Ehime: Hot Springs, Citrus, and Scenic Mountains – Discover the Healing Power of Western Shikoku
Welcome back to our Hidden Gem Series, where we explore Japan’s most captivating yet often-overlooked destinations. Today, let’s head to Ehime Prefecture, a region rich in hot springs, mountains, castles, and citrus-scented air.
My grandmother’s family on my mother’s side is from Ehime, so I’ve known about this prefecture since I was little. I used to get souvenirs from her—especially local snacks I loved (I’ll share my favorite later!). I hope you enjoy today’s newsletter as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
P.S. If this post sparks your interest in visiting Ehime, don’t miss the next article where I’ll share how to plan a wellness-focused itinerary, exclusively for paid subscribers! It includes local secrets, route suggestions, and wellness tips. 🌿
Who Will Love Ehime?
Onsen Seekers – Rejuvenate in Japan’s oldest hot spring and find hidden baths across the region.
Cyclists & Hikers – Explore scenic routes like the Shimanami Kaidō and the Shikoku Karst.
Food & Citrus Fans – Enjoy Japan’s best mikan, nourishing sea bream rice, and healthy snacks.
Top 7 Experiences in Ehime
1. Dōgo Onsen: Japan’s Oldest and Most Charming Bathhouse 🛁
Said to be over 3,000 years old, Dōgo Onsen is the crown jewel of Ehime. The Honkan’s wooden architecture and steamy atmosphere inspired Spirited Away, and its healing waters continue to soothe locals and travelers alike.
2. Matsuyama Castle: A Fortress in the Sky 🏯
This original hilltop castle offers 360-degree views of the city and sea. You can hike or take a ropeway to the top, where you’ll find not only samurai history but also calm gardens and open space—ideal for mindful walking.
3. Shimanami Kaidō: My Favorite Cycling Route in Japan 🚴♀️
This 70-km island-hopping route connects Ehime to Hiroshima across the Seto Inland Sea—and it’s hands down my favorite cycling course in Japan. My family loves cycling, and riding here together was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. If you enjoy cycling too, let me know in the comments! I’d be happy to write a dedicated newsletter about cycling routes across Japan. Electric bikes are also available for rent in Imabari, making it accessible for all levels.
4. Imabari Towel Museum: Art Meets Texture 🧺
Ehime’s Imabari towels are world-famous for their softness and absorbency. The museum is more than just informative—it’s beautifully curated with textile art exhibits, hands-on workshops, and towel-themed sweets in the café. A unique stop that blends craft, relaxation, and creativity.
5. Yugejima/Yuge Shrine: A Tranquil Island Sanctuary ⛩️
Yuge shrine is the main shrine of Kamijima Town, located on peaceful Yuge Island in the Seto Inland Sea. It’s a quiet, spiritual spot surrounded by sea breeze and forested paths—a perfect place to reset your mind during a cycling or island-hopping trip.
Access is by ferry from Imabari, and the island itself is small and serene, ideal for slow travel and light exploration. If you're craving nature and stillness away from crowds, Yuge Shrine is a hidden gem worth the detour.
6. Shikoku Karst: The Sky Meadow of Ehime ⛰️
Nicknamed the “Swiss Alps of Japan,” the Shikoku Karst is a plateau of rolling green meadows, limestone outcrops, and misty skies. Perfect for star-gazing, picnics, and early morning yoga (yes, some inns offer it!). The clean air and high altitude make it a top wellness retreat.
7. Mt. Ishizuchi: Sacred Peak of Shikoku 🏔️
At 1,982 meters, this is western Japan’s tallest mountain. Considered one of Japan’s seven sacred peaks, it's popular with pilgrims and nature lovers. You can take a ropeway partway up, then hike or meditate in silence at the summit shrine.
Culinary Delights of Ehime
From refreshing fruit to nourishing seafood dishes, Ehime offers food that supports both body and soul.
1. Mikan – The Citrus King of Japan 🍊 (My favorite!!)
![愛媛みかん | みかん大事典 | みかんのことなら「のま果樹園」 [ Produced by 株式会社乃万青果 ]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!DiAf!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fafecc6d1-86be-4b87-a546-083dcb63f930_350x233.jpeg "愛媛みかん | みかん大事典 | みかんのことなら「のま果樹園」 [ Produced by 株式会社乃万青果 ]")
Ehime is Japan’s top producer of mikan (mandarin oranges), and you’ll see them everywhere—from juice stands to onsen bath salts to dessert shops. The flavor is naturally sweet with a hint of tartness, and it's said to boost immune function and reduce stress.
My favorite souvenirs growing up were always mikan-related: mikan mochi, mikan jelly, and dried mikan peel. You can even try mikan curry or soft cream if you're feeling adventurous.
2. Tai Meshi – Sea Bream Rice for the Soul 🐟
Ehime’s iconic local dish, tai meshi (sea bream rice), comes in two versions. In Matsuyama, the sea bream is cooked whole with rice in a clay pot. In Uwajima, it’s served raw, marinated in soy sauce and egg, and poured over warm rice like a donburi.
Both styles are packed with umami and light on the stomach—perfect for a balanced, protein-rich meal after a long walk or hot spring soak.
3. Jakoten – A Healthy Fried Snack 🐟
Jakoten is a deep-fried fish cake made from ground small fish, bones and all—making it a calcium-rich, local snack. It’s chewy, savory, and often served with grated daikon and soy sauce.
You’ll find it everywhere from izakaya to roadside rest stops. It’s one of those snacks that grows on you the more you eat it.
Will You Add Ehime to Your Wellness Travel List?
Ehime is where nature, healing waters, and traditional culture come together to offer a slower, more intentional kind of travel. If you’ve been craving time to reset and reconnect—with yourself, your health, and Japan’s quieter side—this is the place.
✨ If you liked this post, don’t miss the next piece—only for paid subscribers—where I’ll share a complete wellness itinerary for Ehime!
Want to soak up the best of Japan while investing in your health? I also offer Ningen Dock support for travelers looking to include longevity-focused medical screenings in their trips. Read more here.
P.S. This article was inspired by a reader asking for more Shikoku recommendations—thank you! If you have a prefecture or theme you'd like me to cover, please let me know in the comments or replies. I’d love to feature your idea!
Ehime Prefecture looks like an amazing place to explore. It makes me realise how much there is to see in Japan. On my past trips to Japan I have mostly stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto because I am celiac and finding gluten free food is VERY difficult. There are some dedicated restaurants in these cities but when I have ventured further afield I have not had much luck. Perhaps I need to keep working on my Japanese skills and be braver when trying to communicate my needs. I don't cycle but my husband does and I know he'd love Ehime Prefecture so I hope we can get there one day. Thank you for your article. 🙂
Thank you for this article! It only makes me realise that 2 weeks may not be enough to fully explore all treasures that Shikoku has on offer. I would also be interested to read more about Kyushu in the future.