[Ipponmatsu, Ainan Town] The southernmost point of the southernmost point

• Table of Contents
• Ipponmatsu, Ainan Town, Minamiuwa District, Ehime Prefecture - A Visit to the "Original Landscape of Japan"
• A hidden travel destination at the southernmost tip of Shikoku
• The seasonal scenery woven by nature
• Ipponmatsu, a "treasure trove of food"
• Experience the lives and culture of the people
• A "small" but important place

Ipponmatsu, Ainan Town, Minamiuwa District, Ehime Prefecture - A Visit to the "Original Landscape of Japan"

Ainan Town is located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. Among its attractions, the Ipponmatsu district quietly stirs the hearts of visitors as a place where mountains, rivers, and people's lives coexist in harmony. Ipponmatsu, located at the southernmost tip of Ainan Town, is a place where the "primitive landscape" that has been nurtured over the years lives on, and where "time flows slowly" that cannot be experienced in the city.

A hidden travel destination at the southernmost tip of Shikoku

Ipponmatsu is the "southern gateway to Shikoku," about two and a half hours by car from Matsuyama and accessible from Kochi. Unlike big cities bustling with tourists, it doesn't receive many visitors yet. That's why travelers can experience "authentic country life" and "the simple, warm, unspoiled scenery of Japan" here.

While it has a history of thriving through forestry and tourism, it is still home to abundant nature and the lives of its people, with rice paddies and fields changing with the seasons. The air, a step away from the city, will provide visitors with a "rest of the soul."

The seasonal scenery woven by nature

One of the charms of Ipponmatsu is undoubtedly the nature that changes with the seasons.

In spring, Akebono azaleas bloom on the slopes of the Satoyama mountain area, welcoming travelers along with the calm sea in the distance.

In summer, the mountains are enveloped in lush greenery and the rice fields sparkle. You can also see families enjoying swimming in the river and fishing.

In autumn, golden rice ears sway in the wind, and citrus fields awaiting harvest color the mountainside.

The lone pine tree conveys the changing of the seasons in its original form, something that can no longer be felt in the city.

Ipponmatsu, a "treasure trove of food"

Ipponmatsu is also known as a "treasure trove of food."

The roadside station is packed with vegetables and fruits lovingly grown by local farmers, and is bustling with customers every day.

The sea that stretches out in front of Ipponmatsu is a treasure trove of seafood blessed by the Kuroshio Current. Dishes made with fresh seafood, such as red sea bream, yellowtail, oysters, and pearl scallops, can be enjoyed at local restaurants and inns. The fish landed at the fishing port of Fukaura are particularly fresh, allowing you to enjoy a culinary experience that you would never find in the city.

Experience the lives and culture of the people

The joys of a trip to Ipponmatsu aren't just the nature and food. Here, people live close to each other. When travelers walk down the street, locals will ask, "Where are you from?" Such warm interactions are a part of everyday life in this town.

The region also continues to hold traditional events and festivals, and depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to see drumming and dancing up close. These are not staged events for tourists, but rather cultures that have been preserved by the local people as part of their daily lives. It is this simplicity that touches the hearts of travelers.

In Ipponmatsu, you can experience the local lifestyle firsthand by staying at traditional inns and guesthouses. Locally picked wild vegetables are served for breakfast, and when you open the window, you can enjoy the view of the countryside and tranquil rural towns. This time is truly a "mental detox."

A "small" but important place

The people of Ainan often say, "It's just Ainan, but what's important is love." There are no special tourist facilities or flashy townscapes. However, this town has "warmth of people," "abundant nature," and "unchanging daily life."

Ipponmatsu may become like a "second home" for those who visit.

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience a relaxing trip to Ipponmatsu, home to majestic mountains and laid-back people?