Ehime Review - The prefecture that inspired classics.
My first glimpse of Shikoku’s beauty began in Ehime prefecture. Setting out from Kyushu, I boarded a ferry in Beppu, joining others crossing the sparkling sea to this island of four prefectures, nestled south of Honshu. The two-hour journey felt unhurried and comfortable, with wide open spaces to lounge and gaze at the rolling waves. For a small fee, I could even stretch out on tatami mats, adding a touch of tradition to the voyage.
Onboard, I discovered gatcha machines and a rainbow of vending options, along with cabins for hire. The ferry was affordable and offered a refreshing break from my usual travel routines. Landing in the quiet town of Takayama, about an hour from Matsuyama, I boarded a slow-moving train that wound through scenic landscapes. Along the way, I glimpsed a special tour train, its crew dressed in vintage attire, waiting on the platform to greet travelers and whisk them off on themed adventures through the prefecture.
Ehime is a lush prefecture with its rolling hills, valleys, and beautiful coastal towns; it is known for its “Mikan” oranges. Its capital, Matsuyama, is a bustling hotspot; the city hosts many places that should be added to a bucket list. Such as the beautiful Dogo onsen with its beautifully ornate roof and rich history, this is a stop for any Ghibli fan or lover of traditional Japan. The onsen inspired the beautiful Ghibli film Spirited Away, which for the longest time held the record as the highest-grossing Japanese movie ever. It has since been beaten by Demon Slayer.
There is also the beautiful Matsuyama castle, which stands on top of a hill providing beautiful panoramic views to any who visits. The castle is only reachable via a ropeway or chairlift. But it provides a beautiful view of the city and the sea in the distance. The city is very accessible with trams, buses, trains and taxis.
The prefecture offers many great local dishes and many ways to enjoy the local oranges. It also offers a very cute mascot and many opportunities to buy their merch! The city offers lots to do and see, and I could see visitors easily taking up a long weekend here.
Overall, my experience of Ehime was very pleasant, and I enjoyed seeing the Onsen; they even provided the chance to see inside for 500 yen, which is rare for onsens. Most are not open to the public for viewing due to privacy concerns. But Dogo onsen holds an old traditional style bath which used to be used by the emperor. It can be seen via a small ten-minute tour, which allows you to enjoy the inside main walkways of the onsen and experience the vibe. I recommend the tour if you have time to spare and it is not too busy.
There is a fun arcade shopping street leading up to the onsen, so you can enjoy shopping and exploring the area around the onsen. I recommend finding a nice place to enjoy some local food, too!
The castle was a great chance to see the prefecture from up high, and I enjoyed learning about it. The castle can be explored for a small price, but be warned, the staircases are steep and will be traversed in socks or visitor slippers. It is worth the visit, but you will need to take the stairs slowly to avoid slipping.
Overall, my experience was fun, and I fully recommend that those wanting to explore further afield stop at Matsuyama, potentially a fun day trip via the ferry for those exploring Beppu and its hells.
