2025 Ehime Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍Ehime Prefecture We spent two days and one night touring Ehime Prefecture. We planned to fulfill my niece's request to ride the Anpanman train. However, the hot springs are fun for adults and children alike. Here are the places we visited. ⚫︎Anpanman train The train was filled with Anpanman. The kids were in a good mood and it was a happy memory. ⚫︎Dogo Onsen streetscape A retro station building that retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era. There are many photo spots such as the "Botchan train" and the clock tower. 📸 A must-see spot for eating and buying souvenirs. ⚫︎Enmanji Temple Enmanji Temple is located near the main building of Dogo Onsen. The colorful love luck item "Omusubi ball" is photogenic and cute. ✨ ⚫︎Shimonada Station A popular spot for watching the sunset. 🚉 I learned that it was a filming location for the drama "HERO", so it's a must-see spot for my generation. The sea just around the corner from the station is a spectacular spot #Ehime #EhimeTrip #DomesticTrip #0YenTrip

The shortest route connecting Kyushu and Shikoku! Boarding time is 1 hour and 10 minutes. [National Route Kyushu Ferry]🚢 Did you know that you can go directly from Kyushu to Shikoku, and from Shikoku to Kyushu? You can actually cross in a flash✨ It connects Saganoseki, Oita Prefecture, and Misaki, Ehime Prefecture. What's more, even though it's a boat, it's treated as a national highway😊 It's a national highway that is a series of roads, including over the sea⭐️ You can board the boat if there is space available without a reservation, but if you make a reservation online, you can get your ticket by just holding up the QR code! The great thing is that if you purchase a round-trip ticket, you can freely change your return trip after the ticket is issued! If you suddenly want to stop by a tourist spot or go home earlier than planned, just go to the ferry terminal without contacting them and they'll let you on if there's space on the ferry👍 (Reservations are prioritized) The interior of the ship has been renovated and is beautiful✨ In addition to traditional seats where you can lie down, there are also counter seats with a view outside and reclining chairs. The seats with desks are spacious and perfect for families. The kids' corner is spacious, and there are also observation seats and private rooms available for a fee. The shop is small and sells bento boxes, but it closed shortly after we departed, so I recommend buying yours early 😊 Experience a comfortable boat trip on the National Highway Kyushu Ferry ✨ 💰Price per person: 1200 yen for passengers only 🚗Car (including passenger fee for 1 person) 5700 yen for less than 3m 7900 yen for less than 4m 9800 yen for less than 5m #National Highway Kyushu Ferry #Ehime #Oita #Kyushu to Shikoku Ferry #Transportation information #Domestic travel tips

When talking about traveling in Japan, we often think of Tokyo or Osaka first. Little is known about Ehime, the tranquility of Ehime amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo While others are wandering around popular places🚶we have walked through the streets and seaside of Ehime, leisurely savoring its unique Japanese style~ - 📍Destination: Ehime, Shikoku, Japan ✈️Transportation: Airplane (transfer to Songshan Airport) - [Guide to check-in at tourist spots] ❶Xiatan Station Spirited Away Holy Land Seaside Station🚉 Tourists come here admiringly The stop signs and station seats are the points where the film is released. Opposite is the blue sea, just take a photo and it becomes the wallpaper ❷The same maritime railway track from "Spirited Away" 10 minutes walk from Xiatan Station Walk down the path🛤️ You can see the romantic maritime railway track Feel like you are in an animation and feel the unique atmosphere ❸Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Cycling resort Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi 🚴 The scenery of the cross-island bridge is quite spectacular, with a panoramic view of the sea🌊 You can rent bicycles at SHIMANAMI It takes about 5 minutes to ride to the bridge, which is very convenient🌉 ❹Guilaoshan Outlook Park The best time to go is in the evening on a sunny day Drive/cycle to the parking lot and then walk to the top You can see the beautiful sunset over the Seto Inland Sea🌅 ❺Orange juice comes out of the tap Songshan has a particularly interesting experience Orange juice comes directly from the tap here! Different faucets correspond to different flavors🍊 There are more than ten flavors 👅 fresh and delicious ❻Dogo Hot Spring There is a long history here. You can enjoy the hot springs and relax. The surrounding buildings are antique🍃There are general shops and exclusive private rooms upstairs (extra charge required) Tips: There are still private rooms reserved for the royal family for visiting (the walls are covered with gold foil) ❼Towel Museum The towels inside range from traditional to creative designs, which is dizzying. The production process is also shown, and the Moomin towel exhibition is great for making movies. ❽Starbucks Dogo Onsen Station Store The architectural style of this house is very distinctive Taking the photo from a distance, it feels like a movie location There is a commercial street next to it, so you can go shopping~ ❾Wolong Villa There is also a quiet place called "Wolong Villa" in Ehime, Japan. Stepping into the Japanese-style garden, the wind blows through the green bamboos. Sitting on the ground under the pavilion, sipping fragrant tea, looking up, the beautiful scenery in the courtyard is picturesque, and time seems to have stopped, with only the fragrance of tea and tranquility remaining.

First time in Ehime! So, I'd like to introduce some recommended spots in Ehime Prefecture, which I visited for the first time✨ There are many tourist spots such as Dogo Onsen, Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, Uwajima Castle, Imabari Castle, etc.! I hope this will be helpful when you get lost🙌 [Recommended spots] ・Shimonada Station Shimonada Station has been the location for many movies and dramas. It is also famous as a station where you can see the sunset🌇 You can see the sea right in front of the platform, so it feels open! ・Dogo Onsen Renovations were completed in July 2012, and the entire building was reopened, including the Dogo Onsen Main Building, Asuka no Yusen, and Botchan Karakuri Clock♨️ You can also stroll around the arcade street and pick up souvenirs and a meal! It's nice to start and end your day in a hot spring. ・Uwajima Castle Uwajima City is about 2 hours south of Matsuyama City. It has Uwajima Castle and Tenshaen Gardens. Uwajima Castle, located in the city, sits atop a small hill. It is one of the 12 remaining castle towers. ・Imabari Castle A castle in Imabari City! If you visit the castle tower, you can also visit the turret. The weather was nice, so the Shimanami Kaido was clearly visible from the castle tower. At the turret, we were able to learn how attacks were made from the castle during wars. ・ Clouds Above the Hill Museum The Clouds Above the Hill Museum is based on the novel "Clouds Above the Hill." You can explore the museum while learning about the culture and history of the Taisho period depicted in the novel. If you like modern times, you might be hooked! 【Food】 ・Sushiemon Sushiemon is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant with its main store in Uwajima. There is also a store in Matsuyama city, but we went to the main store in Uwajima! It was refreshing to be able to eat nigiri sushi made from fresh fish caught at the fishing port 🐟✨ ・Original Uwajima Taimeshi "Marumizu" If you search for taimeshi, you will definitely find "Marumizu". It is written as "Marumizu" and pronounced as "gansui". I heard that there is a restaurant near the ropeway to Matsuyama Castle, so I had it for dinner on my last day in Ehime! It was my first time eating taimeshi, and it was delicious 😋 ・Dogo Pudding As the name suggests, it is a pudding from Dogo Onsen 🍮𓌈 The store name and product name are both "Dogo Pudding", so it's easy to remember! You can buy a pudding and eat it in the store, or you can walk to the Sky Walk and eat it while looking down at Dogo Onsen town ✨ Dogo Pudding has a two-layer structure of mandarin jelly and pudding. You can enjoy both jelly and pudding 🍮 If you visit Ehime, please try the taimeshi!! ! ! ! ! #Ehime #EhimeTrip #EhimeSightseeing #DogoOnsen♨️ #DogoPudding #UwajimaCastle #ImabariCastle #ShimonadaStation

#Overseas Travel#Japan Travel A park built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Matsuyama City➡️ Songshan Comprehensive Park shows the friendship with the sister city of Freiburg in Germany. The mountaintop observatory in the park is specially designed in the style of a European castle. The view of the Matsuyama Plain from the observatory is truly unique. ✅There are also many children's play facilities in the park ✅There are flowers and nature to enjoy in all seasons ✅It is a place suitable for a family to visit, and it is also a recommended place for parents and children😆😆 transportation 15 minutes walk from JR Matsuyama Station

Shimanami Kaido is located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Seven or so islands are connected between Imabari and Hiroshima Prefecture via large bridges, and cycling is recommended! The spots with the large bridges on the prefectural borders are particularly impressive! There is a lodging near Omishima Island in the middle, and since it would be tough to cycle the whole way in one day, we stayed there. Enjoy delicious food while taking in the views and cycling! #freespot #greatviews

Shimonada Station I was able to experience something out of the ordinary. #summertrip#greatview

2020.3.1#Breathtaking view Kirosan Observatory, Oshima, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture An observation deck with one of the best views on the Shimanami Kaido ✨ Climb the stairs of the tasteful observation deck and you'll be greeted by the expansive blue sky, blue sea, and islands of the Seto Inland Sea. No matter where you look, this 360° view promises to impress. The view of the world's first triple suspension bridge, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, is also super amazing from here. #Breathtaking view #Free spot

Garyu Sanso is located on the banks of the river that runs through Iyo-Ozu, Ehime Prefecture's Little Kyoto. This building has long been popular as a villa overlooking the scenic Garyu-buchi Falls, and is especially soothing in the summer, with its lush greenery. Of course, you can enjoy a variety of scenery in each season. #Ehime #Iyo-Ozu #Forest bathing #Secret summer resort #Summer trip #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Garyu Sanso #Summer trip

"Sada Misaki Hanahana" at the tip of the Sada Misaki Peninsula is an Ikata Town Tourism Exchange Facility with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. It's right next to the ferry terminal, so it seems like a lot of customers use it before and after boarding the ferry! Fresh seafood was on sale at the seafood market. #tourismsupport #Ehime #souvenirs #cafe #cafehopping #souvenirs #tourismsupport #gourmettrip

Dogo Onsen Shopping Street in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture After warming up in the hot springs, have a meal at this shopping street! The food stalls also serve Daruma Ramen, a dish only Ehime people can enjoy (lol) Please try it out and see how it tastes (๑>؂•̀๑) tehepero #supporttourism

The Sadamisaki Peninsula in Ikata-cho, Ehime Prefecture, is one of my favorite view spots. The beautiful sea, the mountains visible on the opposite shore, and the windmills on top of them. It's a special view that can only be seen here. The breakwater that the high school students were in the middle of drawing was also a cool design. It's a place I'd like to visit on a clear day, at sunset, and at various times of the day! #supporttourism #Ehime #seasideviews #amazingnature #supporttourism #greatviews

"Oriko no Sato" in Ikata-cho, Ehime Prefecture, is a traditional culture experience facility that uses a building that was once an elementary school. Here, you can experience sashimi weaving ✨ It felt difficult at first, but as I continued, I got used to it and it became fun ♪ The building had a nostalgic feel to it, and the sea in front of me was a beautiful color, so it was a wonderful place. #supporttourism #Ehime #seasidescenery #traditionalculture #supporttourism

Ehime, Japan, is a small city in Japan that is not as flashy as Tokyo or Fukuoka, but is full of small charms. With the Dogo Onsen with a long history and antique trams that run hundreds of times a day, it feels like you have traveled back in time in a time machine.

Ehime Prefecture Dogo Onsen has a history of 3,000 years and is one of the three ancient springs in Japan, attending rheumatism.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Enmanji Temple, located near Dogo Onsen, is a small temple known for love fulfillment and matchmaking. The temple grounds are lined with heart-shaped votive plaques, making it a "power spot of love" that makes you feel happy just by visiting💘 When you actually visit, the sight of the pink votive plaques swaying in the wind is very cute, and the time to write your wish and dedicate it is a special moment. It is just a short walk from the Dogo Onsen main building, so you can enjoy it as a set with a stroll around the hot spring town♨️ It is about a 3-minute walk from Iyotetsu "Dogo Onsen Station". It is located just past Dogo Haikara Street, and is perfect for a sightseeing route🚶♀️ The key to success is the evening time! The lit-up votive plaques are fantastic and make great photos📸In addition, there are votive plaques that pray not only for love but also for connections with family and friends, so anyone can easily visit✨ A trip to make a wish as a couple, or a trip to think about the future alone. Enmanji Temple is a "gentle place" that gently comforts your heart💕 #Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Enmanji Temple #Matchmaking #Love fulfillment #Dogo Onsen trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is a literary museum that introduces the life and works of haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. It is an intellectual spot where you can immerse yourself in the world of haiku while following in the footsteps of Matsuyama's proud literary figure. 📖 When you actually visit, you will find that the exhibits of Shiki's handwritten manuscripts, favorite items, and haiku-related items are very carefully displayed, and there are many ideas that you can enjoy even if you are not familiar with literature. The museum has a quiet and calm atmosphere, and the time passed in a way that made your mind calm. 🍂 It is about a 5-minute walk from Iyotetsu Dogo Onsen Station. It is located right next to Dogo Park, so it is recommended to visit it in combination with a stroll through the hot spring town. 🚶♂️ The key to success is the haiku experience corner! Try writing a haiku yourself and your memories of the trip will be engraved even more deeply. There are also seasonal exhibitions, so you can make new discoveries no matter how many times you visit. 🌸 A trip to experience literature with your partner, or a trip to quietly hone your sensibilities alone. The Shiki Memorial Museum is a place that will take you on a memorable "journey through words" 🖋️✨ #domestictravel #coupletravel #solotravel #absolutelyfreetravel #ShikiMemorialMuseum #haikutravel #literarywalk #Ehimetourism

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Ehime Prefecture's specialty "Tangerine Juice from the Tap Experience" is a unique tourist spot that has made the "dream" of the prefecture's residents come true. When you turn the tap, you can't help but smile! When you see it for the first time, you can't help but smile😊 When you actually try it, the sweetness and freshness of the tangerines fills your mouth, and it's so delicious that it will blow away the fatigue of your trip🍹You can experience it at multiple locations, such as Dogo Onsen Station and Matsuyama Airport, so be sure to stop by during your trip. You can access it at the Dogo Onsen Tourist Information Center, which is a short walk from Dogo Onsen Station, or at the Ehime Aiga no Tourist Products Center. The types of juice may differ depending on the location, so it's fun to compare them🍊 The key to success is to go in the morning! It's a popular spot, so if you visit before it gets crowded, you can enjoy it slowly. It's also great for SNS, so don't forget to prepare photos and videos📸 You can experience it with your partner while laughing, or you can return to your childhood by yourself. Come experience the "slightly unusual happiness" that is unique to Ehime💛 #Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Tangerine juice from the tap #Ehime specialty #Dogo Onsen #Local experience

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip [Tobe-yaki Traditional Industry Hall] A trip to the village of pottery where you can encounter gentle white and indigo🏺💙 The Tobe-yaki Traditional Industry Hall in Tobe-cho, Ehime Prefecture, is a spot where you can fully experience the charm of "Tobe-yaki", which has a history of about 240 years. Tobe-yaki, with its beautiful indigo painting on white porcelain, is a type of pottery that you will grow to love the more you use it✨ When I actually visited, the museum was filled with masterpieces from the past to works by contemporary artists. In addition to the exhibition, you can also experience painting, and I was engrossed in the fun of making my own pottery🎨💫 It is about 40 minutes by bus from JR "Matsuyama Station" and is immediately after getting off at "Tobe-yaki Traditional Industry Hall". It is easily accessible from Dogo Onsen, making it perfect for a day trip🚌 The key to success is to make a reservation for the painting experience in advance! It is especially popular on weekends, so it is best to make an early reservation. You can also tour the kilns in the area, so it's a great area for pottery lovers 🍵 Make matching pottery as a couple, or spend some time alone poring over your creations. Experience a spiritually enriching trip, soothed by the gentle texture of Tobe ware 💕 #Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free trip #Tobe ware #Traditional crafts #Ehime tourism #Pottery trip

Located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, the "Imabari Towel Museum" is a spot where you can experience the charm of world-renowned "Imabari Towels" with all your senses. You'll be amazed at how towels can become art—the quality of the exhibits is truly impressive and moving! ✨ When you visit, you'll find towel art themed around Moomin characters and seasonal flowers displayed throughout the museum. The interior is exceptionally clean, and the factory tour, where you can observe the towel manufacturing process, is fascinating 🧼. At the souvenir shop, you'll find an array of incredibly soft towels, and you might end up buying more than you planned 💸. Access is convenient: about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Iyo-Miyoshi Station or about 25 minutes by car from Imabari Station. There's also free parking available, making it perfect for a road trip 🚗. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning! You'll be able to explore at your own pace and take great photos 📸. There's also a café where you can enjoy a relaxing tea time surrounded by towels ☕. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway for couples or a solo trip to refine your senses, this destination is highly recommended. Why not spend a little luxurious time wrapped in fluffy happiness? 💕

The "Shimanami Kaido" is a roughly 70km-long cycling route that connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture via bridges spanning the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The exhilarating experience of cycling over the sea is a unique adventure you can only enjoy here✨ As I cycled along the route, I was captivated by the emerald green sea visible from the bridges, the tranquil island landscapes, and the heartwarming interactions with the locals. The lemon soft serve I had on one of the islands was absolutely delicious🍋 The standard way to access the route is to start from JR "Imabari Station" by bicycle. There are rental cycle terminals around Imabari Station, and even electric bicycles are available, making it beginner-friendly🚲 Key tips for tackling the route include choosing a path that matches your stamina! While completing the entire route is appealing, staying overnight on one of the islands is also a great option. Since the wind can be strong on the bridges, having a windbreaker will ensure a comfortable ride🧥 Whether you're embarking on an exhilarating journey as a couple or a reflective solo trip, Shimanami Kaido offers a new style of travel to discover🌅

Mount Ishizuchi, located in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, stands tall at an impressive altitude of 1,982 meters, making it the highest peak in Western Japan. Recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views! From the sea of clouds to the Seto Inland Sea, the majestic beauty of nature will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Along the way, you’ll encounter thrilling rock climbing sections known as "chain areas," adding a sense of adventure to your journey 🧗♂️. Getting there is easy: take a bus from JR Iyo-Saijo Station to the Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway entrance, which takes about an hour. From there, the ropeway swiftly takes you up to an altitude of around 1,300 meters 🚡. For beginners, the "Joju Shrine Route" is highly recommended! Using the ropeway ensures a more manageable hike. Don’t forget to bring hiking boots and prepare for cold weather 🧤. Mount Ishizuchi is a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the energy of nature. Whether you’re embarking on a solo journey of self-discovery or a couple’s adventure, it’s the perfect destination. Why not make your next trip to the place closest to the sky? ☁️✨

The "Townscape Preservation District" in Uchiko Town, Ehime Prefecture, is a picturesque area featuring white-walled merchant houses and wooden buildings that resemble a movie set. This district retains the charm of the Meiji and Taisho eras, offering a soothing atmosphere that calms the soul just by walking through it. 🌿 When you visit, you'll be warmed by the friendly locals and delighted by shops offering handmade crafts and sweets. Nearby attractions include Uchiko-za Theater and the Yokaichi-Gokoku townscape, allowing you to immerse yourself in history and culture. 🎭 Access is convenient, with a 10-minute walk from JR "Uchiko Station." Even the path from the station is full of charm, making the journey exciting from the very start. ✨ A key tip is to use rental bicycles! They allow you to efficiently explore the expansive area and discover numerous photo spots. 📸 Taking a break at a local café is also highly recommended. ☕ Whether you're traveling leisurely as a couple or exploring deeply on your own, Uchiko Town suits both travel styles perfectly. Why not spend your next holiday indulging in the retro townscape and its soothing charm? 💕

Matsuyama Castle, the symbol of Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, is one of the twelve remaining original castle keeps in Japan, preserving its Edo-period appearance. Perched atop Mount Katsuyama at an elevation of 132 meters, the castle is easily accessible via ropeway or lift, adding a fun element to your visit 🎢. Once you arrive, the view from the castle keep is breathtaking! You can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea, truly living up to the name "Castle in the Sky." Inside the castle, historical weapons and documents are on display, making it a paradise for history enthusiasts. To get there, take the tram from "Matsuyama Station" to "Okaido," then walk about 5 minutes to the ropeway station. The ropeway ride takes about 3 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the castle keep. Pro tip: Visit in the morning! It’s less crowded, making it easier to take great photos 📸. Also, consider purchasing the combo ticket for castle admission and round-trip ropeway—it’s a great deal 💡. Matsuyama Castle offers a perfect blend of history and stunning views. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or solo, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience 💕.

#balihotel Ehime is a prefecture located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea. Its capital, Matsuyama, is home to two iconic sites: Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved hilltop castles, and Dōgo Onsen, one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in the country—said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Ehime is known for its relaxed pace, scenic coastline, and citrus fruits, especially mikan (mandarins). The Shimanami Kaidō, a scenic cycling route connecting Ehime to the mainland via a series of bridges and islands, is a favorite for cyclists and travelers alike.

Compared to Hiroshima, which boasts Japan's largest streetcar network, Matsuyama's Iyo Railway is a charmingly compact and efficient system. Due to the limitations of Matsuyama Station, it cannot use connected trains like Hiroshima. Instead, it developed the Moha 2100 and 5000 series single-car low-floor trains, offering highly frequent services to cater to the city's 510,000 residents. If you're lucky, you might spot the ultra-retro Botchan Train running through the streets. This train, introduced in 2001, is inspired by Soseki Natsume's novel "Botchan" and recreates the steam locomotive from a century ago. The Botchan Train operates only on weekends and holidays, with limited schedules, and requires a separate ticket for boarding. In the novel "Botchan," the literary giant Soseki Natsume describes frequently riding streetcars resembling matchboxes. Over 138 years of evolution, Iyo Railway now operates five lines within Matsuyama City, connecting Dogo Onsen, commercial districts, tourist attractions, and JR stations. Gone are the days of dull black or green matchbox-like trains; today's trains are painted in vibrant orange, representing Ehime's famous citrus fruits. Whether you board the latest Moha 5000 series or the 2100 series, you'll find spacious, modern, and clean interiors that have transformed into futuristic carriages over the past century. The Iyo Group is a major conglomerate that integrates streetcars, intercity buses, department stores, tourism, and real estate. Its founder, Nobuchika Kobayashi, also established Iyo Bank and Shikoku Electric Power, making him a key driver of Matsuyama's economy. The streetcar system offers a 1-day pass, and the Shikoku JR Pass allows unlimited rides. 🚗 From JR Matsuyama Station, it's just a one-minute walk to transfer to the Iyo Railway.

Imagine turning on a faucet and having an endless stream of fresh citrus juice—it sounds like a fairy tale, but it's a reality in Matsuyama, Ehime. Ehime, located in Shikoku, boasts the largest variety of citrus fruits in Japan, with over 40 types and ongoing hybrid innovations. In recent years, varieties like Shiranui, Satsuma mandarin, and Iyo citrus have started gaining international recognition. You might think all citrus tastes the same, but stepping into this shop will change your mind. Here, you can choose three out of five popular citrus juices for just 770 yen. Simply turn on the tap to fill your glass. The differences in color and aroma are immediately noticeable, and once you take a sip, the distinct sharp acidity, gentle sweetness, and lingering aftertaste of each variety become clear. I opted for the shop's recommendations: Natsuumi, the trendy Shiranui, and the intriguingly named Kiyomi. Natsuumi offers rich sweetness with restrained acidity and layered fruitiness; Shiranui stands out with its bold aroma and tangy flavor; while Kiyomi, a hybrid of Satsuma mandarin and Trovita orange, delivers a perfectly balanced sweet and sour profile. The shop also displays a "family tree" of the citrus varieties, allowing visitors to trace their origins while tasting. Additionally, they sell Ehime's famous Imabari towels and other local specialties. Interestingly, Matsuyama streets also feature single-variety citrus juice taps. If you ever visit Matsuyama, don't miss this unique experience. 📍Address: 3 Chome-2-45 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004, Japan 🚗 A 5-minute walk from Okaido Station on the tram line.

Audrey, a cafe in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is a popular spot among locals for its morning set. The interior has a calm, retro atmosphere, reminiscent of an old-fashioned coffee shop, and is a space where you can spend a relaxing time. The morning set is simple yet satisfying, with toast, salad, boiled eggs, and more, and the home-roasted coffee is especially popular. It's a great place to stop by and take a break before sightseeing or shopping. Enjoy a relaxing coffee and breakfast in the refreshing morning hours to start your day off right. #EnjoyJapan

Traveling between Shikoku and Chugoku used to mean taking the JR train, which could save a lot on transportation costs if you had a JR Pass. However, the downside was the need to transfer trains, which involved lugging your luggage between platforms. This time, upon a local friend's recommendation, I took an intercity bus from Matsuyama in Ehime to Okayama. Not only was the journey smooth and comfortable, but the cost was also several thousand yen cheaper than taking the JR train. Let’s talk about the bus experience. The departure point in Matsuyama is Matsuyama Station, but since I was staying near Okaido, I boarded the bus there, saving myself the hassle of backtracking. I must commend Japan's punctuality—the bus arrived exactly on schedule. Tickets were purchased in advance at the Iyo Bus Okaido Service Center, and the driver assisted with loading luggage and confirming seats. The entire trip took about three hours, which is roughly the same as taking the JR train. Midway, the bus stopped at Toyohama Rest Area in Kagawa before crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The most unforgettable part was when the bus drove onto the bridge—the blue skies, white clouds, and the scattered islands of the Seto Inland Sea created a breathtaking vacation-like atmosphere. Finally, the bus arrived at Okayama Bus Terminal, where you can seamlessly transfer to JR trains or check into nearby hotels. 📍Address: 〒790-0001 Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama City, Ichibancho 2-6-12 🚗 Okaido Express Bus Stop: A one-minute walk from Okaido Tram Station. The bus stop is integrated with a convenience store, making it easy to grab drinks and snacks.