(image source: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious on Flickr)

#1 Mikans

Mikans are tiny oranges that has a wonderful sweet taste and they are a signature of the prefecture. Even if you visit Ehime off Mikan season, you could still find many mikan flavoured sweets, drinks, and even perfumes.

(Image source: Yoshikazu TAKADA on Flickr)

#2 Matsuyama Castle

Located at the top of Mt.Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of the 12 remaining Japanese castles that survived till now without reconstruction. This beautiful castle has a magnificent view of the city whilst being surrounded by gorgeous castle grounds. If you visit during Hanami season, you’ll be able to experience this area in pink thanks to all the cherry trees!

(Image source: Wei-Te Wong on Flickr)

#3 Dogo Onsen

This is a very famous tourist spot in Japan as it’s a large bath house made in the emperor’s honor. You can bath, relax, and eat when you are there but the royal quarters are only accessible via tour. Additionally, this building was also an inspiration for the highly successful anime film, Spirited Away.

(Image source: lienyuan lee on Wikimedia Commons)

#4 Dogo Haikara Dori Street (Shopping Street)

Thanks to the fame of Dogo Onsen, the street nearby it is able to bloom too. On this street, you’ll find many fun shops with souvenir and treats showcasing Ehime as well as the traditional side of Japan. There’s a shop dedicated to Studio Ghibli merchandise specially for Spirited Away fans who come here after visiting the famous Dogo Onsen.

(Image source: Reggaeman on Wikimedia Commons)

#5 Uwajima Castle

This used to be where the Date family ruled over the surrounding lands and this castle had also escaped the Edo period’s purge thanks to it being off track as it rests atop a hill at the centre of Uwajima. This compact castle includes museum that showcase rickshaws, traditional tools, and festival paraphernalia from the Edo period.

(Image source: Japan Travel) 

#6 Mt. Ishizuchi

Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest mountain in western Japan with an altitude of 1982m and it’s a popular destination for hikers. You can choose to take a cable car half way up the mountain or choose to climb your way up. The cool part about climbing your way up is the opportunity to visit the sacred shrines along the way. The 4 shrines start with Ishizuzhi shrine at the base of the mountain, the Jouju shrine and Tsuchigoya shrine are located in the middle, while the 2^nd Ishizuchi shrine is located at the peak of the mountain.

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