2025 Saijo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

[Komatsu Oasis Roadside Station] There is Montbell, famous for outdoor equipment, and inside there are towering bouldering and climbing walls, and even a waterfall👏 You will be surprised at the wide selection of outdoor equipment and clothing✨ There is also an outlet corner on the second floor, making it a must-see spot for Montbell fans⭐️ The visitor center is also located in the center of the first floor. At the Oasis Market, which is typical of a roadside station, you can buy souvenirs from Ehime, mandarin oranges, Imabari towels, and more. From the highway, you first enter Ishizuchiyama SA, and then the road continues for a while, but you can access it from either the northbound or southbound lanes of Ishizuchiyama SA. This roadside station has a large parking lot, a children's playground with authentic athletic equipment, and even a hot spring♨️. Highly recommended♪ 📍Location: 22-29 Shinyashiki, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime Electric vehicle charging facilities available🚗 [Montbell] [Oasis Market] 🕰️Opening hours: 10am-7pm [Visitor Center] 🕰️Opening hours: 9am-7pm #Ehime #Ehime Drive #Ehime Roadside Station #Roadside Station Komatsu Oasis #Spring 0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime] Koenji Temple, 61st of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku The one and only temple that enshrines Koyasu Daishi (Kobo Daishi holding a baby) due to auspicious origins (^ ^) Kobo Daishi is said to have left secret methods for safe childbirth, child rearing, substitutes, and women's enlightenment at the temple. This is why Koenji Temple is called "Koyasu's Kobo Daishi" (^^) And it is said that Koenji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku (574-622) to pray for the peace of mind of the 31st Emperor Yomei's illness. [Location] 19 Minamikawa-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime 799-1102 #0 yen trip

#aprilblooms Visited Chofukuji Temple in spring and was totally enchanted by the beautiful wisteria in full bloom. The purple blossoms hanging down from the trellises created a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. It’s a peaceful spot that’s not too crowded, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll and quiet photo moments. The temple grounds are well-kept, and the contrast between traditional architecture and soft wisteria flowers is just stunning. If you’re in Ehime during spring, this is definitely worth a stop! Why You Should Visit: ✔ Gorgeous wisteria blossoms in a serene setting. ✔ Less crowded than major tourist spots — peaceful and charming. 📍Address: 655 Hojo, Saijo, Ehime 799-1354, Japan #Saijo #Japan #Chofukuji #WisteriaInBloom

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Impressive Torii ⛩️ Mishima Shrine ⛩️ ^ ^ An ancient shrine that was enshrined by the provincial governor Kono Iyonokami Ochi no Sukune Tamaoki and Tamazumi as the general guardian deity of Idego by imperial order in the 5th year of the Wadou era (712) of Emperor Genmei (^^)(^^) Nearby is Koenji Temple, the 61st temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku (^^) I think it's best to visit them as a set (^^)! Please go and check it out (^^)! [Location] 2234 Shinyashiki-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo City [Access] About a 15-minute walk from Iyo-Komatsu Station on the JR Yosan Line. [Parking] 10 spaces available. #0yentravel

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A day-trip hot spring facility inspired by the Asian resort island of Bali! (^^) Just like Bali! ? (^^) A day-trip hot spring facility inspired by the popular Asian resort island of Bali! (^^) Outside the large bath, there is an open-air bath, a hot spring bath, a barrel bath, and a walking bath! The hot spring bath is at a low temperature so you can bathe for as long as you like (^^) Also, while feeling the breeze blowing through, you can relax and heal your mind and body as if you were in Bali! Please go and check it out (^^) #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Shikoku 88 Temples, 62nd Temple, Kannon-in Hojuji Regarding the main hall and Daishi-do, there is a stone monument in front of the gate that reads "Ikoku Ichinomiya Betsudo Hojuji" (^^) There is also a signpost erected by the monk Shinnen in the precincts. The main hall is in front, and the Daishi-do is in the foreground to the right. A gentle wooden bridge spans the main hall. The grounds are spacious (^^) Please come and visit (^^) [Location] 428 Shinyashiki-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime Prefecture, 799-1101 [Access] About 10 minutes from Iyo Komatsu Interchange About 5 minutes by car to Kichijoji, the 63rd temple #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A dining bar that's like a stylish cafe (^^) Every single dish is delicious! The appetizer plate is stylish (^^) The cod roe pasta and duck are recommended (^^) Please come and visit us (^^)(^^)!! ! ! ! ! [Store name] Waltz&de [Location] 679-12 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About 9 minutes on foot from the Iyo-Saijo Station exit About 57 minutes on foot from the Ishizuchiyama Station exit [Business hours] 18:00-1:00 [Closed] Tuesday #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The sea!! A hot spring inn boasting a spectacular view! ♨️(^^) A hot spring inn boasting a spectacular view of the Ishizuchi mountain range, the highest peak in western Japan, and the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea. You can enjoy the water drawn from Hontani Onsen, which is known as one of the "Three Hot Springs of Iyo" along with Dogo and Donkawa Onsen (^ ^) There is also a campsite and a swimming area, so both adults and children can enjoy it! (^^) The most popular season is summer vacation (^^) You're sure to have fun! Please come and visit (^^) [Hotel name] Kyuka Mura Setouchi Toyo [Location] 7-179 Kawarazu Otsu, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

"Teizui's Moss Phlox" Teizui's Moss Phlox is known as a tourist spot in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. Although it is a very beautiful bank now, in the past it was not clean because of the large amount of illegal dumping of garbage. The local people wondered if there was a way to make the bank beautiful, and as a result, they started planting moss phlox. They started working on it around 2010, and the area has expanded little by little every year until it is now as large as it is now. The desire of the local people to beautify the bank has grown into a moss phlox tourist attraction representing Ehime Prefecture. Every year, the local people take care of this magnificent moss phlox by replanting, watering, and weeding. I am filled with gratitude that they do not charge a viewing fee and open it to the public for free. ■Opening hours None ■Address Teizui, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture ■Fee Free ■Parking No #0 yen trip

#aprilblooms If you’re a fan of wisteria, Teishoji Temple in Saijo, Ehime is a hidden gem worth checking out! I visited during spring, and the purple wisteria flowers were in full bloom, draping over the temple grounds like a floral curtain — absolutely magical. The peaceful surroundings and gentle scent in the air made it a super relaxing visit. It’s not a huge tourist spot, which makes it even better if you’re looking to enjoy flowers without the crowds. Plus, the temple has a lovely traditional charm that’s perfect for slow spring strolls and quiet moments. Why You Should Visit: ✔ Stunning wisteria flowers that bloom beautifully in spring. ✔ Peaceful atmosphere away from the busy tourist spots. 📍Address: 47 Kitagawa, Saijo, Ehime 793-0042 #Saijo #Ehime #Japan #TeishojiTemple #WisteriaSeason #SpringInJapan

📍Location: Mt. Tengu in Saijo, Ehime Prefecture. ✨️Recommended reasons: It is connected to Mt. Ishizuchi, and can be accessed from the summit of Mt. Ishizuchi. There are many rocks of various sizes, making it a little difficult to walk. Also, because it is a steep cliff, you need to walk carefully, using chains or something similar. On cloudy days, it is covered in mist, but on sunny days, the sky is completely clear, so you can look down at a fairly low altitude. 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: There is a plaque and a donation box at the summit of Mt. Tengu. #Spring0yentrip #Mountainclimbing

#springwander Mt. Ishizuchi is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan in Ehime Prefecture, which has been familiar as a mountain of mountain faith since ancient times. Along with Mt. Fuji, Hakusan, Tateyama, and Oyama, it is counted as one of the seven sacred mountains in Japan. At the top of Mt. Yayama, in the middle of the slope, and at the foot of the mountain, there is a shrine with Mt. Ishizuchi as a sacred mountain, and the head office of the Ishizuchi Shrine at the foot of the mountain, the Okumiya Summit Shrine at the top of the mountain, the Achievement Shrine on the middle of the slope, and the Tsuchikoya Harubaiden are called "Ishizuchi Shrine".

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Sky Road Leading to Mt. Ishizuchi, the Highest Peak in Western Japan🚗 A town road stretching for about 27km in length with Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan, in the background (^^) The route that runs along the ridge at an altitude of 1,300m to 1,700m is popular as a driving course with a spectacular view that leads to the sky! The road is closed for the winter from late November to early April. In addition, although the road is all paved, it is a single lane and will be crowded during Golden Week and the autumn foliage season, so please be careful when driving (^^) #0 Yen Trip February 2025

📍Binke-mori The summit of Binke-mori, which exudes a stately presence, is a gentle plain, and is covered with magnificent bamboo grass. There are clusters of fir and hemlock trees, and the skeletal forest creates a particularly beautiful landscape, and the natural beauty is worthy of being called the panoramic platform of Shikoku. The summit has two peaks, Meyama and Oyama, and the views are outstanding. In particular, Mt. Ishizuchi can be seen in all its majestic beauty. It takes about an hour to reach the summit from the trailhead at Binke-mori parking lot, and the views are outstanding, so it is a popular mountain for beginners. An refuge hut and toilets were completed at the end of 2017, and are available for use along with the nearby campsite. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Hoshigamori, Yokomine-ji Temple's inner sanctuary If you climb another 500m from the temple grounds, you will reach Hoshigamori, a remote worship site on the west side of Mt. Ishizuchi. It takes a little time, but the unassuming torii gates blend in with the surroundings, and you can enjoy a wonderful view that values ​​the atmosphere. Also, I felt that the photos including the torii gates would be interesting to take home as souvenirs. Yokomine-ji Temple, the 60th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is highly regarded for its well-preserved old roads and the pilgrimage culture itself, including marker stones, Jizo statues, and pilgrim graves. It is a spot where you can enjoy the old road (Yokomine-ji Road) to Hoshigamori. #0 Yen Travel February 2025

📍Autumn leaves on Mt. Ishizuchi The leaves on Mt. Ishizuchi start to change color from the summit in early October, around the summit around the 10th, around Jojusha Shrine from mid-October to around the 20th, and on Nishinokawasuji from late October to mid-November. Mt. Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan, boasting an elevation of 1,982 meters, and is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. On a clear day, you can see the Seto Inland Sea from the summit, as well as the mountains of the Chugoku region and Kyushu in the distance. The best time to see the autumn leaves is around October near the summit, and the colors gradually move to the foothills. From Kumakogen Town, you can use the Ishizuchi Skyline mountain road to access the Tsuchigoya hut at an elevation of 1,492 meters while enjoying the autumn leaves. The feeling of accomplishment from climbing and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves at the same time are the real pleasures of a high-altitude mountain. From the hut, even beginners can climb to the summit in relative safety, and the area near the summit is a spectacular spot to view the red leaves of autumn. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Kanehisa Pond Also known as Ikenouchi Pond, it is located at the foot of a mountain in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea. It is a reservoir built in 1791 for irrigation purposes, and with a storage capacity of 460,000 tons, it is the largest reservoir in the Saijo area. There are parking lots and promenades around it, and it has a great view of the Ishizuchi mountain range, and in spring people come to enjoy cherry blossoms and strolls. It may be a hidden gem that many people don't know about yet. Currently, it is managed by the Dozen Plain Land Improvement District, and is effectively used as a regulating pond for the Omogo Dam. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Ishizuchi Mountain Range The Ishizuchi mountain range is centered around Mt. Ishizuchi and has over a dozen mountains with an elevation of 1,700m or more, stretching over 50km from east to west. The mountains of Shikoku are mainly divided into the Tsurugi Mountains in the east and the Ishizuchi Mountains in the west, and the Ishizuchi Mountains are led by Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, and reach Ninomori, Dogamori, Aotakiyama, and Kuromori Pass in the west. From Kuromori Pass, it forms a mountain range that is high in the east and low in the west, passing through the Saraga Mountain Range and the Izushi Mountains to the Sada Misaki Peninsula. This mountain range, which has nearly 20 mountains over 1,500m, forms the backbone of the Shikoku Mountain Range and is also one of the most representative mountains in western Japan. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Nishiyama Koryuji Temple During the autumn foliage season, the temple is known as "Nishiyama Koryuji Temple of Maple Leaves" because of the stunning scenery that blends in with the surrounding mountains. In spring, the Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom in full glory, and many photographers gather here during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. The temple also has many cultural assets, such as the main hall and bronze bell, and the historic building blends in with nature while exuding a dignified presence. The best time to see the autumn leaves at Nishiyama Koryuji Temple is from mid-November to early December. #Free hotel stay

📍Ushiro no Shomen Dare Established in 1985, this cafe, along with the adjacent karaoke shop run by the owner's father, has long been a popular place of relaxation for locals. It has now become an essential stop for visitors to Saijo City. The recommended menu at Ushiro no Shomen Dare is the "Saijo Teppan Napolitan" (1,580 yen, tax excluded) #Free hotel stay

📍 Kumano Shrine, Ehime Prefecture Kumano Shrine is located in Tanbara-cho, Saijo City. It is not well known outside of the locals, but it is quite amazing! ! What is amazing is that every spring, the area of ​​the mountain where Kumano Shrine is located is dyed as shown in the photo. Yes, this part is a forest of 100% pure cherry blossoms. There is a torii gate at the end of a small path, but Kumano Shrine itself is not a shrine, it is just a torii gate and a small shrine. It is not a very famous place, so there are hardly any people, and it is a secret spot where you feel as if you have wandered into another world in the pale pink space as far as the eye can see! #0 yen trip January 2025

📍Amakawa Rice Terraces, Ehime Prefecture Amakawa village is located in the upper reaches of the Daimyojin River, and in Amagaya in the west, there are 65 rice terraces (2.2ha). In order to protect the rice terraces, which are becoming dilapidated due to the aging of farmers and damage caused by wild animals, local farmers formed the "Amakawa Rice Terrace Preservation Society". They cultivate rapeseed flowers, milk vetch, and cosmos. In addition to the rice terraces where rice is grown, seasonal flowers are blooming in the currently fallow rice terraces, so you can enjoy the collaboration of the rice terraces and seasonal flowers. There is also a handmade observation deck from which you can see the whole of Saijo City beyond the rice terraces. #0yentravelJanuary2025

📍Gourd Pond, Ehime Prefecture Gourd Pond is a small pond located in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. It is famous as a cherry blossom spot and is also known as "Ishida's Gourd Pond". Although it is named "gourd", the outer edge of the pond is mostly straight and far from the roundness of a gourd. On the Internet and social media, you can find voices from people who know Gourd Pond saying, "It's not a gourd at all!" As for its actual shape, if you look at a map or aerial photograph, you can see that the center of the pond is slightly narrowed in the north-south direction. In addition, the northern end is shaped like the "stem" of a gourd, so it may have really been a gourd-shaped in the past. #0 yen trip January 2025

🇯🇵 [Ehime] A Chinese noodle shop with a line along the mountain path 🍜 There is a famous Chinese noodle shop along the mountain path ^ ^ Two types of Chinese noodle and Zaru Chinese (^^) It's like ramen and tsukemen (^^) It's really delicious! You can't eat the Aburi Char Siu Don unless you line up at 1am (^^) See the 4th photo ^ ^ It usually sells out within an hour of opening ^ ^ Chinese noodle is often sold out within business hours as well (^^) Please go and try it (^^) [Location] 702 Kurashikara, Tanbara-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime [Access] Bus stop Takimibashi / 16 minutes walk from Setouchi bus Bus stop Takimibashi / 18 minutes walk from Iyotetsu bus Bus stop Ochide (west side) / 40 minutes walk from Iyotetsu bus [Business hours] 10:20-13:00 #0 yen trip January 2025

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Roadside station! Komatsu Oasis! (^ ^) A roadside station at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan! Komatsu Oasis! OASIS MARKET, which offers fresh vegetables and souvenirs grown with the most abundant water in Shikoku, as well as special products from Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, is popular (^^) In addition to the "Visitor Center" where you can collect mountain information, tourist information, and road information as a base facility for outdoor activities, we have also developed a "Climbing Facility" where you can experience full-scale rope climbing at a height of about 6m (^^) At the "Montbell Store" operated by Montbell, a comprehensive outdoor brand, you can find a wide variety of outdoor products! (^ ^) #0 yen trip January 2025

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A restaurant with the most delicious seafood! Marutomo Fisheries Fresh Fish Market has a wide variety of fresh seafood (^ ^) The seafood bowls are especially popular! There are tables, private rooms, and tatami rooms, so it's safe for families with children (^^) The store also sells takeaway sashimi and delicacies, so you can enjoy shopping at the market while you wait! (^^) Please try the fresh fish (^^) You'll definitely be satisfied (^^) There will be long wait times during Golden Week and public holidays! Please come and visit us ^ ^ [Location] 456-5 Hinoguchi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture #0 Yen Trip January 2025

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Enjoy grape picking 🍇 in the great outdoors (^^) Let's go to Yamasa Farm! (^^) Enjoy grapes in the great outdoors of Tanbara! Enjoy fresh fruits in a relaxing environment! In August and September, you can enjoy grape picking "all-you-can-eat and direct sales" (^^) There are many types of grapes (^^) Shine Muscat! The undisputed king of grapes! Both the texture and aroma are excellent. When fully ripe and slightly yellowish, the sugar content can exceed 20 degrees (^^) And when it comes to grapes, Pione! (^^) Although it has lost the absolute king position to Shine Muscat, it is a popular variety with excellent taste and size (^^) #FritabiWinter

One of Japan's Seven Spirit Mountains, it has been a well-known object of mountain worship since ancient times. Mt. Misen has the highest peak in western Japan, Mt. Tengu-dake, and the Ishizuchi Shrine. Together with the Minami-japonese mountains, they are collectively called Mt. Ishizuchi. There are two hiking trails: the Dokobo Route, which is about 4.6 kilometers long and follows the ridge from Dokobo in Kumakogen Town, and the route that takes the Ishizuchi Mountain Cableway from Saijo City. You can choose the one based on your hiking experience. In addition, the hiking trail of Ishizuchi Mountain also has a chain field where people use chains to climb vertical cliffs, which is rare in the country. There are also many detours that do not pass through the chain course, so you can choose different routes according to your physical strength. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the Seto Inland Sea and Tosa Bay in the distance. When the weather is clear, you can also see the Chugoku Mountains and Kyushu Mountains in the distance. You can enjoy an indescribable sense of accomplishment and beautiful scenery. #ChristmasDestinations2024