Heading off the main streets and up Katsuyama mountain the omniscient Matsuyama Castle can be found overlooking the city where it has sat since the beginning of the 17th century. Sat at 132 metres above the city, the castle is visible from almost every angle from below. Fifteen minutes up a steep path leads up to the vast castle grounds while the easier alternate route is via the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway.Parks, museums, and eateries pepper the bustling streets of Matsuyama City with the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, a favourite among many not only for its literary theme revolving around the Ryotaro Shiba classic that the museum is named after but also for its immaculate design thought out by mastermind architect Tadao Ando. The literary influence doesn’t stop there with popular novel “Botchan” by Natsume Soseki influencing many an attraction around the city. While characters from Botchan jump out of a wind-up clock in the Dogo Onsen area every hour, the Botchan-themed replica steam train can be seen puffing around the city centre all through the day.Just a stone’s throw from the Seto Inland Sea, not only is Matsuyama a short trip from the fantastic western coastline of Shikoku but also has direct access to abundant delicious seafood found at restaurants, izakayas, and sushi shops around the city. Matsuyama also thrives in mandarin orange production which can be found in every form, from orange juice and jelly to mandarin ice cream and other desserts. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Ehime
- 19. February. 2018
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Ehime's Mountain Fort: Matsuyama Castle
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- In the very heart of Matsuyama City in a commanding position atop Mt. Katsuyama sits Matsuyama Castle. Giving Ehime’s prefectural capital its status as a castle town, Matsuyama Castle is one of the city’s most important historical buildings, as well as one of just 12 remaining original castles in Japan. Ehime's Mountain Fort: Matsuyama Castle The importance of Matsuyama Castle is reflected in its positioning: The castle can be seen from almost every street around Matsuyama, sat a towering 132 metres above the city. In 1603 the general Kato Yoshiaki set to work on constructing the many buildings that make up Matsuyama Castle which he later passed on to the Matsudaira family. Originally a five-storey building, the castle has gone through several reconstructions, including following a lightning strike in 1784. Ehime's Mountain Fort: Matsuyama Castle While the woodland steps that lead up the Mt. Katsuyama hillside to the castle grounds are admittedly steep, they can be scaled in less than 15 minutes from the park below making it just a 30-minute walk from the Dogo Onsen area to the castle. However, the eastern side of the mountain is home to the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway which carries visitors up to the top in just a few minutes with the additional benefit of panoramic views over the surrounding hills and the city below. Ehime's Mountain Fort: Matsuyama Castle ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Ehime
- 19. February. 2018
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What to Do in Matsuyama
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- With Matsuyama’s title of Shikoku’s largest city comes an equally sprawling list of things to do. While the ever popular Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen are must-visits, the city’s wholesome activities, eye-catching architecture, and continued tradition don’t stop there. An itinerary for Ehime’s prefectural capital is sure to be extensive and varied but here’s some advice on where to get started. Visit Isaniwa Shrine Visit Isaniwa Shrine The bold entrance to Isaniwa Shrine makes a memorable first impression. Believed to have been built over 1,000 years ago, this sizeable shrine isn’t just impressive in its appearance but has also played an integral part in the history of Matsuyama City. Originally constructed following Emperor Chuai’s visit to Dogo Onsen, the shrine was later moved to its current location and re-built by the lord Sadanaga Matsudaira in the same style as Kyoto’s venerable Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. Entering the shrine offers no disappointment with the building stretching down long corridors between intricately decorated rooms set up for worshippers. Take a walk through Dogo Park Take a walk through Dogo Park Centrally located just a short walk south of Dogo Onsen, Dogo Park is a verdant park rich in trees, water features, and a good dose of history. The park’s unique charm lies in its notably undulating ground which leads up a hill formerly home to Yuzuki Castle until 1585. Visitors can learn more about the history of the former castle at the Yuzukijo Museum while the Matsuyama Shiritsu Shiki Memorial Museum introduces the masses to Matsuyama-born Masaoka Shiki who was a key figure in paving the path towards modern haiku poetry. Get up high for a view over the city Get up high for a view over the city It can be hard to sense the sheer size of Shikoku island’s largest city from the streets. The best way to take in the whole picture is by climbing up to a high point, sitting back, and watching over the built up city as well as the surrounding tree-filled mountains that earned the city the name of pine mountain - the translation of Matsuyama. Sitting at a good 132 meters about the city, the number one spot for city views is the iconic Matsuyama Castle. A quieter spot from where to appreciate the city views is atop Sogo Koen with its natural surroundings and its observation deck, designed in the form of a European castle. For a less strenuous climb no need to venture out of the centre of town, just head to Dogo Park. Dogo Onsen Dogo Onsen A list of things to do in Matsuyama wouldn’t be complete without including the city’s hugely celebrated Dogo Onsen. Believed to have been discovered over a millennium ago, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs and said to have been visited by countless important people over the centuries. The traditional Dogo Onsen Honkan takes centre stage as the main historical bathhouse supplying the city’s natural hot spring water, however, there are myriad places to take a relaxing dip in the area as well as shopping, food, and other attractions. Ride the Botchan steam train Ride the Botchan steam train With plenty of Matsuyama’s attractions keeping you on your feet it’s time to jump on the Botchan Ressha for a slice of laidback sightseeing. Originally a full-fledged steam locomotive, the Iyo Railway created the smaller, city-friendly Botchan steam train model to introduce visitors to one of Matsuyama’s traditional means of transport. Running along the web of tramlines throughout the city centre, the Botchan Ressha is an affordable and quirky way of hopping from one sight to the next including Matsuyama Station and Dogo Onsen. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Ehime
- 19. February. 2018
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Recommended spots
248 results
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- Matsuyama Castle
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4.51959 Reviews - Historical Monument
- Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Marunouchi
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Having been to several castles, this was one of our favorites. Perched on a hill you can reach it by cable car or chairlift. We did the chair lift to the top, not steep and quick. There are stairs...
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- Uwajima Castle
- Historical Monument
- Ehime Pref. Uwajimashi Marunouchi 1
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- Oyamazumi Shrine
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4.5242 Reviews - Shrine
- Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Omishimachoumiyaura 3327
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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...
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- Imabari Castle
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4.0308 Reviews - Historical Monument
- Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Torichou 3-1-3 Imabari castle management office
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We visited Imabari castle after visiting many other iconic historical buildings. If you are looking for genuine history , this is not the place. If however , you are looking at insights into how such...
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- Tobe Zoological Park of Ehime Prefecture
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4.5117 Reviews - Zoo
- Ehime Pref. Iyoguntobechou Kamiharamachi 240
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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...
Ehime Main 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.
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