How to Choose from the 15 Best Things to Do in Ehime
Ehime sightseeing is easier to plan when you divide it into three areas: Matsuyama, home to Dōgo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle; the sea scenery of the Shimanami Kaidō and Imabari; and the castle towns of Nanyō, the southern part of the prefecture, including Uchiko, Ōzu, and Uwajima.
If you're visiting for the first time, it's reassuring to avoid cramming in too much travel and instead tour the sights of the same area together.
The Travel Themes to Know First for Ehime Sightseeing
Dōgo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle are a combination that lets you enjoy Ehime's distinctive history and city walking, linked by short tram rides.
Toward the Shimanami Kaidō, pairing the scenery of 10 bridges and islands with Imabari Castle and the craftsmanship culture of Imabari towels brings out the feel of a journey along the Seto Inland Sea.
The Uchiko, Ōzu, and Uwajima area suits calm historical strolls, with old townscapes that prospered from mokurō (Japanese wax), a castle along the Hiji River, and gardens connected to the Date family.
The 15 Best Ehime Sightseeing Spots at a Glance
The table below briefly organizes the appeal of each spot so international travelers can choose based on the purpose of their trip.
| Spot | Theme | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dōgo Onsen Honkan | Onsen culture | First-timers |
| Dōgo Haikara Street | City walk | Shopping lovers |
| Matsuyama Castle | Castle and views | History lovers |
| Isaniwa Shrine | Shrine architecture | Worship lovers |
| Shimanami Kaidō | Sea and bridges | Scenery lovers |
| Mt. Kirōsan Park | Panorama | Photo lovers |
| Imabari Castle | Seaside castle | Castle lovers |
| Imabari Towel Store | Craftsmanship | Souvenir hunters |
| Yōkaichi-Gokoku | Townscape | Strollers |
| Ōzu Castle | Castle town | History lovers |
| Garyū Sansō | Garden and architecture | Quiet trips |
| Uwajima Castle | Nanyō castle | Castle lovers |
| Tenshaen | Garden culture | Flower lovers |
| JR Shimonada Station | Seaside station | Photo lovers |
| Tobe Ware Museum | Craft experience | Hands-on travelers |
How to Travel Between Ehime Sightseeing Areas
On a trip based in Matsuyama, it flows naturally to group Dōgo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle on the same day and head to Imabari or the Shimanami Kaidō on a separate day.
Since it takes about 40 minutes by limited express from JR Matsuyama Station to Imabari, you can enjoy the sea scenery even on a day trip if you start in the morning.
If you include Uchiko, Ōzu, and Uwajima, making the Nanyō area its own trip theme makes it easier to savor the atmosphere of each town.
Matsuyama Sightseeing Around Dōgo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama brings together a hot spring town, a castle, shrines, and shopping streets within a close range, making it an easy area to walk even on a first Ehime trip.
Since bathing facilities and paid sites may change their operating days and usage methods, it's reassuring to check official guidance before your visit.
Experience Onsen Culture at Dōgo Onsen Honkan
Dōgo Onsen Honkan is the historic public bathhouse that symbolizes Dōgo Onsen; its wooden building, rebuilt in 1894, and the atmosphere of its baths let you feel the passage of time in the hot spring town.
In 1994, it became the first public bathhouse designated an Important Cultural Property, and at the end of 2024, its preservation and repair work, which lasted about six years, was completed.
The most accessible option, "Kami no Yu, lower floor," costs 700 yen for adults, and hours are generally from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (last entry 10:30 p.m.).
Before bathing, wash your body and keep your towel out of the bath, staying mindful of the basic etiquette of Japan's communal baths.
Walk the Hot Spring Town Along Dōgo Haikara Street
Dōgo Haikara Street is an arcade shopping street around Dōgo Onsen Honkan where you can enjoy street food and souvenir hunting.
You can walk while looking for Ehime flavors such as mikan (mandarin orange) juice and sweets, and Botchan dango.
Since it's a hot spring town street where you'll also see people walking in yukata, it's ideal for a stroll before or after bathing.
Look Down on the Castle Town and City from Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is a hilltop castle (hirayama-jirō) with its main keep atop Mt. Katsuyama, 132 meters high, and it is one of Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps from the Edo period.
You can enjoy the keep, the stone walls, and views of the Matsuyama cityscape together, with keep admission generally 520 yen for adults.
You can reach the summit by ropeway (520 yen round trip for adults, about 3 minutes) or chairlift, or on foot.
Since the castle grounds have slopes and stairs, choosing comfortable walking shoes makes touring easier.
See the Vermilion Hachiman-Style Hall at Isaniwa Shrine
Isaniwa Shrine (Isaniwa Jinja) is a shrine easy to stop by on foot from the Dōgo Onsen area, with striking vermilion and white shrine buildings.
Built in 1667 by Matsuyama domain lord Matsudaira Sadanaga, the buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties as one of only three examples of hachiman-zukuri architecture in the country.
In the grounds, avoid obstructing the flow of worshippers and follow the on-site signage regarding photography and entry.
Enjoy Seto Inland Sea Scenery Along the Shimanami Kaidō and Imabari
Toward Imabari, you can combine the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea's islands and bridges with the appeal of castles and craftsmanship.
Since the impression of the trip changes with how you use bicycles, cars, or public transport, choose a comfortable means of travel to match your stamina and the amount of luggage.
Encounter Island and Bridge Scenery on the Shimanami Kaidō
The Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway) is known as a sea route connecting Imabari City in Ehime and Onomichi City in Hiroshima with 10 bridges, and the scenery of bridges linking the islands is its appeal.
The roadway is about 60 km, and the cycling route including the islands is about 70 km, making it one of the few sea routes with a dedicated cycling path.
If you cycle, it's important to follow traffic rules and enjoy the island scenery while taking breaks.
View the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge from Mt. Kirōsan Park
Mt. Kirōsan Park (Kirōsan Tenbō Kōen) is a viewpoint at the southern tip of Ōshima, about 301 meters high, overlooking the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge and the multi-island beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.
From the observatory designed by architect Kengo Kuma, you can take in the world's first triple suspension bridge and the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's three great tidal currents.
Since the view changes with the weather, cloud patterns and sunsets can become memorable parts of the trip, not only the scenery on clear days.
Savor the Waterside Castle at Imabari Castle
Imabari Castle was begun in 1602 by the master castle builder Tōdō Takatora, with construction completed in 1604, and it is counted as one of Japan's three great water castles (mizujirō), drawing seawater into its moat.
The scenery of a castle surrounded by water is striking, letting you feel the character of a seaside castle quite different from Matsuyama Castle.
Walking around the castle, the arrangement of the moat, stone walls, and turrets also conveys the atmosphere of Imabari, which developed as a port town.
Experience the Quality at the Imabari Towel Store and Imabari Towel LAB
The Imabari Towel Store and Imabari Towel LAB are spots where you can shop for and deepen your understanding of the towels of Imabari, one of Japan's leading towel-producing regions.
For travelers looking for light, practical souvenirs, it's an easy place to stop by and choose Japanese-made products you can use in daily life.
Walk the Historic Townscapes and Castle Towns of Uchiko and Ōzu
Uchiko and Ōzu are areas where you can enjoy quiet town walks quite different from Matsuyama.
On a trip touring old buildings and gardens, paying attention not just to building interiors but also to street widths, lattices, white walls, and riverside scenery deepens your understanding.
Walk the White-Walled Streets of the Yōkaichi-Gokoku Townscape
The Yōkaichi-Gokoku townscape retains merchant houses and townhouses that prospered from mokurō (Japanese wax) production from the late Edo to the Meiji period, letting you feel Uchiko's calm historical scenery.
The roughly 600-meter street was selected in 1982 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and buildings such as the Honhaga Residence are national Important Cultural Properties.
Since it's a street that is still a place of daily life, stroll quietly so as not to trouble the residents.
Feel the Castle Town Along the Hiji River at Ōzu Castle
Ōzu Castle stands near the Hiji River, and its appeal lies in the close proximity of the castle, the river, and the townscape.
The keep was reconstructed in wood in 2004 based on old photographs and wooden framework models, and the four turrets remaining from the Edo period are national Important Cultural Properties.
Rather than making the castle your only goal, adding the scenery of the surrounding alleys and bridges leaves a distinctly Ōzu impression of your trip.
See the Details of Sukiya Architecture and Garden at Garyū Sansō
Garyū Sansō is a Meiji-era villa along the Hiji River, a quiet spot where the architecture, garden, and river view are in harmony.
Three buildings including Garyū-in are national Important Cultural Properties, and the garden is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty, known for the delicate design of sukiya architecture.
Keep your voice down indoors and in the garden, and slowly taking in the details of the materials and design lets you savor the charm of this Japanese space.
Explore the Castle, Garden, and Nanyō Date Culture in Uwajima
Uwajima is an area where you can feel the calm air of a Nanyō port town and the history connected to the Date family.
For travelers wanting to know a face different from Matsuyama or Imabari, it's a destination that adds depth to the trip.
Walk Through a Nanyō Castle with a Surviving Keep at Uwajima Castle
Uwajima Castle stands on Mt. Shiroyama, about 73 meters high; it was built by Tōdō Takatora and later became the residence of the Date family.
You can experience walking up the greenery-wrapped castle mountain toward the keep, one of Japan's 12 surviving original keeps.
Since there are stretches of continuous slopes and stone steps, stay mindful of hydration in the hot season and watch your footing as you walk.
Gaze at the Scenic Date-Family Garden at Tenshaen
Tenshaen is a strolling pond garden created as the retirement residence of Date Munetada, the 7th head of the Uwajima Date family, and is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty.
Along with bamboo associated with the Date family crest, seasonal plants such as wisteria and Japanese irises shape the garden's expression.
Since how the flowers look depends on the season and weather, enjoying the overall composition of the garden and the scenery around the pond brings a sense of satisfaction.
Broaden Your Ehime Trip with Shimonada Station and Tobe Ware
Adding a seaside station and a craft experience to the classic spots makes the impression of your Ehime trip more three-dimensional.
You can vary the combination to suit your preferences, whether a photo trip, a hands-on trip, or a trip to quietly take in the scenery.
See the Stunning Iyo-nada View at JR Shimonada Station
JR Shimonada Station is known as an unstaffed station overlooking the Iyo-nada Sea from the platform of the Yosan Line, letting you enjoy the scenery of a station right by the sea.
It became known for being featured on posters for the "Seishun 18 Kippu" rail pass and is popular as a photo spot at dusk.
Since the station is also a public transport facility, be considerate of train users and avoid occupying the platform or surroundings for long periods.
Discover White Porcelain Craftsmanship at the Tobe Ware Museum
At the Tobe Ware Museum, you can experience Ehime's craft culture through the exhibition and sale of Tobe ware (tobe-yaki) from Tobe Town and pottery-making experiences.
Tobe ware is porcelain painted with arabesque and other patterns in blue gosu (cobalt) on white porcelain, and it was designated a national Traditional Craft in 1976.
Since the content of the experience and whether reservations are required may change, if you'd like to take part, check the official guidance before adding it to your plans.
Combining spots to match the purpose of your trip lets you enjoy different faces of the same Ehime.
| Purpose | Combination | Trip Mood |
|---|---|---|
| First time | Dōgo + Matsuyama Castle | Classic stroll |
| Sea scenery | Shimanami + Kirōsan | Open and airy |
| Historical stroll | Uchiko + Ōzu | Calm |
| Nanyō trip | Uwajima + Tenshaen | Serene |
| Photo trip | Shimonada + coast | Lingering mood |
| Hands-on trip | Tobe ware + Imabari | Souvenir hunting |
Summary: Plan Your Ehime Sightseeing Around Onsen, Castles, Sea Views, and Crafts
The 15 best things to do in Ehime broaden your trip's range when you combine townscapes, castles, gardens, sea scenery, and crafts around Dōgo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and the Shimanami Kaidō.
For a first trip, base yourself in Matsuyama and Imabari, and if you have time to spare, extend to Uchiko, Ōzu, and Uwajima to feel the character of each of Ehime's regions.
Since prices, opening hours, closing days, and whether experiences require reservations may change, check the official information of each facility and transport operator before setting out.
