Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, is the most populous of the island’s four prefectures, with its capital in Matsuyama City. In ancient times it corresponded to the province of Iyo, and to this day many historical and cultural relics remain. Facing the Seto Inland Sea to the north, Ehime has long maintained close ties with Hiroshima and the Chūgoku region through maritime exchanges, while also connecting by sea with Okayama, Yamaguchi, and Ōita. Geographically, the Sadamisaki Peninsula stretches westward into the sea, acting as a boundary between the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, giving Ehime both the mild character of sheltered waters and the grandeur of the open ocean.

The climate varies by region. Along the Seto Inland Sea, summers are warm with little rainfall, typical of the Seto Inland Sea climate. Water shortages are common, and cities such as Matsuyama often face water-use restrictions in summer. By contrast, the Nanyo region facing the Uwa Sea is affected by the Kuroshio Current, bringing heavier rainfall and a humid climate. In winter, the highlands of Kuma Plateau experience cold weather and even support ski resorts. This sharp north–south contrast gives rise to a wide diversity of agriculture, from citrus orchards to highland vegetables.

Ehime offers abundant historical sites and natural attractions. Dōgo Onsen in Matsuyama is famed as Japan’s oldest hot spring, with references dating back to the Nihon Shoki. Nearby, Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s surviving hilltop castles, commands sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. In Imabari, Ōyamazumi Shrine houses the largest collection of national treasure arms and armor in Japan, known as the guardian shrine of samurai. Traditional townscapes with white-walled storehouses remain preserved in towns like Uchiko and Uwajima, exuding the charm of Edo-period merchant culture.

Ehime’s natural scenery is equally impressive. Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, is both a sacred site and a destination for hikers. The Omogo Gorge in the Kuma Highlands dazzles with clear streams and sheer cliffs. Along the Uwa Sea, the terraced fields of “danbatake” step dramatically down to the water. The Shimanami Kaidō, a series of spectacular bridges linking Shikoku to Honshu via Imabari, is not only a vital transport artery but also one of the world’s most celebrated cycling routes, where riders cross bridges while gazing at the island-dotted beauty of the Inland Sea.

Cultural assets abound, including national treasures such as the Nio Gate of Ishite-ji, Tai-san-ji Main Hall, and Daibō-ji Main Hall in Matsuyama, as well as elegant gardens like Tensha-en in Uwajima and Garyū Sansō in Ōzu. Traditional districts such as Uchiko’s Yōkaichi–Gokoku area, once prosperous from wax production, are designated preservation areas for important historic buildings.

Ehime is also a kingdom of gastronomy. The prefecture is renowned for its citrus fruits—from mikan to iyokan, kanpei, and kiyomi—earning the title “Citrus Kingdom.” In Imabari, yakitori grilled on iron plates has a unique crispness, while in Matsuyama, tai-meshi (sea bream rice) is the signature dish, with two styles: cooked with rice, or eaten raw with egg and soy sauce. In Uwajima, the local Uwajima tai-meshi is a must-try specialty. For sweets, Botchan dango and sponge roll cakes (taruto) are beloved souvenirs of Matsuyama.

Festivals in Ehime are lively and grand. The Matsuyama Festival enlivens the city each summer, while Niihama’s Taiko Festival is among Shikoku’s three great festivals, with massive taiko floats carried in processions. In summer, Uwajima’s Ushi-oni Festival features giant bull-demon floats and spirited parades, expressing the region’s colorful traditions.