Ehime

Ehime prefecture is best known for Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s most well-preserved hilltop castles, and Dogo Onsen, the country’s oldest hot spring, which has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The Shimanami Kaido, a stunning island-hopping cycling route connecting Ehime to Hiroshima, offers breath-taking coastal views and is a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond its capital, Ehime is home to charming historical towns such as Ozu and Uchiko, where visitors can stroll through well-preserved Edo-period streets, explore traditional merchant houses, and visit Garyu Sanso, a beautiful riverside villa. In the south, Uwajima plays a key role in Japan’s pearl industry and boasts cultural landmarks such as Uwajima Castle and the unique Taga Shrine, dedicated to fertility.

Ehime is also known as Japan’s “Citrus Kingdom”, producing some of the country’s finest mikan (mandarin oranges) and other citrus varieties. The region offers a slower, more authentic experience compared to Japan’s major tourist hubs, making it an ideal destination for those seeking history, nature, and traditional craftsmanship away from the crowds.