There are many castles in Ehime Prefecture that are historically important. Matsuyama Castle, located in the center of Matsuyama City, was built in late 16th century. Twenty-one different parts of the castle, including the castle tower, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Several parts of the castle were destroyed due to fire and war. However, they were restored fully in wood, a practice rarely seen in Japan. You can take a ropeway lift up Mt. Shiroyama (also known as Mt. Katsuyama) to get to the castle at the summit. There is even a mascot character called "Yoshiaki-kun," named after the first castle owner and military commander Yoshiaki Kato (1563-1631). He is very popular among tourists, and you may see him walking around the central square sometimes!

Ozu Castle, located about 50km south of Matsuyama Castle, is a castle overlooking the Hijikawa River, and was built by Japanese feudal lords in the 1300s. The castle tower had been demolished before, but many craftsmen gathered to restore it, using historical references such as 200-year-old maps, models, and photographs. There are about a hundred different souvenirs, including a commemorative stamp, that you can purchase. Plus, once a month, you can watch the open musket practice of the soldiers.

Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. It is even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, the second-oldest book of classical Japanese history, compiled in the 8th century. Since long ago, Dogo Onsen has been widely known, appearing in many anecdotes and ancient stories, including the "Legend of the Shirasagi," which is a story about an injured egret that was healed by bathing in the hot spring.

Hot spring water is beneficial for your health and skincare. Dogo Onsen's alkaline water promotes smoother skin, and flows straight from the source, without any artificial reheating or diluting, which is rare in Japan. There is also a large taiko drum hanging from the ceiling. It is hit three times a day to tell the time, creating an unique atmosphere in Dogo Onsen.

Started in 2019, as part of the "Dogo REBORN Project," construction on the main building of the Dogo Onsen, which is over 125 years old, had begun. This is the first time attempts to preserve and repair the hot spring are being made. It is still open to the public, and artworks by Japan's leading manga artist Osamu Tezuka are currently being displayed there for a limited time. Please come have a look!

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a route of 88 Buddhist temples where the famous monk Kukai (774-835) is said to have once visited. Traveling to all 88 locations is called "Henro," and more than 100,000 people participate annually.

Of the 88 temples, 26 of them (no. 40 to 65) are in Ehime Prefecture. No. 45, Iwaya Temple, is located on a mountain with an altitude of 700m. It is surrounded by rocky mountains and ancient forests, which is rare among the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage destinations. The mystical landscape of strange rocks is believed to have emerged from the seabed about 50 million years ago due to the movement and erosion of the ground. There are also many rock caves located at the huge rocky cliffs behind the main hall of Iwaya Temple, and it is said that many monks practiced sadhana there a long time ago. The entire temple area is designated as a National Scenic Spot.

Another highlight is the 51st temple, Ishite Temple. Six parts of the temple were designated as Important Cultural Properties, including the national treasure "Niomon," the main hall, and the three-storied pagoda. In March 2009, it was awarded a star in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan."

The Saijo Festival is held every October in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. The event is one week long, and features celebrations hosted by four shrines: Isono Shrine, Kamo Shrine, Iwaoka Shrine, and Iizumi Shrine. With a history of over 300 years, the Saijo Festival features more than 150 danjiri (wooden floats) and mikoshi (portable shrines). It is a gorgeous and spectacular tradition beloved by the local people.

The highlight of the festival is the fantastic kawairi (river crossing) ritual during the Isono Shrine Annual Festival on October 16th. About 80 danjiri and mikoshi gather on opposite sides of the Kamo River in the afternoon. Once the sun sets and the lanterns are lit, the people carrying the mikoshi attempt to cross the river, while those carrying the danjiri try to stop them. Eventually, the mikoshi pass through, marking the end of the grand finale to the Saijo Festival. It is an exciting experience that cannot be seen anywhere else!

Another must-see event is the Niihama Taiko Festival in Niihama City, which is also held in October. It is a magnificent festival, and was named one of the top three major festivals in Shikoku, along with the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima Prefecture and Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture.

The climax of the event is the "Kakikurabe," where 54 huge and intricately decorated floats carrying taiko drums parade the city. Groups of men, called kakio, carry the 3-ton floats and compete to see which team is the best at raising and lowering their float to the drum beats. Both the Saijo Festival and the Niihama Taiko Festival are amazing experiences in Japan that you wouldn't want to miss!