3-day/2-night trip for active and healing Ehime/Kagawa course
【Day 1】
Sunrise Itoyama / Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan / Kirosan Observatory Park / Sunrise Itoyama / Towel Museum
【Day 2】
Roadside Station Kazahayanosato Fuwari / Tobe-yaki Togeikan (Tobe Pottery) / Matsuyama Castle Ropeway, Matsuyama Castle, Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping District /
Dōgo Giyaman Glass Museum / Dogo Hot Springs / Dogo Haikara Dori Street (Dogo Shopping Street)
【Day 3】
Kotohiki Park / Takaya Shrine / Shikoku Aquarium
Sunrise Itoyama / Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan / Kirosan Observatory Park / Sunrise Itoyama / Towel Museum
【Day 2】
Roadside Station Kazahayanosato Fuwari / Tobe-yaki Togeikan (Tobe Pottery) / Matsuyama Castle Ropeway, Matsuyama Castle, Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping District /
Dōgo Giyaman Glass Museum / Dogo Hot Springs / Dogo Haikara Dori Street (Dogo Shopping Street)
【Day 3】
Kotohiki Park / Takaya Shrine / Shikoku Aquarium
START
［Day.1］
Approximately 4 hours from Osaka Station by car (via Sanyo Expressway and Nishi-Seto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido))
Approximately 4 hours from Osaka Station by car (via Sanyo Expressway and Nishi-Seto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido))
1
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station
Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and natural surroundings on a ride around the Seto Inland Sea!
Sunrise Itoyama is a cycling terminal at the foot of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. Bicycles are available to rent and this is the perfect starting point for a ride around the inland sea! Riders can use the pedestrian lanes on the connecting bridges while taking in stunning views and the refreshing breezes of the Seto Inland Sea! You will quickly lose track of time on this one-of-a-kind cycling experience. In addition to cycle rental the terminal also offers convenient accommodation for exploring the Shimanami Kaido. The night view from the rooms is mesmerising, especially when the bridge is illuminated.
Approximately 20 minutes by e-bike
2
Rest stop "Roadside Station" Yoshiumi Iki-iki kan
Taste Oshima's seafood with a view of the Kurushima Straits
Located at the foot of the Oshima side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, this roadside station is an ideal rest stop along the Shimanami Kaido. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing seafood barbecue over a charcoal grill while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before them. In addition, the restaurant offers a menu of fresh seafood and locally produced ingredients, and the store sells a variety of vegetables, fresh fish, and specialties from the island, as well as a full lineup of souvenirs. Visitors are welcomed by a huge fish tank in the center of the restaurant, where sea bream, flatfish, and other fish swim peacefully.
Approximately 20 minutes by e-bike
3
Kirosan Observatory Park
The most spectacular view on the Shimanami Kaido
The observatory park is located at the top of Mt. Kiro at the southernmost point of Oshima Island. The view from here is known as the most spectacular on the Shimanami Kaido. On fine days the view extends as far as Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan. In the evenings, views of the sunset and the illuminated Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge are exceptional. The observatory itself is unobtrusively located within the mountaintop and surrounded by trees to preserve the natural landscape. Along with the stunning views, the observatory is also acclaimed for its uniqueness designed by Kengo Kuma, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Of architecture.
Approximately 40 minutes by e-bike
4
Sunrise Itoyama
E-bike return
Approximately 35 minutes by car
5
Towel Museum
A unique amusement venue located in Imabari, the Japan’s largest towel-producing town.
This is the world’s first towel museum dedicated to the art of towel manufacturing. The unique museum has much to offer including displays of intricate traditional towels, works of art made from towels, an exhibition on the towel-making process, and there is even a garden area rich with seasonal beauty. The museum café offers pleasant lunches or afternoon teas and an enticing range of original goods and local products are available in the museum shops.
Approximately 20 minutes by car
6
Imabari City (Lodging)
* The image is for reference only.
［Day.2］
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Imabari City
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Imabari City
7
Rest stop "Roadside Station" Kazahaya no Sato Fuwari
With Mt. Takanawa in the background, this roadside station offers a scenic view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Located in Kazahaya, on the northern edge of Matsuyama City, it enjoys an excellent location facing the verdant countryside at the foot of Mt. Takanawa and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
The open-air market and product sales area sell a wide variety of fresh and safe local fresh foods, processed foods, and specialty products. The market also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals using fresh local fish and vegetables, as well as a snack corner selling popular ice cream, octopus balls, and jakoten (fried fish cake), allowing visitors to enjoy the unique taste of Kazahaya-no-sato.
The open-air market and product sales area sell a wide variety of fresh and safe local fresh foods, processed foods, and specialty products. The market also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals using fresh local fish and vegetables, as well as a snack corner selling popular ice cream, octopus balls, and jakoten (fried fish cake), allowing visitors to enjoy the unique taste of Kazahaya-no-sato.
Approximately 60 minutes by car
8
Tobe-yaki Togeikan (Tobe-ware)
Explore the Tobe-yaki ceramics and make something for yourself to take home.
The Tobe-yaki Togeikan offers an incredible range of ceramics available for purchase as well as hands-on classes and ceramics exhibitions. On the ground floor you will find over 30,000 works from 32 local kiln (ceramist) for display and purchase. Many people come to the Kamadashi markets held here in spring and autumn for a special bargain. On the upper floor you can join the ceramic workshop and try your hand at painting, twisting, and wheel throwing.
Click here to watch the video.
Click here to watch the video.
Approximately 30 minutes by car, followed by lunch (in Matsuyama City)
9
Matsuyama Castle Ropeway
Ropeway to an old castle full of greenery
The top of Matsuyama Castle is 132 meters above sea level.
Although it is possible to climb the castle on foot, a ropeway or lift will take you to the 8th station, making it convenient for families with small children and the elderly.
The lift also allows visitors to experience nature firsthand. The view of downtown Matsuyama from the ropeway or lift while heading to Matsuyama Castle is also exceptional.
Although it is possible to climb the castle on foot, a ropeway or lift will take you to the 8th station, making it convenient for families with small children and the elderly.
The lift also allows visitors to experience nature firsthand. The view of downtown Matsuyama from the ropeway or lift while heading to Matsuyama Castle is also exceptional.
10
Matsuyama Castle
A famous castle of the Setouchi Region
Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: an architectural style where the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain). The towers are all connected to defend the main castle building. The castle is a well-known symbol of Matsuyama and is written about in the prologue of the novel, “Clouds Above the Hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. It has been and will be guarding the city of Matsuyama for centuries!
11
Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping District
Beautiful cityscape based on the concept of “Harmony: Nagomi”
A shopping district on the street leading to the ropeway at the foot of Matsuyama Castle.
In the calm streets of the town, you will find a variety of stylish stores.
Many gourmet stores and souvenir stores are located here, including “tai-meshi” (rice with sea bream), which is representative of Uwajima, and “Imabari Towel,” the leading Ehime brand.
The mandarin orange juice that comes out when you turn on the tap is popular among tourists.
The shopping street is barrier-free and has a relaxed atmosphere.
In the calm streets of the town, you will find a variety of stylish stores.
Many gourmet stores and souvenir stores are located here, including “tai-meshi” (rice with sea bream), which is representative of Uwajima, and “Imabari Towel,” the leading Ehime brand.
The mandarin orange juice that comes out when you turn on the tap is popular among tourists.
The shopping street is barrier-free and has a relaxed atmosphere.
12
Okaido Shopping District
Matsuyama's largest shopping arcade
A huge shopping district surrounded by arcades in the center of Matsuyama City. It is convenient for shopping for souvenirs and dining, with the Matsuyama Mitsukoshi department store, the AEL Matsuyama commercial complex, and numerous restaurants lining the street.
The street is a pedestrian-only street, allowing visitors to walk freely. The ceiling is covered by an arcade, making it comfortable even on rainy or sunny days.
The street is a pedestrian-only street, allowing visitors to walk freely. The ceiling is covered by an arcade, making it comfortable even on rainy or sunny days.
Approximately 10 minutes by car
13
Dogo Onsen (hotel check-in)
* The image is for reference only.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot
14
Dōgo Giyaman Glass Museum
A Treasure Trove of Edo to Taisho Era Glassware
The museum boasts a collection of approximately 300 glass pieces, including the red plate glass of the Shōryūkaku, the symbol of Dogo Onsen Honkan, rare Edo-era giyaman and bīdoro, and precious glassworks from the Meiji and Taisho eras. Visitors can marvel at the delicate and graceful glassworks, which were introduced from the West and polished with traditional Japanese techniques. The museum's garden also features glass and water-based objects such as white heron object and a wine bottle waterfall, which are illuminated at night. The view from the adjoining cafe and dining area is stunning, day or night.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot
15
Dogo Onsen Honkan
A famous Onsen with 3,000 years of history
Dogo Onsen Honkan is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Kojiki and Manyoshu. The main building, a three-storey castle-style wooden structure has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The bathhouse is an iconic feature of Matsuyama in the novel “Botchan” and many other masterpieces of literature and film. After enjoying the smooth hot spring water, put on a Yukata robe, stroll around the local streets full of culture, and get into the spirit of this Onsen town. A new annex “Asuka-no-Yu”, adopting the architectural style of the 6th to 8th centuries, will be opened in September 2017.
As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).
As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).
16
Dogo Haikara Dori Street (Dogo Shopping Street)
Stroll through a retro shopping arcade
This covered shopping street lined with souvenir stores, cafes, and restaurants is a popular destination for buying regional gifts and enjoying local cuisine. It retains the charming atmosphere of the Meiji period (1868–1912), and connects Dogo Onsen Honkan and Dogo Onsen Station. Shops lining the arcade sell regional specialties such as Imabari towels—produced in north-eastern Ehime—and various mikan-based snacks and drinks. The Dogo Tourist Information Center is at the arcade’s south entrance. Also near this entrance are the Botchan Karakuri Clock, which features mechanical performing figures, and a free public foot bath where you can soak your feet in the soothing waters of Dogo Onsen.
［Day.3］
Approximately 100 minutes by car from Dogo Onsen
Approximately 100 minutes by car from Dogo Onsen
17
Kotohiki Park
Kotohiki Park is a scenic spot also included in the Setonaikai National Park.
In the park, there is a large sand painting “Kan'ei Tsuho (Japanese currency of the Edo period)” that imitates the shape of a coin.
Ariake Beach, a 2-km stretch of white sand and green pines with the Seto Inland Sea in the background, is a highlight of the view from the top of Mt.Kotohiki
The park is also home to Kohiki Hachimangu Shrine, Shikoku Sacred Sites No. 68 and 69, Jinne-in Temple and Kan'on-ji Temple, and is dotted with famous historic sites.
➤recommendation
・Huge sand painting：Zenigata Sunae ”Kan’ei Tsuho”
・Kotohiki Hachimangu Festival
・Temple 68, Jinnein
・Temple 69, Kannonji
In the park, there is a large sand painting “Kan'ei Tsuho (Japanese currency of the Edo period)” that imitates the shape of a coin.
Ariake Beach, a 2-km stretch of white sand and green pines with the Seto Inland Sea in the background, is a highlight of the view from the top of Mt.Kotohiki
The park is also home to Kohiki Hachimangu Shrine, Shikoku Sacred Sites No. 68 and 69, Jinne-in Temple and Kan'on-ji Temple, and is dotted with famous historic sites.
➤recommendation
・Huge sand painting：Zenigata Sunae ”Kan’ei Tsuho”
・Kotohiki Hachimangu Festival
・Temple 68, Jinnein
・Temple 69, Kannonji
Approximately 20 minutes by car
18
Takaya Shrine
Spectacular views of the city of Kan’onji and the Seto Inland Sea spread out before your eyes.
Takaya Shrine is also known as 'Inazumi Shrine' or 'Inazumi San'.
The main shrine is located on top of Mt. Inazumi at an altitude of 404 meters, offering a panoramic view of Kanonji City and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
The torii gate of the main shrine is called the 'Tenku no Torii' which means torii gate in the sky, and was selected as one of the '88 places in Shikoku' in 2018.
The main shrine is located on top of Mt. Inazumi at an altitude of 404 meters, offering a panoramic view of Kanonji City and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
The torii gate of the main shrine is called the 'Tenku no Torii' which means torii gate in the sky, and was selected as one of the '88 places in Shikoku' in 2018.
Approximately 60 minutes by car
19
Utazu Town
Lunch: Udon noodles
* The image is for reference only.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
20
Shikoku Aquarium
An aquarium themed “Shikoku Aquascape” located in Kagawa Prefecture, the gateway to Shikoku.
The aquarium not only exhibits the unique underwater world of Shikoku, including the Pacific Ocean, the Seto Inland Sea, and the clear waters of the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers, but also the culture of Shikoku and the environment that exists along with the lives of the people who live there.
[The dolphins are waiting for you at Shikoku Aquarium!]
Shikoku Aquarium is located right next to the Seto Inland, and it is quite well known for its sunset view during autumn.
There will be a session where the breeding staff will explain about the Pacific white-sided dolphins in the dolphin pool with a beautiful sunset view. During that time, the aquarium will also extend its closing hours, From 18:00 to 10 minutes after sunset.
The aquarium not only exhibits the unique underwater world of Shikoku, including the Pacific Ocean, the Seto Inland Sea, and the clear waters of the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers, but also the culture of Shikoku and the environment that exists along with the lives of the people who live there.
[The dolphins are waiting for you at Shikoku Aquarium!]
Shikoku Aquarium is located right next to the Seto Inland, and it is quite well known for its sunset view during autumn.
There will be a session where the breeding staff will explain about the Pacific white-sided dolphins in the dolphin pool with a beautiful sunset view. During that time, the aquarium will also extend its closing hours, From 18:00 to 10 minutes after sunset.
Approximately 3 hours by car (via Seto-Chuo Expressway)
21
JR Osaka Station
GOAL