[A must-see for those visiting Ainan Town!] How to get to Ainan Town

This article explains how to get to Ainan Town, the southernmost town in Ehime Prefecture, from Matsuyama by public transportation and by car. It also introduces recommended tourist spots in Ainan Town, so be sure to refer to it when you visit Ainan Town.

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Ainan Town Hall

Located in the southernmost part of Shikoku's Ehime Prefecture, Ainan Town is an area blessed with a rich natural environment, including the abundant sea and mountains represented by the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. The climate is warm throughout the year, and you can see coral and tropical fish.

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How to get to Ainan Town

Table of Contents
1. Departure from Matsuyama Airport
2. Head to Nanyo via the castle town of Ozu
3. Discover the sea and nature in Ainan Town
4. Summary

1. Departure from Matsuyama Airport

The journey from Matsuyama Airport to Ainan Town by rental car.

From Matsuyama Airport, the air gateway to Ehime Prefecture, to Ainan Town, the southernmost town in the prefecture, it is about 140 kilometers, a two and a half to three hour drive. Enjoy an elegant drive while feeling the gentle breeze of the Seto Inland Sea.

First, depart from Matsuyama Airport and head towards Matsuyama Station.

Leave Matsuyama Airport and head via Prefectural Route 18 and Sacramento Street.

As you go further, you will see JA Ehime Central Head Office on your right.

Head south on Ekimae-dori (Prefectural Route 19), merge onto National Route 33 using the McDonald's Route 33 Matsuyama Inter store as a landmark, and follow the signs for Matsuyama IC.

From there, take the road that splits into two on the Matsuyama Expressway and head left towards Matsuyama IC.

Once you pass Matsuyama IC and continue on, you will see signs for Uwajima, so follow those signs.

From there, drive on the Uwajima Road.

2. Head to Nanyo via the castle town of Ozu

The highway is lined with idyllic rural scenery and many beautiful mountains. Uchiko Town, located along the way, is known as a popular destination for tourists from outside the prefecture and overseas, as it retains a strong historical atmosphere with its white-walled townscape and Uchiko-za theater.

As you drive along the Uwajima Road, you will come across Ozu IC, so pass through it (approximately 50km).

Ozu City is a beautiful town known as "Little Kyoto of Iyo," and is dotted with relaxing tourist spots such as Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso.

You will pass Uwajima Asahi IC and then Tsushima Takada IC, which will come into view next.

As you head towards Uwajima, the green of the mountains deepens with each tunnel you pass through, and eventually the blue sea opens up before your eyes. Uwajima is the central city of the Nanyo region, and with its warm climate, it is an area where citrus cultivation is thriving.

As you continue, you will see Tsushima Iwamatsu IC, so get off there.

The stretch from Tsushima to Ainan is a spectacular scenic section where the mountains and sea alternate, and you can see the beautiful inlets of the ria coast and small fishing ports from the car window. There are roadside stations along the way, so you can relax and enjoy the natural scenery.

[Price] 1,890 yen

[Time required] Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

After getting off at Tsushima Iwamatsu IC, join National Route 56 and head south along the Uwa Sea. After passing through Tsushima Town, you will arrive in Ainan Town.

You will see a hot spring called Yurari Utsumi and Sunokawa Park on your right, which will be your sign that you have entered Ainan Town.

3. Discover the sea and nature in Ainan Town

Entering Ainan Town, you'll feel the pleasant sea breeze along with the warm climate. In the central Misano area, there are restaurants and eateries where you can savor fresh seafood, including local delicacies such as Ainan red sea bream, Byabiya bonito, and Kura yellowtail.

How to get there by public transport

You can get to JR Uwajima Station from JR Matsuyama Station by train.

In Matsuyama, there are JR Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama City Station, so please be careful not to get confused.

4. Summary

The journey from Matsuyama Airport to Ainan Town is a "great adventure" where you can enjoy Ehime's vast nature and seafood to your heart's content. The changing scenery, starting with the calm skies of the Seto Inland Sea, crossing the mountains, and continuing to the Uwa Sea, is like a picture scroll. Historic townscapes, local cuisine, and magnificent nature. Wherever you look, you will be enveloped in the warmth and kindness that is so characteristic of Ehime.

Experience the warmth of Ehime's nature and people on your journey to Ainan Town.

By express train

(Price) 3,210 yen

(Travel time) Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture) | JR Yosan Line (Matsuyama-Uchiko) | Iyo City/Uwajima area timetable - NAVITIME

Using local trains

(Fee) 2,010 yen

(Travel time) Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes

From JR Uwajima Station, take a bus to Ainan Town.

Bus Center Uwajima → Ainan Town Hall

(Fee) 1,450 yen (Travel time) Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Bus timetable from Uwajima Station to Ipponmatsu (Ainan Town) (Uwajima → Gusukube/Sukumo [via Tsushima Hospital] [Uwajima Bus]) - NAVITIME

Written by

Ainan Town Hall

Ehime

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