Dig deeper into the charms of Ehime Prefecture! Everything about this beautiful region where history, tourism, and culture intersect

Dig deeper into the charms of Ehime Prefecture! Everything about this beautiful region where history, tourism, and culture intersect

About the history of Ehime Prefecture and its deep charm

Introduction: My relationship with Ehime Prefecture

Hello, I’m Kasumi, a travel web writer. While I have traveled all over Japan to all 47 prefectures, one of the places that sticks out in my mind is Ehime Prefecture. For someone like me who loves Japan, Ehime Prefecture is an attractive region where history, culture, and nature all intertwine exquisitely. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted charms of Ehime Prefecture along with its history.

History of Ehime Prefecture: A place where Shikoku culture and history live

Ehime Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region and is dotted with many historical sites and cultural properties. The natural environment of Mt. Ishizuchi and Mt. Inunaki, as well as the culture and history that have been nurtured in this background, are factors that attract many tourists and researchers.

Matsuyama Castle, known as an existing castle

Matsuyama Castle is a representative historical site in Ehime Prefecture. I visited this castle when I first visited Ehime Prefecture, and I fell in love with its magnificent appearance at first sight. In particular, this castle is known as one of the few surviving castles in Japan, and is praised for its excellent state of preservation. Additionally, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsuyama City from the castle tower, which is the tallest in Shikoku.

Dogo Onsen: Japan’s oldest hot spring resort

Dogo Onsen is said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring resort, and has been visited by many great writers and historical figures. Dogo Onsen Honkan, where I also stayed, is a famous hot spring that still conveys its history and style, and I think it’s worth staying at least once.

Average number of tourists in Ehime Prefecture and its results

Ehime Prefecture is a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 5 million tourists annually. In particular, 26 of the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku, known as the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Penro-san), are located in Ehime Prefecture. As a result, the tourism industry is thriving, and it is estimated that tourism revenue is approximately 200 billion yen annually.

Oranges are a specialty of Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture is famous for its delicious oranges. In particular, “Ehime mandarin oranges” are known nationwide, and I always buy them every time I visit Ehime. In terms of numbers, the production of oranges here accounts for approximately 30% of the national total, and most of them are sold through agricultural cooperatives such as JA Ehime.

How to enjoy tourist attractions and gourmet food in Ehime Prefecture

Recommended tourist attraction: Beautiful scenery interwoven with nature, history, and culture

Imabari Towel Museum

Speaking of Ehime Prefecture, Imabari towels are famous. The Imabari Towel Museum in Imabari City is a facility where you can learn about the history and process of towel manufacturing, as well as towels from around the world. I have actually experienced making towels, and I am satisfied with the high quality of each process, which takes time and effort.

Uwajima Castle and the atmosphere of the port town

Like Matsuyama Castle, Uwajima Castle is also one of the valuable castles in Ehime Prefecture. In particular, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Uwajima, which retains its charm as a port town. I especially like the atmosphere of port towns, and one of the things I look forward to is enjoying fresh seafood.

Cape Ashizuri, the prefectural border with Kochi Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture also borders Kochi Prefecture, and Cape Ashizuri, located on the prefectural border, is a must-see attraction. The beauty of the cliffs and the sunset seen from there are very impressive. The drive to Cape Ashizuri is also scenic, and I’ve been there several times.

Gourmet food in Ehime Prefecture: Enjoy the local flavors

Sea bream rice and seafood from Ehime

Ehime Prefecture is also known as a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood. In particular, “Taimeshi” is a local dish unique to Ehime Prefecture, and is served at many restaurants and izakayas. I experienced the deliciousness of sea bream rice at Uozen, a restaurant specializing in sea bream rice. The delicious sea bream rice cooked using the restaurant’s own recipe attracts many tourists.

Sweets using mandarin oranges

As I mentioned earlier, Ehime is a production center for mandarin oranges. There are many sweets made with mandarin oranges, and the “Ehime Mikan Parfait” is especially not to be missed. This parfait is a dish that can be enjoyed at Cafe de Ehime, and the sweetness and sourness of the mandarin oranges are a perfect match.

Actual tourism costs and their value

Sightseeing in Ehime Prefecture is relatively inexpensive compared to other tourist destinations. For example, a night’s stay at Dogo Onsen Honkan costs about 15,000 yen on average, and a sea bream rice lunch costs about 1,500 yen on average. I feel that being able to enjoy history, culture, and delicious food at such a reasonable price is extremely valuable.

A style of stay in Ehime Prefecture and deep exposure to local culture

Stay style: To feel the charm of Ehime to the fullest

Free travel in a rental car

Ehime Prefecture has many tourist spots scattered over a wide area, so we recommend traveling by rental car. In particular, “Nippon Rent-A-Car” and “Times Car Rental” have many stores, and prices are reasonable, starting from an average of 6,000 yen per day. I also use a rental car when visiting some local cities.

Stay as if you were living in a local guesthouse

There are many hotels in tourist destinations such as Dogo Onsen, but if you want to feel the local atmosphere, we recommend staying in a guesthouse. I have stayed at Minshuku Uwajimaya and was very impressed by its homely atmosphere and cuisine made with local ingredients.

Interacting with local culture: Deeply interacting with the people of Ehime

Participate in local festivals and events

In Ehime Prefecture, each region has many unique festivals and events, and by participating in them, you can deeply interact with the local culture and people. For example, the “Matsuyama Festival” held in Matsuyama City is a grand event where the locals come together to enjoy it, and I once participated in it.

Learn about local arts and crafts

In Ehime Prefecture, workshops are also held to make products using Imabari towels and Ehime mandarin oranges. I had the experience of designing an original towel at the Imabari Towel Art Museum. This is also a great opportunity to experience the local culture.

Finally: Ehime Prefecture, an attractive region of Japan that you should visit at least once

Ehime Prefecture is not only a tourist destination, but also a place where you can deeply interact with its history, culture, and people. I have visited many times and been drawn to its charm, making new discoveries and experiences. What makes this place special is not only sightseeing, but also interaction with local people, food and experiences that can only be enjoyed in that area.

Please come and experience the multifaceted charm of Ehime Prefecture for yourself. You will surely be fascinated by its deep charm.

It would be great if you could get interested in Ehime Prefecture through this article. We hope you have a wonderful experience in this beautiful region. Thank you for reading!

Historical buildings in Ehime Prefecture selected by Kasumi

Ehime Prefecture is a place of great historical value as well as natural beauty. Therefore, this time I would like to introduce five historical buildings selected by Kasumi. We will also add “Kasumi Points” to each building to convey its charm.

1. Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama City)

Kasumi points:

This castle was built in the early Edo period and has undergone many historical changes. In particular, the view from the castle tower overlooks Matsuyama City, and you can enjoy a landscape where history and modernity coexist.

2. Imabari Castle (Imabari City)

Kasumi points:

It is a beautiful castle facing the sea, and the water moat further enhances its beauty. It is a must-see spot for history buffs, as you can see many of the stone wall techniques and ingenuity of the time the castle was built.

3. Uwajima Castle (Uwajima City)

Kasumi points:

Uwajima Castle is integrated with the atmosphere of a port town, creating a unique atmosphere. It is also historically interesting, and you can gain a deeper understanding by visiting it in conjunction with the local museum.

4. Besshi Copper Mine (Niihama City)

Kasumi points:

This is a place where many remains of a copper mine remain, and is valuable as an industrial heritage site. The old facilities and machinery have been preserved, allowing you to remember what the copper mine was like in the past.

5. Ozu Castle (Ozu City)

Kasumi points:

This castle has been rebuilt, and thorough historical research has been carried out in its reconstruction. There is also a museum on the premises, where you can learn more about the history.

These are the historical buildings in Ehime Prefecture that I have selected and their “Kasumi Points”. Each of these buildings has its own unique charm and historical value, making them a must-see spot when visiting Ehime Prefecture. Please come and see for yourself its deep history and beautiful architecture.