About Ehime
Ehime Prefecture occupies the northern coast of Shikoku Island, facing the Seto Inland Sea across a chain of bridge-connected islands that form the Nishiseto Expressway — known as the Shimanami Kaido. The prefecture's sheltered coastal climate and fertile valleys produce Japan's most prized citrus varieties, with Ehime's mikan mandarin oranges, iyokan, and bocchan oranges exported across Asia.
Matsuyama, Ehime's capital, is one of Shikoku's largest and most atmospheric cities, combining a hilltop original castle with a flat-lane urban center and Japan's most famous hot spring resort within easy distance. The haiku poet Masaoka Shiki was born in Matsuyama, and the city takes intense pride in its literary heritage — a haiku competition held here draws thousands of annual entries from across Japan.
The Shimanami Kaido cycling route, connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime across six Seto Inland Sea islands via dedicated cycling lanes on the expressway bridges, is consistently rated one of the world's top cycling experiences. The 70-kilometer route passes through fishing villages, citrus orchards, and offers constantly changing views of the island-dotted Inland Sea from the bridge approaches.
Featured Spot: Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama is Japan's oldest known hot spring resort, referenced in the Man'yoshu poetry anthology (8th century) and said to have been enjoyed by gods and emperors for over 3,000 years. The Dogo Onsen Honkan, the main bathhouse building completed in 1894, is one of Japan's finest surviving Meiji-period wooden public bathhouse structures — a three-story building with traditional architectural elements including crow-top decorations, believed to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. The inner chambers include the 'Yushinden,' a private bath reserved exclusively for the imperial family, preserved exactly as it was used by Emperor Meiji.
What to Experience
- Bathe in the 3,000-year-old Dogo Onsen Honkan — Japan's most historic hot spring
- Explore Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original surviving castle towers
- Cycle the Shimanami Kaido across Seto Inland Sea bridges and islands
- Taste Ehime's fresh citrus — mikan, iyokan, and bocchan oranges — at roadside stands
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring (late March–April) brings cherry blossoms to Matsuyama Castle's hilltop and comfortable cycling weather on the Shimanami Kaido. Autumn (October–November) is peak citrus harvest season and brings vivid foliage to the mountain areas. Summer offers Inland Sea island exploration and fresh seafood. Dogo Onsen is extraordinary in all seasons — particularly atmospheric on a rainy autumn evening or cold winter morning.