Ehime Travel Recommendaions

Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku in Japan, and is known for its beautiful coastline, hot springs, and historical landmarks. In this response, I will provide an overview of Ehime Prefecture, including how to get there from Tokyo, the best season to visit, and 10 must-see places to visit.

Overview of Ehime

Ehime Prefecture is located in the northwest of Shikoku Island, and has a population of over 1.4 million people. The prefecture is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Shikoku Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea. The capital city is Matsuyama, which is known for its hot springs, and is also home to Matsuyama Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan.

How to get to Ehime from Tokyo

There are several ways to get to Ehime Prefecture from Tokyo. The fastest way is by air, with flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Another option is to take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Okayama, and then transfer to a local train to Matsuyama. This journey takes approximately 4 hours.

Best season to visit Ehime

The best time to visit Ehime Prefecture is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is particularly beautiful. In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in the autumn, the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.

Must-see places in Ehime

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, and is located in the heart of Matsuyama City. The castle offers beautiful views of the city and is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and is said to have been frequented by the imperial family. The hot spring is located in the heart of Matsuyama City, and features a beautiful traditional Japanese building.

Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycling route that runs from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. The route crosses six bridges that span the Seto Inland Sea, and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Uchiko

Uchiko is a historic town located in the eastern part of Ehime Prefecture. The town is known for its traditional Japanese buildings, including a kabuki theater and a soy sauce factory.

Iyonada Monogatari

Iyonada Monogatari is a luxury train that runs along the coast of Ehime Prefecture, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The train features luxurious cabins, a restaurant, and a bar.

Ishite-ji Temple

Ishite-ji Temple is one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and is located in the city of Matsuyama. The temple is known for its beautiful gardens and historical architecture.

Imabari Castle

Imabari Castle is a beautiful castle located in the city of Imabari. The castle is situated on a hill, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Seto Inland Sea National Park

Seto Inland Sea National Park is a beautiful park that encompasses the Seto Inland Sea, and includes over 3,000 islands. The park offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding islands, and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and sea kayaking.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Ehime

Taimeshi

Taimeshi is a popular dish in Ehime Prefecture made with sea bream and rice. The sea bream is cooked with soy sauce and sake, and served over a bed of rice. The dish is often garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. The sea bream used in taimeshi is caught fresh from the Seto Inland Sea, making it a must-try dish for seafood lovers.

Imabari Yakitori

Imabari Yakitori is a type of grilled chicken skewer that is popular in Ehime Prefecture. The chicken is marinated in a special sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and garlic before being grilled over charcoal. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken skewer that is perfect for a snack or as part of a meal.

Jakoten

Jakoten is a traditional dish from Ehime Prefecture made with fish paste. The paste is mixed with grated yam and egg, then fried until crispy. The result is a light and airy fish cake that is often served with soy sauce and grated daikon radish. Jakoten is a popular snack in Ehime Prefecture and can be found at local food stalls and restaurants.

Iyo Mochi

Iyo Mochi is a type of traditional Japanese sweet made with glutinous rice. The rice is pounded until it becomes a sticky dough, then shaped into small cakes. The cakes are then grilled or boiled and served with a sweet soy sauce. Iyo Mochi is a popular souvenir from Ehime Prefecture and can be found at local sweet shops and souvenir stores.

Recommended Accommodations in Eime

Dogo Prince Hotel

The Dogo Prince Hotel is a luxury hotel located near Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The hotel offers a range of guest rooms, including traditional Japanese-style rooms and Western-style rooms, and features a large hot spring bath and spa.

Setouchi Aonagi

Setouchi Aonagi is a modern luxury hotel located in Matsuyama. The hotel features stylish guest rooms, each with a private balcony and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel also has a restaurant serving French cuisine, a bar, and a spa.

Yuzuki Ryokan

Yuzuki Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn located in Matsuyama. The inn features a range of Japanese-style guest rooms, each with its own private hot spring bath. Guests can also enjoy the inn’s communal hot spring bath and traditional Japanese cuisine.

Hotel Mielparque Matsuyama

Hotel Mielparque Matsuyama is a modern hotel located in Matsuyama. The hotel features comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, and a large hot spring bath.

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido is a stylish hotel located in the heart of Matsuyama. The hotel features spacious guest rooms, each with a private hot spring bath and views of the city. The hotel also has a restaurant and a spa.

Hotel Matsuyama Hills

Hotel Matsuyama Hills is a modern hotel located in Matsuyama. The hotel features comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, and a large hot spring bath.

Umenoya

Umenoya is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the town of Uchiko. The ryokan features Japanese-style guest rooms, each with a private hot spring bath. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and the ryokan’s beautiful garden.

Imabari Kokusai Hotel

Imabari Kokusai Hotel is a modern hotel located in Imabari. The hotel features comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, and a large hot spring bath.

Kashima Honkan

Kashima Honkan is a historic ryokan located in Matsuyama. The ryokan features traditional Japanese-style guest rooms, each with a private hot spring bath. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and the ryokan’s beautiful garden.

Kamome Island Resort

Kamome Island Resort is a luxurious resort located on a private island in the Seto Inland Sea. The resort features stylish guest rooms, a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, and a range of activities, including sea kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

Conclusion

Ehime Prefecture is a beautiful and historic part of Japan, offering a range of natural landscapes, hot springs, and cultural landmarks. From Matsuyama Castle to the Seto Inland Sea, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this region. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just soaking in a hot spring, Ehime Prefecture is definitely worth a visit.