Top Ehime Prefecture Art & Culture

Uwajima City of Ehime Prefecture is Japan's top producer of Akoya pearls. Our shop offers you the experience of observing the pearl culturing process, broaden your knowledge of pearls, and learn how to distinguish the quality of pearls. Taking a pearl out of the shellfish that you pick out on a raft is an experience exclusive to a culturing site. The people working in our shop are always engaged in pearl culturing, so they have a profound knowledge of the pearls. Moreover, you'll be able to make your own accessories, such as a strap broach with the pearls which you extracted and take it home as a souvenir. Come and feel the charm of a peaceful, calm sea on a raft at our culturing farm.

You can go into the Jinja(shrine) to pay your respects. You learn the formal manners of the Jinja(shrine). You can experience three different types of Gagaku instruments. You can try on a Heian-era costume (Hitatare). After a lot of practice, you can finally dedicate the performance in front of the gods.

Acclaimed to be the most fearsome pirate clan in Japan during the mid-14th century, the Murakami Clan were a naval force that once ruled the Seto Inland Sea. In this program, your guided cruise will take you across the Seto Inland Sea imbued with tides that travel as fast as 18km/h in speed. Here you may indulge in cruise ambience, taking in the dormant strength of ocean waves crashing against the side of the ship. The museum exhibits a range of items associated with the Murakami Clan, including an excellent introduction to the history of the pirates, complete with the opportunity to wear costumes and armor from this era.

I am Kiwi. Momo is Japanese. We both moved from New Zealand to Kamijima Islands and are loving it! I am working for the local sushi master, and Momo is working for Kamijima Tourism Association. We are passionate to show everyone not just the charm of the Japanese island countryside life, not to visit, but as a place to live. We will take you by bicycle to our favourite spots that Kamijima has to offer, a route most visitors will rarely find, because its off the main road. The islands are not large, but we will stop at temples, pottery kilns, lookouts and beaches. The charm is not just the views, it's also the amazing people living here too. This ride is a leisurely 20-35km route, slowly riding over 2 suspension bridges, seeing panoramic ocean views and talking with local shop owners and eating over 5-6 hours (including the lunch stops!). If you aren't a experienced rider, you can still enjoy this relaxing bike ride! There are electric assist bikes for those not looking for a workout.

Start walking from Dogo Onsen Station and visit some famous spots for good fortune. While leisurely walking, think of a memorable word you like that will be made into an original Sake label later. How about a word related to Matsuyama such as Dogo, Shikoku, or Henro (pilgrimage) ? Or, it might be interesting to write your name in Chinese characters with the assistance of an English-speaking local guide. The word will be used to make an original Sake label at the Minakuchi Shuzo brewery, the only Sake brewery in Dogo. You can also enjoy tasting various Sake samples available for purchase in the store.

A 'must see' for first time visitors to Matsuyama! As one of Japan's 12 original castles dating back to before the Edo period, Matsuyama Castle is the symbol of Matsuyama City. Take a rest at Jozanso, a café on the top of the hill. You can choose a refreshment between the two specialties, Iyokan orange soft-serve ice cream and homemade Amazake (sweet fermented rice drink). Stroll along Ropeway and Okaido shopping arcade to discover some local delights. ※Reservations are accepted from 2 people. ※The tour will go on, rain or shine. (Bring rain gear as needed.) The chairlift stops running on rainy days. In case of a thundery day, both of the chairlift and ropeway will be out of service. The tour will be cancelled if the management determines it difficult to ensure the safety of participants due to heavy weather such as typhoon or conditions unsuitable for walking. Please be careful not to get heat stroke during the tour in the extremely hot season from June to September.

Take a stroll through the history of Matsuyama Castle as you tour the castle. A castle geek's guide to the best places to take pictures and the stories behind them We will explain the various spots from the entrance of the castle, the walls, the castle gate and other interesting stories, all the way to the castle tower. At the castle tower, we will explain the exhibits in more detail, as well as points that only the guide knows about.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Matsuyama! Matsuyama, with the tranquil and beautiful Seto Inland Sea to the west and the mountains to the east, boasts a pleasant climate--mild thoughout the year with little rainfall. With its abundance of cultural offerings, Matsuyama features both the convenience of a city and the slow pace of the countryside. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Matsuyama! Matsuyama, with the tranquil and beautiful Seto Inland Sea to the west and the mountains to the east, boasts a pleasant climate--mild thoughout the year with little rainfall. With its abundance of cultural offerings, Matsuyama features both the convenience of a city and the slow pace of the countryside. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Explore Oshima in Ehime, a place associated with the Japan's largest pirates, the Murakami pirates who were active between the 14th and 16th centuries. Learn mystery behind the Murakami pirates who ruled the Seto Inland Sea! Enjoy the gorgeous view of the Seto Inland Sea. From the top of Mt.Kiro, overlook of the sea where the Murakami pirates delivered their goods, and enjoy the spectacular view during the e-mountain bike ride! Dine on the mighty pirate dish, horaku-yaki (seafood pot roast). Visit the ruins of Noshima Castle, one of the world's rarest sea castles with commentary from a local guide! Discover the new image of pirates from the tour!

Enjoy a cycling and trekking guided tour that traces the history of Oyamadumi Shrine, watching over Japan from Omishima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, and climbs to the top of the shrine rich in nature. Enjoy the view with a hot coffee brewed by your guide directly at the top of Mt. Anjin! Experience the full inspiration of Oyamadumi Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the god who watches over the country from Omishima! Cycle along the approach to the shrine, once an important maritime transport hub, located in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea! Visit the historic Oyamadumi Shrine, the only shrine in Japan to have been given the title of "General Shrine of Japan". Trek to the most beautiful spot of the sacred mountain "Anjinzan"! Enjoy a cup of coffee made by a barista and admire the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea at the top of the mountain!

On this three-day tour travelers will take a step back into time as they disappear along the cobbled streets of small-town Ehime. Here, visitors will encounter a town still crested by its medieval castle and where the past and the present are by no means easily defined with modern luxury and traditional architecture and craft seemingly stitched together across time. Travelers will also experience a portion of the Ohenro trail stepping along the same route as pilgrims did during a time long since passed. Visitors will also experience the richness of an Edo Era merchant town still lined with the same yellow walled manor homes that have witnessed generations walk by them and will no doubt see many more.