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Quick facts
- Region: Shikoku
- Capital: Matsuyama
- Population: 1.3 million
- Climate: Seto Inland Sea
- Cherry blossom (average): 24 March
- No. 1 in Japan: Japan's top producer of mikan and other citrus — Imabari towels (around 60% of the domestic market), Dogo Onsen
⭐ Top sights
Shimanami Kaido Cycling
A 70 km cycling route over seven bridges linking six islands — riding above the sea on one of the world's great bike routes.
Dogo Onsen Honkan
Japan's oldest hot spring, with 3,000 years of history. The 1894 wooden bathhouse is said to be one of the models for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away'.
Matsuyama Castle★
A keep with linked towers on 132 m Mount Katsuyama. Ride the ropeway up
Dogo Onsen
3,000 years of history. The Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse is an Important Cultural Property and the setting of the novel "Botchan"
🍲 Local food
Tai-meshi, jakoten, nabeyaki udon
Tai-meshi comes in two schools: Matsuyama cooks sea bream with the rice, Uwajima serves it raw with an egg sauce
🏮 Festivals & events
- Niihama Taiko Festival — October 16–18. Over 50 drum floats, each 5.5 m tall and weighing 3 tonnes, are hoisted aloft in the "kakikurabe" contest
🏨 Where to stay in Ehime
The area around Matsuyama, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Tokushima · Kagawa · Kochi · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Ehime famous for food-wise?
Ehime's best-known local dishes are Tai-meshi, jakoten, nabeyaki udon. Tai-meshi comes in two schools: Matsuyama cooks sea bream with the rice, Uwajima serves it raw with an egg sauce
What are the top sights in Ehime?
Top picks in Ehime include Shimanami Kaido Cycling, Dogo Onsen Honkan, Matsuyama Castle★, Uwajima Castle★.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Ehime?
In Ehime (Matsuyama), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 24 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.