Enjoy culture and nature in the unknown countryside of Japan! A one-week itinerary trip to the southern Ehime Prefecture

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The Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture is located in the southern part of the island known as Shikoku, and is a region where traditional Japanese culture and nature still remain strong to this day. With castle towns, merchant towns, and tranquil, beautiful seas and mountains, it is the perfect region ...

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The Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture is recommended for those who want to travel Japan at a leisurely pace. It is a region where nature, such as the sea, mountains, and rivers, coexists with old townscapes and historical heritage. There are also plenty of activities that make use of nature, and you can enjoy long-term stays of a week or more. We hope you enjoy a leisurely trip to the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture.

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Enjoy a leisurely trip to the southern Ehime Prefecture, where you can experience Japanese culture and nature.

The Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy Japan without rushing.

Renting a car is recommended in the Nanyo region!

For this one-week plan, we recommend renting a car.

How to rent a car in Japan. What you need and how much it costs

Days 1-3: Enjoying traditional Japanese streets in Uchiko Town

We recommend that you start your trip in Uchiko Town.

Here are three recommended experiences to enjoy in Uchiko Town!

Historical townscape and woodland

Uchiko Town flourished around 100 to 200 years ago through the production of wood wax.

If you go a little further from the center, you will find traditional Japanese scenery such as rice terraces and watermills.

More information is here

Tenjin Paper Factory Papermaking Experience

If you come to Uchiko, try making washi paper!

Uchiko is one of Japan's leading producers of washi paper.

At the Tenjin Paper Factory in Uchiko, you can take a tour of the traditional Japanese paper-making factory and experience papermaking. The craftsmen will kindly teach you how to make Japanese paper, so even beginners can easily make their own!

Tenjin Paper Factory

Gilding Experience

If you are interested in Uchiko washi paper, try making gilding washi paper !

In recent years, a technique that combines the aforementioned washi paper with gilding , a traditional Western technique, has been gaining attention. Gilding made in Uchiko is made by attaching metal foil to washi paper made in Uchiko, and is characterized by its unique coloring. We sell postcards, posters, and even accessories made with gilding. In addition, in the gilding experience, you can learn about the technique of metal foil and make your own original postcards.

Gilding Experience

Authentic kimono experience

We also recommend trying on a traditional Japanese wedding attire in Uchiko town, where traditional Japanese streetscapes remain.

The "Flower Bride" experience adds color to the town of Uchiko

Days 4-6: Enjoy Japanese castles and gardens in Ozu City

After Uchiko Town, let's go to Ozu City!

Ozu City is a city located next to Uchiko Town.

Here are some recommended spots and experiences to enjoy Ozu!

Walking around Ozu castle town

Ozu city has many tourist spots where you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese architecture, such as Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso.

Ozu Castle was demolished in 1888, but was completely restored in 2004 using wood.

This is rare even in Japan, and there are very few castles that have been restored using wood.

Once inside Ozu Castle, you can enjoy the impressive wooden structure.

One of the ways to enjoy the restored wooden castle tower is to see the view that the lord saw when the castle was built!

Garyu Sanso is a tourist spot in Ozu that was built as a villa by an Ozu trader.

Please enjoy the beauty of Japanese architecture!

Cormorant fishing and boat tours

A river called the Hijikawa flows through Ozu, and people have lived alongside the river.

In addition, in the summer, the "Ozu Castle Town Boat Tour" is now held, where you can take a boat tour of the Hijikawa River.

NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu - Stay in an old house in the castle town

For those looking for a place to stay, we recommend NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Jokamachi !

There are also many activities available exclusively to guests staying at NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town.

NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town Activities List

Days 7-9: Enjoy the traditional Japanese scenery in Seiyo City

From the 7th day, let's head to Seiyo City, where you can relax even more!

Kokemushiro Moss Garden

If you want to experience the tranquility of Japan, you can't go wrong by going to Moss Mat !

Moss Mat is a gallery cafe that beautifully displays traditional Japanese moss.

Kokemushiro(Moss mat)

Karihama terraced fields

In the Karihama area, the stone slopes are filled with rape blossoms in the spring and mandarin oranges in the fall, making it one of Seiyo city's most scenic spots.

Karihama terraced fields

Sea Kayaking

How about sea kayaking in the beautiful waters of Akehama?

Akehama Sea Kayaking Experience

Fishing

Akehama is known as one of the best fishing spots in Japan.

Akehama Fishing Experience

Octopus fishing experience

In Akehama-cho, Seiyo City, you can enjoy a village facing the sea that is reminiscent of the original Japanese landscape.

Octopus fishing experience

Cycling

In Seiyo City, you can rent e-bikes at various locations.

Ride around Seiyo on an E-BIKE!

Akehameru

Akehamare Seaside Park is a tourist exchange hub for Seiyo City, and is equipped with many accommodation facilities, including hot springs, campsites, and restaurants.

Akehama Seaside Sun Park

Days 10-12: Enjoy delicious fish and the beautiful sea in Ainan Town

Ainan Town is located in the southernmost part of Ehime Prefecture.

Cape Koumo

Cape Koumo, located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, is a scenic spot with cliffs over 100 meters high.

Ishigaki Village

In Ishigaki no Sato , houses are built with piled up stone walls to protect them from typhoons and seasonal winds.

Underwater Walk

During the summer, you can enjoy an underwater walk in Ainan Town.

Learn more about Seawalker

Fresh seafood delicacies

Ainan Town is also rich in delicious gourmet food!

[2024 Latest] See this! A complete guide to Ainan Town, the southernmost part of Ehime Prefecture

Day 13 and onwards

This concludes our trip in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture, but from the 13th day onwards, we recommend heading from Ainan Town to Kochi Prefecture!

A summary of popular articles and spots in Kochi Prefecture

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Southern Ehime Escapes

Ehime

The Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture is recommended for those who want to travel Japan at a leisurely pace. It is a region where nature, such as the sea, mountains, and rivers, coexists with old townscapes and historical heritage. There are also plenty of activities that make use of nature, and you can enjoy long-term stays of a week or more. We hope you enjoy a leisurely trip to the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture.

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