Tai-meshi (sea bream rice)鯛めし
Two styles: Matsuyama’s rice cooked with whole sea bream, and Uwajima’s raw sea bream sashimi on rice with egg sauce.
Shikoku
Ehime Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Northwest Shikoku, famous for citrus. Matsuyama has Dogo Onsen and an original castle keep, Imabari is the Shikoku end of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, and Uchiko preserves an old merchant town.
Open Ehime on the map34 places on the map · 11 local favourites
Local tips
- TipMatsuyama’s Iyotetsu streetcars connect the station, the castle area and Dogo Onsen, so you rarely need a car in the city.
- DoRent a bike in Imabari to cycle the Shimanami Kaido; one-way drop-off at other rental terminals is possible.
- Heads upSummer cycling on the Shimanami is hot and exposed; spring and autumn are far more comfortable.
- TipWinter is citrus season, when mikan and many other varieties fill markets and roadside stalls.
- TipFor a quieter side trip, Uchiko’s preserved streets and Uchiko-za kabuki theatre are a short train ride from Matsuyama.
What to eat
Jakotenじゃこ天
A chewy fried fish cake made from small whole fish, bones and all, from the Uwajima area.
Mikan and citrusみかん・柑橘
Ehime grows dozens of citrus varieties; try fresh fruit, juice or citrus desserts in winter and spring.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Yasuoka Kamaboko
安岡蒲鉾 Local FoodUwajima fish-cake maker famous for jakoten, a fried patty of small whole fish, bones and all. Buy it hot from the shop.
● Mostly localsNibukawa Onsen
鈍川温泉 Hot SpringsSmall, quiet hot-spring village in a green valley south of Imabari, known for silky alkaline water. A good soak after cycling the Shimanami Kaido.
● Mostly localsCape Sadamisaki
佐田岬 Nature & SceneryLong narrow peninsula reaching towards Kyushu, with a white lighthouse at the tip. Walk the trail from the car park.
● Mostly localsNametoko Gorge
滑床渓谷 Nature & SceneryGorge in the Uwajima mountains with smooth granite riverbeds and the Yukiwa Falls. Try canyoning in summer.
● Mostly localsIwaya-ji
岩屋寺 Temples & GoshuinchoNature & SceneryTemple 45 built into a huge cliff deep in the Kuma highlands, with a wooden ladder up to a cave.
● Mostly localsTaisan-ji, Matsuyama
太山寺 Temples & GoshuinchoTemple 52 of the pilgrimage in north Matsuyama, reached by a long approach through old gates. Its main hall is a national treasure, and the grounds are rarely crowded.
● Mostly localsOmogo Gorge
面河渓 Nature & SceneryClear blue-green stream through granite cliffs at the foot of Mt Ishizuchi. Autumn leaves are spectacular.
● Mostly localsShigematsu Hanten
重松飯店 Local FoodImabari diner famous for yakibuta tamago meshi: roast pork and fried egg on rice with sweet sauce, a local soul food.
● Mostly localsKotori (Nabeyaki Udon)
ことり Local FoodOld Matsuyama shop serving nabeyaki udon, sweet broth and soft noodles in individual aluminium pots. Only a couple of dishes on the menu.
● Mostly localsNibancho, Matsuyama
二番町 NightlifeMatsuyama's main nightlife district of izakaya and bars. Try local sea bream and mikan-based drinks.
● Mostly localsMinetopia Besshi
マイントピア別子 ExperiencesSights & HistoryMining theme park in Niihama where you ride a train into a former copper mine. Visit the Togo ruins in the mountains too.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.