Top Ehime Prefecture Art & Culture

Uchiko Town and Ozu City, are areas rich in nature. In the days of the samurai, Ozu City prospered as a castle town, while Uchiko Town prospered as an industrial town. The area was particularly active in the production of a traditional craft called "mokuro", also known as Japan wax, and the old streets are still lined with traditional architecture built in those days. Ozu Castle offers a panoramic view of the city centre and its picturesque cityscape. The castle town, which escaped the air raids during World War II, still has many old buildings standing. In particular, the Garyu Sanso is a masterpiece of Japanese beauty, and has been listed in the Michelin Guide. At the Ozu Washi Kaikan, you can enter a washi paper factory, a traditional craft that has been around for more than 1,000 years, and watch skilled craftsmen at work right before your eyes.

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.

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.

Imabari City is a port town located in the northern part of Ehime Prefecture, in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. In the Middle Ages, the city was ruled by a group of pirates with excellent navigation skills, which allowed Imabari to develop industries related to the sea such as shipbuilding and sea shipping. Imabari is also the starting point of the Shikoku side of the Shimanami Kaido, which has become famous as a cycling route in recent years. On this tour, you will be able to enjoy cycling and sightseeing around the city in a single day, with electric bicycles, making it a perfect tour for people of all skill levels. At the Mt. Kirou Observatory, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panoramic view from the top of the mountain. At Imabari Castle, one of the three largest "castles on the sea" in Japan, you will be able to trace the history of the city. There are also many other places to visit such as high-quality Imabari towel stores and the world-famous shipyard port.

The Shikoku pilgrimage (called "Ohenro") has a history of over 1,200 years and is recommended for those who want to learn about how buddhism got its foothold in Japan. Wearing a rental "Ohenro" outfit, you will go for a 30-minute pilgrimage walk from Dogo Onsen Station to Ishite Temple, which is the 51st temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. This temple has also gotten a Michelin star on their Green Guide Japan. The guide will teach you about the etiquette and traditions of the pilgrimage and tell you interesting stories regarding the "Ohenro" pilgrimage. For the sake labeling experience, you will be able to write down your favorite words or your feelings throughout the experience.

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.

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.

This value-packed trip with a nationally-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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Enjoy this extraordinary time taking a sauna in the beautiful nature of Nametoko Gorge. Through the sauna, your mind and body will be completely at ease. A Loyly (Finnish) sauna is made by pouring water on sauna stones causing the steam to emanate.

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.

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.

This value-packed trip with a nationally-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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Matsuyama City is located in the central part of Ehime Prefecture and is the largest city in the Shikoku region. The city has a long history of hot springs, which have been visited by many historical figures, including the Imperial Family. Matsuyama Castle, built during the Middle Ages, allowed the area to develop as a castle town, becoming the political and economic centre of the region. The Dogo Onsen Honkan is a symbol of Ehime, with over 3,000 years of history. A wooden structure with an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere, it has been featured in the Michelin Guide. Matsuyama Castle offers a chance to appreciate the unique castle architecture, as well as a spectacular view of the city and the sea. In addition to these two major sightseeing spots, you will also visit many other must-see places in Ehime, such as a Japanese garden and a shopping street where you can enjoy local food.