Ehime Prefecture occupies the northwest corner of Shikoku — facing the Seto Inland Sea. It holds Japan's oldest hot spring resort, one of the country's 12 remaining original castles, and the starting point of the world-famous Shimanami Kaidō cycling route to Hiroshima. Ehime is ideal for those who want a genuine Shikoku experience without the crowds of more famous Japanese destinations.
Top Attractions in Ehime
🏯 Matsuyama Castle
¥520 + ¥270 ropewayOne of Japan's 12 original castles (1854) — hilltop ropeway, panoramic Seto Inland Sea views
♨️ Dogo Onsen
From ¥460Japan's oldest hot spring — 1894 wooden bathhouse said to inspire Spirited Away
🚴 Shimanami Kaidō
Bicycle rental from ¥1,500/dayJapan's most famous cycling route — 70km across 6 Seto Inland Sea islands to Hiroshima
🛍️ Imabari Towels
From ¥1,500Japan's finest cotton towels produced in Imabari — factory tours and flagship shops
🐟 Uwajima Castle & Tai-meshi
¥200 + meal from ¥1,500Original castle (¥200) and raw sea bream rice — authentic southern Ehime culture
🏙️ Ōzu Castle Town
¥550Preserved Edo-period merchant town along Hiji River — castle, riverside villa, and traditional streets
Stay in Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the perfect base for Ehime — walkable city with trams, the Dogo Onsen district for ryokan stays, and easy access to the castle. For the Shimanami Kaidō, stay overnight in Imabari at the route's start. Dogo Onsen area hotels include the option to bathe in the historic 1894 wooden bathhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Ehime (Matsuyama) from Tokyo or Osaka?
From Tokyo, fly to Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) — about 1h20 by ANA/JAL, roughly ¥18,000–28,000. From Osaka, the Shinkansen to Okayama then the Shiokaze limited express to Matsuyama takes about 2h45 total (¥11,000). The overnight ferry from Osaka (Matsuyama Kanko Ferry, 7–8 hours) is an affordable alternative. From Hiroshima, the Seto Naikai Kisen high-speed ferry reaches Matsuyama in 1h10 (¥6,700).
What is Dogo Onsen and why is it famous?
Dogo Onsen (道後温泉) in Matsuyama is one of Japan's oldest hot springs — the main building (Honkan) dates from 1894 and is a national Important Cultural Property. The three-story wooden bathhouse is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Spirited Away." The Honkan has been under renovation since 2019 with portions reopening gradually; the adjacent Tsubaki-no-Yu facility offers bathing while renovation continues. Admission to the basic bath starts at ¥460; premium tatami room sessions with yukata start at ¥870.
What is Matsuyama Castle?
Matsuyama Castle (松山城) is one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles — the wooden tenshu (donjon) was rebuilt in 1854 and has never been destroyed. Set atop Shiroyama Hill in central Matsuyama, the castle is reached by ropeway (¥270 one way) or a 15-minute hike. The interior (¥520 entry) has excellent samurai artifacts and panoramic city views. Cherry blossoms around the castle in spring are among Shikoku's most celebrated.
What is the Shimanami Kaidō?
The Shimanami Kaidō (しまなみ海道) is a 70km series of bridges and islands connecting Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) to Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) across the Seto Inland Sea. It has a dedicated cycling path — Japan's most famous long-distance cycling route — that passes over six islands with sea views, lemon groves, and quiet fishing villages. The full route takes 1–2 days by bicycle; rental bikes are available at both ends. The Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge at the Ehime end is the world's longest continuous series of suspension bridges.
What is Uwajima and why visit?
Uwajima (宇和島) in southern Ehime is famous for its original castle (one of Japan's 12, ¥200), sea bream rice (tai-meshi) — a local specialty of sea bream simmered in dashi over rice — and the unusual Taga-jinja fertility shrine. Uwajima is also a center of pearl cultivation in Uwa-kai bay. The town is less visited than Matsuyama, offering an authentic rural Shikoku experience. Travel time from Matsuyama: 1h30 by limited express train.
What is Ehime famous for in terms of food?
Ehime produces about 15% of Japan's mandarin oranges (mikan) — the Seto Inland Sea climate is ideal for citrus. Key dishes: tai-meshi (sea bream rice, Uwajima style — raw egg and tai sashimi on rice with sweet miso dashi); jakoten (fried fish cake made from small fish, a local snack); Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen has famous citrus-infused sweets. Ehime jūsu (citrus juice blends) are a popular souvenir. Honey-glazed mikan-flavored omiyage treats fill Matsuyama station shops.