With the end of year nigh and a new year right around the corner, many of us are gearing up to think about our 2024 travel plans. Where to go and what time of year to visit are usually two of the biggest questions for those ready to push the button on locking in their annual trip.
All throughout the year, from the crisp winter months to balmy summer days, Japan’s Ehime Prefecture is like a revolving door of exciting experiences and activities that make the most of the region’s seasonal climate and ever-changing landscapes. Whatever time of year you decide to visit, here are some of Ehime’s top seasonal highlights to look out for.
Winter treasures
Uchiko Town
Situated around 40 kilometres south of Matsuyama, you’ll discover the traditional rural town of Uchiko – traditionally known for its wax and paper production. Uchiko is a magical place to visit in winter – not only to appreciate its traditional buildings which are sometimes dusted with snow, including the historic street of Yokaichi Old Town, but also to enjoy the town’s cosy nostalgic atmosphere.
During winter, you can warm up in the traditional restaurants serving local winter specialities like noodle and hot pot dishes and enjoy the cultural offerings with an experience at Uchiko-za Theater (a well-preserved old-fashioned kabuki theatre), the Uchiko History Museum or a visit to the famous Omori Candle Shop. A stroll down the lantern-lit streets during the dark evenings is also a great opportunity to capture some stunning photos.
Mikan fruit picking
Ehime is known for its citrus fruit production – especially Mikan which are a small, sweet mandarin. Often enjoyed in desserts, snacks, or as a drink, some varietals of Mikan are ripe for the picking at the start of winter making for a fun activity immersed in Ehime’s countryside. You can visit farms in Ehime any time from November through to March to learn how to pick the best Mikan as well as the farm’s eco-friendly sustainable growing methods.
Soak in the hot spring waters at Dogo Onsen
In winter, escape the chills and enjoy the relaxing pleasures of Japan’s oldest hot spring at Dogo Onsen in the centre of Matsuyama, characterised by its wooden public bathhouse dating back to 1894. After warming in the naturally heated waters of a 3,000-year-old spring, take a stroll around the historic area of Dogo to appreciate the local crafts and delicacies, or simply enjoy the atmosphere from the warm and cosy comfort of one of the man-powered rickshaws you’ll find just outside the Dogo Onsen building.
Visit the Shirai Falls (Shirai-no-taki) ice cascades
For a truly out-of-the-ordinary winter experience, visit the ice cascades created by Shiraino Falls. Around a 20-minute journey by road from Yokogawara Station, you’ll arrive at the base of Shiraino Falls where you can begin a short hike to the trails of around 40 minutes. During the hike, you can marvel at the passing frozen streams and tall trees before arriving at the cascades. An incredible feat of nature, the cascades are created by a waterfall which becomes a wall of ice and snow during the coldest months.
Nanraku-en Plum Festival at Naraku-en Garden
Each winter from around late January to early March, Nanrakuen Garden is home to a plum festival featuring around 160 trees across 15 different types of plum which are all in bloom. Nanrakuen Garden is the largest garden on the island of Shikoku with an area of over 153,000 square metres. At the festival, you can enjoy the fruits of the trees including plum tea from Umemi Teahouse, amazake (a traditional drink made with fermented rice), and red bean soup served with mochi (known as zenzai).
Summer delights
Adventure in the Shikoku Karst National Park
You can visit Shikoku Karst National Park all year round, but summer is when the park and its native flora and fauna come to life. The hillsides flutter with vast displays of colourful wildflowers, while the night skies and more comfortable temperatures offer spectacular stargazing experiences from the higher plateaus. Summer also brings the opportunity to enjoy activities in the park which may not be possible in winter, such as relaxing in one of the designated picnic areas, cycling and hiking the nature trails where it can be easier and more comfortable to reach the highest lookouts offering panoramic views over the landscape.
Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road
In summer, appreciate the glistening seas, sandy beaches, and green islets you’ll discover along the 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido cycle route. With the weather on your side, you’ll enjoy the freedom of cruising in the open air along one of Japan’s most prized and picturesque cycle routes which takes you across several bridges connecting the islands as well as to museums, gardens, and temples. With the longer days and warm evenings, you can make the most of your time visiting cultural and scenic spots on your journey before resting in one of the many inns or hotels.
Experience the Iyonada Coastline and Hiji River
With breathtaking views over the Iyonada Sea, a scenic drive along Ehime’s Iyonada Coastline is a must-see experience. The coastal roads will take you to elevated viewing spots, while you might choose to hike some of the coastal trails or spend some time relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches you’ll discover along the way.
Meanwhile, there are abundant activities on offer along the Hiji River which flows into the Iyonada Sea. From scenic river cruises, picnicking, and riverside cycling, to kayaking and fishing, the possibilities are endless in the summertime. To add some culture to your Hiji River experience, consider visiting one of the hot springs (onsen), temples, shrines, and traditional villages you’ll also find along the river.
Visit the Izumidani Terraced Rice Fields
For a unique and spectacular sight, visit the Izumidani Terraced Rice Fields which are made up of around 95 paddy fields on a steep mountain slope. May to June is the time farmers start planting, and the rice produced here is thought to be one of the highest qualities in Japan thanks to the availability of clean spring water all year round. While you’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets in summer reflecting off the watered terrace fields, summer is a great time to visit when the farmers start planting rice for the next season.
Matsuyama Summer Festival
Held in August each year, the cultural Matsuyama Summer Festival is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. During the festival, you can expect to see colourful parades and processions along the streets of Matsuyama, traditional performances of taiko drumming and folk dances, evening fireworks displays and, of course, plenty of street stalls selling local delicacies and festival foods.
Autumn and Spring spectaculars
Hike Mt Ishizuchi
Mt Ishizuchi is one of the seven sacred peaks of Japan including the peak of Tengudake, the highest point in Western Japan. Here, there are a variety of walking trails for all experience levels and a mountainside cable car ride from Saijo-shi. Even if you don’t feel comfortable walking the ridge trail to the highest summit, autumn is a great time to be active on the mountain while it’s not too warm and not too cold while also appreciating the spectacular red and yellow colours of the autumn foliage decorating the rock face.
See the cherry blossoms blooming from the summit of Mt Sekizen
Mt Sekizen is in the centre of Iwagi island and is a popular destination place to visit for its observatory located at the top. From the observatory, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views looking out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, but spring offers visitors a real treat with its approximately 3000 impressive blooming cherry blossom trees which trail along the ridge and down towards the ocean.
The Canola flowers of Suiha Plateau
Visit the highland areas of Suiha Plateau in spring to witness rolling hills blanketed with bright yellow canola blossoms – contrasting the blue skies above. This idyllic location also offers views over the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Mountains. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling in late April, you might even catch the Suiha Plateau Canola Flower Festival which takes place on the third Sunday of the month and features live music and stalls.
The Niihama Taiko Festival
The Niihama Taiko Festival is one of Ehime’s biggest festivals taking place in autumn every year to celebrate good harvest – usually in October. With its origins dating back almost 1,000 years, the festival features tall taiko drum-shaped floats that parade through the town to entertain locals. With each float weighing around 3 tonnes, the highlight of the festival is the Kakikurabe, where teams of men known as kakifu compete to lift the float.
See autumn leaves at Besshi Line Gorge
Stretching approximately 10 kilometres, Ehime’s Besshi Rhein Gorge is one of the best places in Japan to experience a flamboyant display of bright colourful autumn leaves. The Shoji Bridge and Shikamori Dam are highlights of the gorge, but at this time of year, everywhere you go you’ll be surrounded by splashes of red, brown, orange and yellow from the changing landscape.
