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

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.

Imabari Castle, located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Fukiage Castle and is a symbol of Imabari. It was built by Todo Takatora, who was known as a master castle builder, and its triple moat draws in seawater and makes good use of nature, making it one of Japan's three great water castles. 🏯 In addition, drawing seawater into the moat allows ships to enter the castle directly from the sea, making it easy to transport cargo. 🚣 Although cargo is no longer transported by boat, you can see black porgy and sharks swimming in the moat🐟 Of course, the castle is cool, but it's also fun to look into the moat and look for fish in the sea🏯 📍#Imabari Castle 📍Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 794-0036 📍🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍From Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Bus "To Imabari Office" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Imabari Castle Mae" #DomesticTrip #Imabari #CastleTour #CastleTour #Castle #ShikokuTrip #Shikoku #TodoTakatora #Mizuki #Mizuki

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art! I went to the Imabari Toyo Ito Architecture Museum, one of the art museums scattered around the island. This is an art museum that exhibits the architectural works of famous architect Toyo Ito. All of the original and unique architectural works were worth seeing! Access: 2418 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art. There are art museums scattered around the island where you can enjoy art works. About 30 pieces are on display, including works by famous international artists such as Giacomo Manzu and other domestic artists. At the back of the museum, there is a terrace with a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea✨ Access: 2362-3 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Oyamazumi Shrine in Omishima, Ehime Prefecture ⛩ This is a spot you can't miss if you go to Omishima! Inside the shrine grounds, there is a magnificent sacred tree that is over 2600 years old 🌲 It is a power spot. Oyamazumi Shrine is located near the center of Omishima, so it is easy to access. I visited the shrine early in the morning while taking a morning walk ♪ Access: 3327 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture #Remote Island Tourism #Shimanami Kaido #Omishima #Ehime

When I went to Omishima on the Shimanami Kaido and was wondering where to have dinner, I came across "Kitsune no Botan" which was highly recommended by the hotel staff and the shopkeepers in town❣️ I really wanted to go, so I went there😋 This izakaya has a very interesting menu of creative dishes, and the food is delicious! ! ✨ The restaurant is run by a married couple, and their conversation was wonderful, and you could tell how close they are. Access: 5512 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #RemoteIslandTourism #ShimanamiKaido #Omishima #Ehime

Co-living & Cafe SANDO. We stayed here on Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture during our trip along the Shimanami Kaido! It's located near Omishima's popular spot, Oyamazumi Shrine, and is conveniently located near the downtown area on the approach to the shrine. 🙆‍♀️ The first floor is a cafe space with a warm wooden atmosphere. We stayed in a double room! It's a simple space with just a bed, and the toilet and shower are shared. It was very clean and comfortable. ✨ Access: 5495-1 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Ehime Prefecture #EhimeHotel #ShimanamiKaido #Omishima #RemoteIslandTrip #AccommodationReport

I was finally able to visit the Imabari Towel Museum, which I had seen in a guidebook and was curious about. ✨ Imabari City is where the highest quality towels in Japan are manufactured. I can understand if it's a towel museum, but an art museum? At first I couldn't imagine it, but after coming here I was convinced! It is truly an art museum. First, there is an introduction to the Imabari towel manufacturing process, then there are paintings of popular characters such as Moomin made from towels, Hawaiian quilts, and art made entirely from towels. There are many cute exhibits, so I think it's a spot that girls will love❣️ After the tour, there is a souvenir corner with a wide variety of Imabari towels. If you come to Imabari, please stop by☺️ 📍2930 Asakura Kamiko, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #EhimeTourism #GirlsTrip #trip2022

I went to Imabari on a business trip! I wanted to do some sightseeing in the city! I finished my business early, so I went to Imabari Castle, the symbol of Imabari 🏯 Imabari Castle is easily accessible from the major hotels in the city! I managed to get there just 30 minutes before closing time and ran up about 140 steps lol (unfortunately there is no elevator) The inside of the castle tower is a museum, and many items of historical value are on display. I finished the main tour safely within the time limit, and when I looked at the moat, I saw that it was not a carp but a sea bream swimming there 👀 It is unique to Imabari Castle, which is connected to the sea. I was given some bread crusts by a local auntie, and it was my first experience feeding sea bream. Thank you to the auntie for this opportunity ❣️ 📍 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #breathtakingview #castle #ehimetourism #trip2022

Oyamazumi Shrine stands tall on Omishima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. I discovered it on a detour while cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. I visited just as the emperor was changing, and a religious ceremony was being held there, creating a very solemn atmosphere. By the way, it is located in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, so you can access it by car or bicycle. There are quite a few ups and downs, but if you're in good shape, it's best to go by bicycle!! #Shrine #Breathtaking views

Kirosan Observation Park is located on Oshima Island, which is connected to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture by the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. The spectacular view from this observation deck is said to be the best on the Shimanami Kaido, and you're sure to be impressed not only during the day, but also at sunset and at night. A 360-degree panorama opens up, overlooking the Kurushima Strait, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Imabari City, and even the Ishizuchi mountain range if the weather is good. Kirosan Observation Deck, a spectacular spot, was designed by Kengo Kuma, and is worth seeing as an architectural work, attracting many tourists. Please come and visit! ! #Spectacular views #Couple trip #Summer trip #Ehime #Trip to enjoy spring #Free spot #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Summer trip #Spectacular views #Trip to enjoy spring

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🌅

Enjoying a relaxing staycation at Hotel Azure Shionomaru Onsen Hotel with a one-night stay and two meals included~! To keep the schedule flexible and visit AEON Mall Imabari, I opted for self-transportation using a local bus instead of the hotel shuttle. I arrived at the hotel at 6 PM and checked in. The hotel is a long, three-story building. I was assigned a room on the third floor, which comes with a balcony. The surroundings feature parking lots of nearby resort hotels with their lights turned off. At 7 PM, I attended the kaiseki dinner. True to the region's reputation for sea bream, the meal included sea bream rice, sea bream sashimi, and grilled sea bream head. Other dishes included octopus, squid, mackerel, and sea cucumber sashimi, as well as Chidori hot pot. Since tempura was not included in the basic plan, I ordered karaage as an option to round out the meal. I paired the dishes with draft beer and highballs. Although the premium course usually includes mikan udon, the hotel kindly provided it as a special service. 🙏 The grilled sea bream alone made the dinner worthwhile. After a satisfying meal, I returned to my room to review the first day and sober up. After 10 PM, I visited the onsen. I fell asleep to the serenade of insects. At 5:30 AM, I woke up and stepped out onto the balcony. The Seto Inland Sea, which was hidden in the darkness the night before, came into view. It turned out to be a better place than I had expected. The hotel offers free bicycle rentals. At 7 AM, I embarked on a morning bike ride. Just three minutes downhill by bike, I reached the Seto Inland Sea. The sea was calm and beautiful. Riding an electric bike made it easy to navigate both downhill and uphill paths using the assist mode. After the bike ride, I joined breakfast. The meal featured a harmonious combination of a boxed set and a mini buffet. It was a delicious Ehime-style breakfast. The staff were incredibly friendly, making me feel well taken care of. Thank you! ※ Note: Shuttle service is only available during check-in, not after check-out. The bus stop is a 7-minute walk from the hotel, and local buses run approximately once an hour.

The Towel Museum in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture 🎨 I wasn't particularly interested in it, but I was pleasantly surprised when I visited without doing any research! The very colorful museum is lined with various equipment and works 🌈 There are also a lot of photogenic spots! The Moomin exhibits were also very interesting. I was surprised that towels could be used to create such a powerful expression! The only downside was that some of the air conditioners in the exhibition room were not very effective, making it difficult to get hot. You can only get there by car 🚗, but I highly recommend it as a detour on the Shimanami Kaido! #TowelMuseum #colorful #DomesticTravel #EhimePrefecture #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Ōyamazumi Shrine is located on Ōmishima Island in Ehime Prefecture. The shrine is surrounded by centuries-old giant trees, primarily camphor trees, and features architectural styles influenced by Japan, Korea, and China. The entire area exudes a sacred and awe-inspiring atmosphere, yet it remains very approachable and welcoming. The Seto Inland Sea National Park encompasses numerous small islands, which are connected by bridges that are accessible by car. Visitors can conveniently access the area from either Hiroshima or Ehime, making it an easy and enjoyable destination.

The "Shimanami Kaido" connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, with Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. At the starting point on the Imabari side, Sunrise Itoyama offers rental bicycles, allowing visitors to enjoy cycling along the Shimanami Kaido 🚴♀️🌊. Here, you’ll find the "SHIMANAMI" monument, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea! 🚢✨ My recommendation is to take a short walk to the base of the Kurushima Kaikyo Third Bridge. The view from the top of the bridge is truly spectacular! Along the way, you can also catch a glimpse of the impressive dock scenery of Imabari Shipbuilding from above 👀⚓️. Additionally, the "Restaurant of the Wind" located within the Sunrise Itoyama facility is a must-visit spot where you can enjoy delicious food alongside stunning views. Since it often accommodates group reservations, it’s highly recommended to book in advance if possible! After strolling across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, relax and savor a delightful meal while admiring the bridge 🍽️💕

I stopped off in Imabari on my way from Fukuyama in Hiroshima to Matsuyama in Ehime, transferring from the Shimanami Kaido. It was my first time here, but it was a relaxing and comfortable experience.

A drive to Hakata Island during Golden Week! The Hakata Salt Museum was like a "salt theme park" where you can see, eat, and buy. 🧂 🔹The salt-making experience is held depending on the season, and this time we only had a tour. But there are displays of the manufacturing process and a reproduction of the salt fields, so adults can enjoy it too! (Reservations must be made one week in advance) 🔹The specialty "salt soft serve" has an addictive sweet and salty taste. You must try it! 🔹The souvenir corner is also well-stocked, and you can get a variety of Hakata salt and related products. Great for cooking lovers too 🔹Receive a 3-kind salt set when you register 📍Location: 32 Dai, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime 🕒Business hours: 9:00-16:00 (last registration 15:30) ❌Closed: Every Wednesday (except public holidays), Bon holiday (August 13-17), Autumn Festival, New Year's holiday (December 28-January 7) 💰Admission fee: Free 🚗Access: About 15 minutes by car from Shimanami Kaido, Omishima IC 🅿️Parking: Free (27 regular cars, 8 large and medium-sized buses) #Hakata Salt Museum #Ehime Tourism #Hakata Island #Factory Tour #Local Soft Serve #Shimanami Kaido #Day Trip #Trip Moment #Absolutely Free Trip

Oyamazumi Shrine, located on Omishima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is a historic shrine known as the "Sochinju" (the guardian deity of Japan)⛩️✨ It is the main shrine that enshrines the gods of the mountains, the sea, and the warfare from all over Japan, and many pieces of armor that were donated by military commanders as prayers for victory or as thanksgiving remain⚔️📜 The Treasure Museum in particular has many armors and swords designated as national treasures and important cultural properties on display, making it a must-see for history buffs! 🗡️🎎 The shrine grounds have a very sacred atmosphere, and the large sacred tree is said to be over 2600 years old, making for an impressive presence🌳✨ It's convenient to access by car, but since it's on the Shimanami Kaido, many people stop by on their cycling trips🚲 It's a wonderful spot where the island's nature and sacred space are in harmony, and it's a refreshing spot😊🙏 This shrine is recommended for those who want to experience history, nature, and mystery💮🌿 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍: 3327 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #EnjoyJapan

The thickness of the salted tongue is just right and delicious! (^ ^) Fresh liver and tripe are also highly recommended (^ ^) The special black wagyu beef rice bowl for lunch is extremely popular (^ ^) The interior has a calm atmosphere, making it a perfect hidden gem for adults (^ ^) Private rooms are available, which is great for families with children! (^ ^) The restaurant is spacious as well (^ ^) Be sure to check it out! (^ ^) [Location] 2-6-3 Minami Horai-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Mishima Roadside Station! Lots of specialty products! (^^) "Mishima Roadside Station" is located next to Oyamazumi Shrine, and there are many specialty products from Oshima on sale! (^^) In addition, there are shower rooms for cyclists to take a break, and rental bicycles are also available (^^) The information corner provides information not only about Omishima, but also about the surrounding area of ​​the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Please go and check it out (^^) [Location] 3260 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #EnjoyJapan

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The curry is the best! Epoch (^^) This is a curry restaurant that was renovated from a mountain house (^^) It's great to be able to taste limited-edition curry and various curries (^^) During the Christmas season, you can eat Christmas tree curry (^^) The spice curry is like a medicinal dish, and it's delicious enough to enjoy the goodness of spices to the fullest (^^) [Store name] Curry restaurant CAFE Epoch [Location] 354-2 Tatsuokakami, Tamagawa-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime [Access] Bus stop Tatsuoka / About 28 minutes on foot from Setouchi bus #EnjoyJapan

🇯🇵【Ehime】Beautiful roses at Yoshiumi Rose Garden🌹 (^^) The largest rose park in Shikoku, with 3,500 roses of 400 varieties from around the world^ ^ From early May to the end of December, the garden is covered in colorful flowers, and in mid-May, during the peak season, a rose festival is held, attracting many tourists. 【Location】 1292 Fukuda, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime 【Access】 Bus stop Sachi/About 10 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu Bus stop Yoshiumi Branch Office Mae/About 13 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu Bus stop Furukawa/About 15 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu #EnjoyJapan

#cityplaybook Imabari isn’t just about towels (though the towels are amazing)—it’s also a place where you can enjoy art, design, and nature all in one relaxed day. Even with a little rain, the experience felt fresh and fun. My first stop was the Towel Museum, and it completely exceeded my expectations. From textile art to fun character exhibitions and beautifully designed displays, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the gift shop? Dangerous in the best way—so many soft, colorful temptations! Later, I headed out along the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic cycling route that stretches over the sea. Even though the weather was rainy, the misty views had a quiet beauty of their own. I didn’t bike the whole thing, but just walking parts of it was refreshing and memorable. Why I recommend Imabari: ・You can enjoy creativity, nature, and great local design all in one place ・Even in the rain, the coastal views and laid-back vibe shine through 📍Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Imabari #Ehime #TowelMuseum #ShimanamiKaido #RainyDayTravel #ArtAndNature #DesignInJapan #CoastalViews #SlowAdventure #CityGuide

#cityplaybook Imabari, located in Ehime Prefecture, is best known for its towels and cycling routes—but there’s so much more to discover if you take it slow. This coastal town is full of quiet charm, friendly locals, and beautiful historical spots. I began my day at Fukiage Shrine, a peaceful place tucked among trees, with a lovely atmosphere and a sense of local life. It’s not a major tourist stop, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Just a short walk away is Imabari Castle, one of the few Japanese castles surrounded by a seawater moat. The views from the top were impressive, and the grounds were calm and well-kept—perfect for a relaxed stroll. Why I recommend Imabari: ・It’s a great place to enjoy local history at your own pace, without the crowds ・The coastal setting and friendly vibe make for a peaceful, grounding day 📍Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Imabari #Ehime #JapanCastles #FukiageShrine #HiddenJapan #LocalTravel #SlowDays #CoastalCharm #CityGuide #OffTheBeatenPath

In Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, there is a unique museum that blends towels with art—the Imabari Towel Art Museum. Established in 2000 by the towel company "Ichihiro," this museum is located in a picturesque seaside town and is the world's only art museum dedicated to towels. Imabari, known as the "Towel City," produces 60% of Japan's towels, renowned for their softness, texture, and exceptional absorbency. Blessed with superior natural conditions, the water from the Shikoku Ishizuchi Mountain Range contains minimal heavy metals and hardness components, making it ideal for towel bleaching and dyeing, resulting in uniquely high-quality towels. The museum emphasizes artistry, showcasing artworks made entirely from towels, with the longest piece stretching 40 meters. The distinctive texture of towels adds depth and sophistication to the artworks. Coincidentally, the museum's nearly 8-month-long Peter Rabbit special exhibition ended on May 27, and I was fortunate to catch the last chance to visit, reliving the joy of childhood nostalgia.