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

[Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge | Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture to Oshima "A journey across the sea. A highlight of the Shimanami Kaido"] — [Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge] is a huge suspension bridge with a total length of about 4 km, located at the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido on the Imabari side. It is the world's first triple suspension bridge structure, and is a major artery that connects Imabari to Oshima in one go. As you ride across it, the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands spreads out on both sides, and below you can see the rough waves of the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's three fastest tidal currents. The sea, the wind, the sky, and the islands. The more you go along the bridge, the more you realize, "Ah, I'm really crossing the sea now." ⸻ 📍【Location & Access】 ・Entrance from Imabari side: Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture (near Itoyama Park Observatory) ・Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Imabari Station / Car and rental bicycles also available ・Bicycle and pedestrian paths available (paid passage) 🕰️【Traffic Information】 ・Free passage (24 hours a day) ・Special lanes for walking and bicycles / Fees: 100 yen for bicycles, free for walking (for each bridge) 💰【How to cross the bridge】 ・Rental bicycles (Imabari Station or Itoyama Terminal) ・You can cross on foot, but it takes time to go back and forth, so it's best to take a one-way trip + bus or taxi ◎ ⸻ 🌉Recommended points • The scale of the world's first triple suspension bridge is amazing 　→ The power of the structure is incredible when you see it up close • The view from the bridge is breathtaking 　→ No matter which direction you look, there is an exquisite balance of sky, sea, and islands. • The exhilarating feeling of cutting through the wind is one of a kind. → Whether you're riding a bike or walking, the wind feels really good. • In the evening, the sunset and night view mix together, making it the best time of day. → The sunset in the Seto Inland Sea has a unique way of coloring. Taking a picture with the bridge makes it look picturesque. ⸻ 📸 Tips ・For beginners in cycling, it's best to use a one-way plan for "Imabari → Oshima → Return" + a ferry or bus. ・The best spot for taking photos from the observation deck is "Itoyama Observatory". ・Water and hats are essential in summer! Even if it's windy, the sun is strong. ・Sunny days are definitely recommended. If it's cloudy or foggy, the blue of the sea is greatly reduced. ⸻ #Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge #Shimanami Kaido #Ehime #Imabari #Absolutely free trip

[Imabari Castle | Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture "A moat filled with sea water. A defensive fortress of the Seto Inland Sea left behind by Todo Takatora"] — [Imabari Castle] in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, was built in 1602 and is one of the "three great sea castles of Japan" that incorporate sea water into the moat. It was designed by the famous Todo Takatora. In addition to its high level of castle construction technology, it flourished as the "keystone of the Seto Inland Sea" that combined defense power and beauty. The current castle tower was rebuilt in the Showa era, but the contrast between the sea and the castle is one of a kind. Walking along the moat with the soft scent of sea breeze, you can feel the atmosphere of a port town somewhere. ⸻ 📍【Location & Access】 ・Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ・Access: 15 minutes on foot from JR Imabari Station / 5 minutes by bus / Parking available ・The Towel Museum and Imabari Port are nearby, making it a great base for sightseeing. 🕰️【Opening hours】 ・9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) ・Closed: New Year's holiday (12/29-1/3) 💰【Admission fee】 ・General: 530 yen ・Elementary and junior high school students: 260 yen ・The fee includes not only the castle tower but also the weapon display and observation deck. ⸻ 🏯Recommended points • The moat is filled with seawater, creating a unique view of a "sea castle." 　→ The moat smells of the sea. The atmosphere is completely different from other castles. • The design highlights Todo Takatora's castle-building techniques. → The curves of the stone walls, the shape of the moat, and the design to keep enemies away are everywhere. • The view from the observation deck is pleasant. → The castle tower is a spectacular spot where you can see the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Imabari. • The exhibits inside the castle are also worth seeing. → There are displays of armor and swords. It will appeal to fans of the Sengoku period. ⸻ 📸 Tips ・In the evening on a sunny day, the sky is reflected in the moat, making for fantastic photos. ・The area around the moat is a pleasant walking course, and is great for taking photos. ・There are many stairs inside the castle tower, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes. ・We also recommend visiting the nearby Imabari Towel Main Store and Fukiage Shrine. ⸻ #ImabariCastle #Ehime #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

📅 Itinerary Day1：Matsuyama Day2: Shimanami Day3: Saijyo 🏨 Accommodation : Sora to Mori 🍴 Food Recommendations: Seafood 📌 Tips

🇯🇵【Ehime】The only eel specialty store in Imabari! (^^) It has been popular for a long time, and many customers visit especially on Doyo no Ushi no Hi (^^) You can enjoy fragrant and fluffy eel whether you eat in or take it out (^^) Go and try it (^^) 【Location】 4-10-60 Sakurai, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 【Access】 About 11 minutes walk from Iyo Sakurai Station exit About 47 minutes walk from Iyo Tomita Station exit 【Business hours】 11:00-14:30/16:30-21:00 【Closed】 Wednesday #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Take Line 2 from the Imabari Train Station Bus Terminal and get off at the observatory entrance. Go up and follow the signs for about 20 minutes. Go through the tunnel entrance and walk another 5 minutes to see the observatory. The environment is very beautiful and the exhibition hall is free to visit! But remember that there are three or four buses a day, and it is a circular line, so pay attention to the bus schedule!

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