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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.