Overflowing with the traditional spirit of welcoming
Ehime is Japan's "citrus kingdom", ranking top in Japan for production of satsuma oranges, and also has a multitude of traditional regional dishes. The unique coastal location and samurai history have resulted in a unique culinary tradition, which has been recognized and preserved for posterity by the government of Japan. These culinary delights await with the hot springs and mountains sweeping down to the sea. Beautiful Ehime prefecture, with its temperate climate unique to the Seto inland sea, is also known for its citrus orchards. Matsuyama Airport is 1 hour 20 minutes hop from Haneda Airport and just 50 minutes from Osaka's Itami International Airport. The magnificent suspension bridges of the Nishiseto Expressway make island-hopping from Onomichi (in Hiroshima) to Imabari (in Ehime) a breeze, be it by car, bicycle or on foot. Cyclists will love Japan's first inter-island bike lane. Imabari is the gateway to Shikoku. Imabari Castle, built by the samurai master, Todo Takatora, is a historical rarity, famous for its coastal location and salt-water moat. With Kirosan Observatory looking down on the expanse of the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge and the nearby Oyamazumi Shrine, there's plenty to do. The long history of weaving and textiles in Matsuyama is still evident today. If you go shopping, check out Imabari towels, famous throughout Japan for their softness and absorbency. With the hot springs and castle, Matsuyama is a city that, once visited, is never forgotten. Besides the ancient Dogo Hot Springs, it's also known as the backdrop for Natsume Sōseki's modern classic, "Botchan", written in 1906. The Dogo Hot Springs are designated as a Japanese cultural treasure, the first public hot springs to receive this honor. They’ve also been awarded the highest ranking three stars from the Michelin Green Guide. The new "Asuka no Yu" complex is due for completion in fall of 2017. A walk through Matsuyama Castle brings the history of Ehime to life.
Read more Hide Ehime is Japan's "citrus kingdom", ranking top in Japan for production of satsuma oranges, and also has a multitude of traditional regional dishes. The unique coastal location and samurai history have resulted in a unique culinary tradition, which has been recognized and preserved for posterity by the government of Japan. These culinary delights await with the hot springs and mountains sweeping down to the sea. Beautiful Ehime prefecture, with its temperate climate unique to the Seto inland sea, is also known for its citrus orchards. Matsuyama Airport is 1 hour 20 minutes hop from Haneda Airport and just 50 minutes from Osaka's Itami International Airport. The magnificent suspension bridges of the Nishiseto Expressway make island-hopping from Onomichi (in Hiroshima) to Imabari (in Ehime) a breeze, be it by car, bicycle or on foot. Cyclists will love Japan's first inter-island bike lane. Imabari is the gateway to Shikoku. Imabari Castle, built by the samurai master, Todo Takatora, is a historical rarity, famous for its coastal location and salt-water moat. With Kirosan Observatory looking down on the expanse of the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge and the nearby Oyamazumi Shrine, there's plenty to do. The long history of weaving and textiles in Matsuyama is still evident today. If you go shopping, check out Imabari towels, famous throughout Japan for their softness and absorbency. With the hot springs and castle, Matsuyama is a city that, once visited, is never forgotten. Besides the ancient Dogo Hot Springs, it's also known as the backdrop for Natsume Sōseki's modern classic, "Botchan", written in 1906. The Dogo Hot Springs are designated as a Japanese cultural treasure, the first public hot springs to receive this honor. They’ve also been awarded the highest ranking three stars from the Michelin Green Guide. The new "Asuka no Yu" complex is due for completion in fall of 2017. A walk through Matsuyama Castle brings the history of Ehime to life.