My trip in Ehime
Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwest quarter of Shikoku, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
With easy access via Matsuyama Airport from Osaka and Tokyo, and the stunning Shimanami Kaido connecting it to Hiroshima through a chain of islands in the Seto Inland Sea, getting there is a breeze.
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit, and I completely fell in love with the prefecture. Honestly, why hadn’t I gone sooner?!
The moment I arrived at Matsuyama Airport, I was greeted by a cute dog mascot—an adorable start to my adventure!
… I think it’s a dog, right?
Ehime is famous for its mandarins, and believe it or not, there are places where you can get fresh orange juice straight from a tap! How unique is that? If you want to experience this, I highly recommend visiting the Smiley Ehime Office Souvenir Shop. They offer it for just 150 yen—cheaper than anywhere else! Plus, you can browse for souvenirs and chat with the friendly staff. They’re more than happy to give you restaurant recommendations and tourist tips, and don’t worry—there’s always someone who can speak English.
This tap is at Matsuyama airport
Right near the shop, you’ll find the magnificent Matsuyama Castle, a must-visit spot. Taking the ski lift up to the castle is an experience in itself, and once you arrive, you’ll be amazed by its clever design. Built as a fortress to protect against enemies, the castle feels like a maze, with winding paths, hidden doors, and strategic walls for defense. If you love architecture and history, you’ll find it fascinating. Even if that’s not your thing, the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking—you can see all of Matsuyama City and even the sparkling Seto Inland Sea.
Due to the hot weather, I was unable to go up but next time I will
While Ehime isn’t as well-known as Tokyo or Kyoto, it’s full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. I didn’t get the chance to explore the entire prefecture—there’s just so much to see! But if I ever get another chance, I’d love to go back. In fact, I loved Ehime so much that I decided to create special experiences and services for visitors through this website. You can now book unique activities in Ehime via my website and social media platforms, making it easier to discover the best the prefecture has to offer. If you ever visit, I’d love to hear about your trip—and maybe even help you plan it! Trust me, you won’t regret exploring Ehime.