⭐ HIGHLIGHTS
Ehime highlights
Experiences the Wherebest team recommends — don't miss these on a first trip
Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs; the hilltop Matsuyama Castle with its original wooden keep; the Shimanami Kaido cycle route over bridges and islands across the inland sea; and mikan citrus grown here more than anywhere in Japan — Ehime is the inland-sea side of Shikoku, gathering onsen, castle and sea views all in one.
Honestly, if you want a Shikoku with classic onsen, a real castle and lovely inland-sea views, Ehime is the answer — start in Matsuyama, Shikoku's biggest city, ride up to Matsuyama Castle with its original wooden keep, then soak at Dogo Onsen in the old wooden bathhouse said to have inspired an animated bathhouse. Next day, head to Imabari, rent a bike and ride the Shimanami Kaido over bridges and islands toward Hiroshima, and finish with the old town of Uchiko, Ozu Castle, tai-meshi sea bream rice and sweet mikan oranges.
Experiences the Wherebest team recommends — don't miss these on a first trip
One of Japan's oldest hot springs, over a thousand years old; the three-story wooden Honkan bathhouse from 1894 is the landmark, said to have inspired an animated bathhouse — soak, then stroll the shopping arcade in a yukata.
♨️ Bath feeA hilltop castle over the city, one of just twelve with an original wooden keep; reach it by ropeway or chairlift for sweeping views of the city and the inland sea.
🚡 Ropeway + admissionA cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea from Imabari to Onomichi (Hiroshima) over suspension bridges and several islands, about 70 km; you can return the rental bike at the far end — one of the world's great rides.
🚲 Bike rentalA town once rich from the wax and paper trade, with the Yokaichi street of old wooden merchant houses and the still-working Uchiko-za wooden theater.
🆓 Free to strollA castle by the Hiji River whose wooden keep was faithfully rebuilt; it runs a stay-in-the-castle program, and in summer you can watch cormorant fishing from a boat.
🎫 AdmissionTemple No. 51 on the 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage, near Dogo Onsen, with a Nio gate and a three-story pagoda that are National Treasures — an atmospheric stop.
🆓 Free entryMain areas and cities that cover a trip — pick the base that fits your plan
Three sample stays · Luxury · Mid · Budget · compare 3 sites instantly
Ehime (愛媛) is in the northwest of Shikoku along the Seto Inland Sea, with Matsuyama — Shikoku's largest city — as its capital. Its symbols are Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs; the hilltop Matsuyama Castle; and mikan citrus, grown here more than anywhere in Japan.
There are several ways in: fly into Matsuyama Airport, take a train from Okayama across the Seto Ohashi bridge, or ride a fast ferry from Hiroshima across the inland sea. To the north, Imabari is the start of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route to Hiroshima; to the south lie the old town of Uchiko and Ozu Castle.
This page gathers stays by area, standout food such as tai-meshi sea bream rice and mikan citrus, the main sights and a 3-day Ehime plan, with one-click hotel price comparisons across Agoda, Booking and Trip.com. Information is current for 2026, but please re-check prices, opening hours, ferry times and transport schedules before you travel.
Find Ehime hotels in the right area · compare 3 sites instantly
Other prefectures in Shikoku · every prefecture in Japan with a full prep guide
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