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

When talking about traveling in Japan, we often think of Tokyo or Osaka first. Little is known about Ehime, the tranquility of Ehime amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo While others are wandering around popular places🚶we have walked through the streets and seaside of Ehime, leisurely savoring its unique Japanese style~ - 📍Destination: Ehime, Shikoku, Japan ✈️Transportation: Airplane (transfer to Songshan Airport) - [Guide to check-in at tourist spots] ❶Xiatan Station Spirited Away Holy Land Seaside Station🚉 Tourists come here admiringly The stop signs and station seats are the points where the film is released. Opposite is the blue sea, just take a photo and it becomes the wallpaper ❷The same maritime railway track from "Spirited Away" 10 minutes walk from Xiatan Station Walk down the path🛤️ You can see the romantic maritime railway track Feel like you are in an animation and feel the unique atmosphere ❸Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Cycling resort Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi 🚴 The scenery of the cross-island bridge is quite spectacular, with a panoramic view of the sea🌊 You can rent bicycles at SHIMANAMI It takes about 5 minutes to ride to the bridge, which is very convenient🌉 ❹Guilaoshan Outlook Park The best time to go is in the evening on a sunny day Drive/cycle to the parking lot and then walk to the top You can see the beautiful sunset over the Seto Inland Sea🌅 ❺Orange juice comes out of the tap Songshan has a particularly interesting experience Orange juice comes directly from the tap here! Different faucets correspond to different flavors🍊 There are more than ten flavors 👅 fresh and delicious ❻Dogo Hot Spring There is a long history here. You can enjoy the hot springs and relax. The surrounding buildings are antique🍃There are general shops and exclusive private rooms upstairs (extra charge required) Tips: There are still private rooms reserved for the royal family for visiting (the walls are covered with gold foil) ❼Towel Museum The towels inside range from traditional to creative designs, which is dizzying. The production process is also shown, and the Moomin towel exhibition is great for making movies. ❽Starbucks Dogo Onsen Station Store The architectural style of this house is very distinctive Taking the photo from a distance, it feels like a movie location There is a commercial street next to it, so you can go shopping~ ❾Wolong Villa There is also a quiet place called "Wolong Villa" in Ehime, Japan. Stepping into the Japanese-style garden, the wind blows through the green bamboos. Sitting on the ground under the pavilion, sipping fragrant tea, looking up, the beautiful scenery in the courtyard is picturesque, and time seems to have stopped, with only the fragrance of tea and tranquility remaining.

Imabari Castle, located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Fukiage Castle and is a symbol of Imabari. It was built by Todo Takatora, who was known as a master castle builder, and its triple moat draws in seawater and makes good use of nature, making it one of Japan's three great water castles. 🏯 In addition, drawing seawater into the moat allows ships to enter the castle directly from the sea, making it easy to transport cargo. 🚣 Although cargo is no longer transported by boat, you can see black porgy and sharks swimming in the moat🐟 Of course, the castle is cool, but it's also fun to look into the moat and look for fish in the sea🏯 📍#Imabari Castle 📍Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 794-0036 📍🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍From Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Bus "To Imabari Office" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Imabari Castle Mae" #DomesticTrip #Imabari #CastleTour #CastleTour #Castle #ShikokuTrip #Shikoku #TodoTakatora #Mizuki #Mizuki

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art! I went to the Imabari Toyo Ito Architecture Museum, one of the art museums scattered around the island. This is an art museum that exhibits the architectural works of famous architect Toyo Ito. All of the original and unique architectural works were worth seeing! Access: 2418 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art. There are art museums scattered around the island where you can enjoy art works. About 30 pieces are on display, including works by famous international artists such as Giacomo Manzu and other domestic artists. At the back of the museum, there is a terrace with a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea✨ Access: 2362-3 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Oyamazumi Shrine in Omishima, Ehime Prefecture ⛩ This is a spot you can't miss if you go to Omishima! Inside the shrine grounds, there is a magnificent sacred tree that is over 2600 years old 🌲 It is a power spot. Oyamazumi Shrine is located near the center of Omishima, so it is easy to access. I visited the shrine early in the morning while taking a morning walk ♪ Access: 3327 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture #Remote Island Tourism #Shimanami Kaido #Omishima #Ehime

When I went to Omishima on the Shimanami Kaido and was wondering where to have dinner, I came across "Kitsune no Botan" which was highly recommended by the hotel staff and the shopkeepers in town❣️ I really wanted to go, so I went there😋 This izakaya has a very interesting menu of creative dishes, and the food is delicious! ! ✨ The restaurant is run by a married couple, and their conversation was wonderful, and you could tell how close they are. Access: 5512 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #RemoteIslandTourism #ShimanamiKaido #Omishima #Ehime

I was finally able to visit the Imabari Towel Museum, which I had seen in a guidebook and was curious about. ✨ Imabari City is where the highest quality towels in Japan are manufactured. I can understand if it's a towel museum, but an art museum? At first I couldn't imagine it, but after coming here I was convinced! It is truly an art museum. First, there is an introduction to the Imabari towel manufacturing process, then there are paintings of popular characters such as Moomin made from towels, Hawaiian quilts, and art made entirely from towels. There are many cute exhibits, so I think it's a spot that girls will love❣️ After the tour, there is a souvenir corner with a wide variety of Imabari towels. If you come to Imabari, please stop by☺️ 📍2930 Asakura Kamiko, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #EhimeTourism #GirlsTrip #trip2022

I went to Imabari on a business trip! I wanted to do some sightseeing in the city! I finished my business early, so I went to Imabari Castle, the symbol of Imabari 🏯 Imabari Castle is easily accessible from the major hotels in the city! I managed to get there just 30 minutes before closing time and ran up about 140 steps lol (unfortunately there is no elevator) The inside of the castle tower is a museum, and many items of historical value are on display. I finished the main tour safely within the time limit, and when I looked at the moat, I saw that it was not a carp but a sea bream swimming there 👀 It is unique to Imabari Castle, which is connected to the sea. I was given some bread crusts by a local auntie, and it was my first experience feeding sea bream. Thank you to the auntie for this opportunity ❣️ 📍 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #breathtakingview #castle #ehimetourism #trip2022

Oyamazumi Shrine stands tall on Omishima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. I discovered it on a detour while cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. I visited just as the emperor was changing, and a religious ceremony was being held there, creating a very solemn atmosphere. By the way, it is located in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, so you can access it by car or bicycle. There are quite a few ups and downs, but if you're in good shape, it's best to go by bicycle!! #Shrine #Breathtaking views

Kirosan Observation Park is located on Oshima Island, which is connected to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture by the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. The spectacular view from this observation deck is said to be the best on the Shimanami Kaido, and you're sure to be impressed not only during the day, but also at sunset and at night. A 360-degree panorama opens up, overlooking the Kurushima Strait, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Imabari City, and even the Ishizuchi mountain range if the weather is good. Kirosan Observation Deck, a spectacular spot, was designed by Kengo Kuma, and is worth seeing as an architectural work, attracting many tourists. Please come and visit! ! #Spectacular views #Couple trip #Summer trip #Ehime #Trip to enjoy spring #Free spot #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Summer trip #Spectacular views #Trip to enjoy spring

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A holy place for cyclists! (^^) The miraculous combination of a land suitable for cycling and a large-scale bicycle road has created a "holy place"! (^^) There are monuments to the holy place for cyclists and a monument to travel around Shikoku, so many cyclists visit 🚴 [Address] 9180-2 Iguchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture [Access] Bus stop Omishima BS / About 3 minutes on foot from Setouchi Bus Bus stop Omishima BS / About 4 minutes on foot from Setouchi Kotsu Bus stop Iguchi Port / About 23 minutes on foot from Setouchi Kotsu #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Pray for recovery from illness and eradication of epidemics! Gion Shrine⛩️ The origin of Gion Shrine dates back to 869, when an epidemic spread across the country, and Emperor Seiwa instructed the shrine to welcome the spirit of Susanoo-no-Mikoto from Gion, Kyoto, and pray for protection from the epidemic (^^) Originally, this shrine was founded as "Suga Shrine", but after the spirit of Susanoo-no-Mikoto was enshrined, it was newly rebuilt as "Gion Shrine"! ^ - ^ Gion Shrine was later enshrined together with "Mishima Shrine" located in the former Toriu Village, and became affectionately known as "Gion-san" by local people. Even today, the Gion Festival, held on June 14th of the lunar calendar, attracts many worshippers who pray for recovery from illness and the elimination of epidemics. Please come and see it! [Location] 1-1-63 Gion-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Let's go to Anaba Shrine, the "God of Longevity" (^^)⛩️ This shrine has been affectionately called "Ana-ba-san" since ancient times (^^) This shrine was enshrined from Anaba Shrine on Omishima Island (^^) The enshrined deity, Iwanagahime-no-Okami, is the eldest daughter of the main deity, Oyamazumi-no-Okami, and is a very long-lived and prosperous goddess. She is a goddess with great virtue as the "god of longevity" and "god of prosperity". There is no end to people who come to worship from far away. Please go and check it out ^ ^ [Location] 3-6-1 Betsumiya-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About a 10-minute walk from Imabari Station [Parking] Available. 8 spaces 🚗 #0 yen trip

This shrine is known as the "main shrine of Japan" and has over 10,000 branch shrines throughout the country (^^) In the center of the grounds sits a sacred tree, a large camphor tree that is about 2,600 years old. The group of camphor trees within the shrine is the oldest group of camphor trees in Japan's primeval forest, and was designated a national natural monument in 1951! (^^) [Location] 3327 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture, 794-1393 [Access] 60 minutes by bus from JR Imabari Station. Take the express bus to Omishima and get off at "Oyamazumi Shrine-mae", then walk for 1 minute 15 minutes by car from Shimanami Kaido, Omishima IC #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Mishima Roadside Station! Lots of specialty products! (^^) "Mishima Roadside Station" is located next to Oyamazumi Shrine, and has a corner selling many specialty products from Oshima! (^^) In addition, there are shower rooms for cyclists to take a break, and rental bicycles are also available (^^) The information corner provides information not only about Omishima, but also about the surrounding area of ​​the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Please go and check it out (^^) [Location] 3260 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

"Kaizan Park" "Kaizan Park" on Hakata Island in Imabari City is a popular spot where many people visit every year for cherry blossom viewing. This is Setonaikai National Park, about a 10-minute drive from "Hakatajima IC" on the Shimanami Kaido. There are about 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted in the park, and when they are in full bloom, the mountaintop is covered in pink cherry blossoms. It seems that many cyclists also visit, so it might be a good idea to go there by bicycle. ■Opening hours: 24 hours ■Address: Ikata, Hakata-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ■Fee: Free ■Parking: Free for 150 cars #0 yen trip

In Imabari City, the 'Fujiyama Health and Culture Park' becomes a prime viewing spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms every early March. The cherry blossoms bloom along the hills near the 'Cherry Blossom Garden.' This is a breezy location, so after the peak season, you might be able to enjoy beautiful cherry blossom petals falling like snow. In the 'Cherry Blossom Garden' area, Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted around Minamawari Pond, creating a stunning reflection of the blossoms on the water. The branches stretch out to cover the walking paths, giving you the feeling of walking through a cherry blossom tunnel. ■ Hours: Open 24 hours ■ Address: 579-1 Miyawaki Otsu, Onishi Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ■ Admission: Free ■ Parking: Free parking available

"Osumi Coast Park" Every year, beautiful Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom in Osumi Coast Park in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture! From the observation deck, you can see the collaboration of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the Kawazu cherry blossoms. Some cherry blossom viewers come from outside the prefecture to see this view. The charm of this place is that you can enjoy a luxurious and special view where you can see the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea, and the cherry blossoms. ■Opening hours: 24 hours ■Address: 893-1 Namikata Otsu, Namikata-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ■Fee: Free ■Parking: Free #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The curry is the best! Epoch (^^) This is a curry restaurant that was renovated from a mountain house (^^) It's great to be able to taste limited-edition curry and various curries (^^) During the Christmas season, you can eat Christmas tree curry (^^) The spice curry is like a medicinal dish, and it's delicious enough to enjoy the goodness of spices to the fullest (^^) [Store name] Curry shop CAFE Epoch [Location] 354-2 Tatsuokakami, Tamagawa-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime [Access] Bus stop Tatsuoka / About 28 minutes on foot from Setouchi bus #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Imabari International Hotel (^^) Shikoku's landmark tower with a view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge (^^) This hotel offers facilities such as an open-air hot spring bath, a large bath, and a pool (^^) The hotel also has an Imabari towel shop, so you can buy the famous Imabari towels (^^) #0 yen travel

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A 30-year-old takoyaki shop! "Takomasa" 🐙 A long-established takoyaki shop that puts all its effort into one type of takoyaki (^^) It is characterized by a sweet sauce and mayonnaise! It is a little different from other takoyaki, and uses an original dough mix, and the soft and fluffy texture with cabbage, which is rare for takoyaki, is irresistible! It comes with pickled radish as a side dish! This takoyaki shop is so popular that people from the neighborhood, as well as neighboring cities, Matsuyama, and Hiroshima, visit! Reservations are recommended as it gets crowded on weekends. [Location] 2-5-3 Sakurai, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About 17 minutes on foot from the Iyo Sakurai Station exit About 45 minutes on foot from the Iyo Tomita Station exit #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Take a break from your travels in the village of Lake Tamagawa! (^^) Located on the banks of Tamagawa Dam (Lake Tamagawa/Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture), we sell local specialties delivered daily by local producers, as well as dango and warabimochi hand-made in the store! How about taking a break from your travels? (^^) Please come and visit us! ^ ^ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Holidays: Every Monday and December 29th-January 3rd Tour time: 30 minutes Location: 18-1 Tatsuoka Shimo Otsu, Tamagawa-cho, Imabari City Parking: Yes (50 spaces) / Free #0 yen trip

Today's photo spot is 🌊Seto Inland Sea is located in the inland sea between Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu in Japan. It is famous for its calm sea, dotted islands and beautiful natural scenery. There is also a great cycling route - Shimanami Kaido, connecting Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Climb from the second largest bridge in Laijima Strait to the Turtle Mountain Observation Deck This route is one of the highlights of the Shimami Seaway, with crazy beautiful scenery and the relaxing atmosphere of the Seto Inland Sea: 1. The second largest bridge in Lai Island Strait - At the start, we stepped onto the second largest bridge in the Island Strait, which is over 1.6 kilometers long and is one of the few cross-sea bridges in the world that can be crossed by bicycle. - Looking out from the bridge, you can see the blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea, the boats passing by, and the nearby islands. 2. Coastal section of Oshima (Ohshima) - After crossing the bridge you will enter the Big Island, where the coastal bike path is flat and comfortable, flanked by fishing villages and citrus fields, full of countryside. - Halfway through the rest stop "Sunset Beach", you can stop for a cup of coffee, see the sea view, chill! 3. Kameyama Lookout - The last section is the slope up Turtle Mountain, although a little steep, but definitely worth it after the summit! - The Kusan Observation Deck offers a 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea, especially at sunset, the whole sea is shining with golden light, and you can also see the panoramic view of the Toshima Strait Bridge. 💡Tips - Bicycles can be rented from Taito or Imabari, and some car shops even support return of bicycles in other places, which is super convenient! - It is recommended to ride in the early morning or dusk to avoid the scorching sun and watch the sunrise/sunset. - There are supply stations and Cafés along the way, so be sure to try the local citrus juices and seafood snacks! If you like cycling and seeing stunning sea views, the Seto Inland Sea's "Shimami Seaway" is definitely a must-see in your life! 🚴♂️🌊

Located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, on Japan's Shikoku Island, Imabari Castle is a unique water castle surrounded by seawater. Built by the feudal lord Todo Takatora during the early Edo period, it is one of Japan's three major water castles and is truly distinctive! 📍Highlights and Attractions Impressive Moat💦 The entire castle is surrounded by seawater, which used to connect directly to the Seto Inland Sea. This clever design was intended for defense against enemies. Today, the moat remains stunning, offering picturesque reflections of the castle for photography enthusiasts! 📍Reconstructed Tenshukaku⛩ The original castle keep (Tenshukaku) no longer exists, and the current one is a replica. Inside, you'll find a museum showcasing samurai armor, weapons, and historical artifacts, giving off a strong Sengoku-era vibe! 📍Sturdy Stone Walls🪨 The castle's stone walls are remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the advanced construction techniques of the time. You can even walk on them to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere. 📍View of the Seto Inland Sea🌊 From the top floor of the Tenshukaku, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Imabari City and the Seto Inland Sea. The scenery is especially breathtaking during sunset! 💡Tips - Transportation: It's about a 15-minute walk from Imabari Station, or you can take a bus. ⏰Opening Hours: Usually from 9 AM to 5 PM (a small admission fee is required). If you're visiting Shikoku, Imabari Castle is definitely worth a stop for photography, sightseeing, and soaking in the history!📸✨

As autumn arrives, Jodoji Temple, located in Shinnyo Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, quietly gains popularity as a hidden gem for viewing autumn foliage. Stepping into the temple grounds, you'll be greeted by trees painted in vibrant shades of red and yellow, creating a serene atmosphere that feels as if time has slowed down. The contrast between the moss-covered stone steps and the old tiled roofs adds to the beauty, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts! One of the highlights of Jodoji Temple is its lack of over-commercialization, which means fewer crowds and the chance to enjoy the autumn scenery at your own pace. The morning's crisp air enhances the beauty of the leaves, while the soft afternoon light enveloping the temple grounds offers a unique charm. Take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the tranquil autumn ambiance. 📍Basic Information (Check the official website for the latest updates) ✴︎ Address: 3 Shinnyo Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ✴︎ Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Imabari Station / About 30 minutes on foot ✴︎ Admission: Free ✴︎ Visiting Hours: No specific hours (Morning to late afternoon is recommended) If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist spots and savor the quiet beauty of autumn, this is the perfect healing destination for you.

#Spring0yentrip Imabari Castle was impressive for its unique structure surrounded by the sea. Seawater really flows into the moat, and I was a little surprised when I saw fish swimming in it. When I climbed up to the castle tower, I could see the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Imabari all around, and the sea breeze felt good. The exhibition room introduced the history of Imabari and the castle's builder, Todo Takatora, and although it was small, it was full of content. Walking around the area, I could see the beauty of the stone walls and the width of the moat, and there was a sense of openness that only a sea castle can have. It's a tourist spot, but it wasn't too crowded, so I was able to take a leisurely stroll. It's also within walking distance of the city center, so it's easy to access. It was a pleasant castle with a good balance of history and scenery.

#Spring0yenTrip I visited Oyamazumi Shrine while traveling along the Shimanami Kaido, and was impressed by the atmosphere of the shrine, which seemed to be quietly nestled in the tranquility of the island. The grounds are very spacious, and a large camphor tree said to be 2,600 years old stands tall, with a presence that makes you look up. Surrounded by trees, the air is cool and clear, and I felt my mind calm. This is an old shrine dedicated to the god of the sea, and the treasure museum on the grounds displays many armors and swords donated by military commanders, making it a great space for history lovers. There were few tourists, so I was able to worship quietly, and it was a rare place where I could feel both nature and history in the relaxed time that is unique to the island.

2025.4.3 Visit Kaizan Park, located near the top of Mount Kaizan on Hakata Island, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Every spring, the entire mountain is covered in blooming cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino cherry trees and about 1,000 other cherry trees. The parking lots are all flat, there are several of them, and there are also toilets, which is very convenient. There is traffic control during the cherry blossom season (point A for going up the mountain, point B for going down the mountain). There are clear signboards at the entrance and exit, and there are traffic personnel directing along the way, so there is no need to worry about taking the wrong road. There is a small oden shop on the top of the mountain, which smells super delicious~ But I didn’t buy any because I had just finished lunch when I visited. Sitting under the cherry blossom trees, enjoying the breeze and looking at the Seto Inland Sea in the distance, it is very comfortable and leisurely. There is also a wooden observatory on the top of the mountain, from where you can see the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, the three bridges across these islands, and the Shikoku Mountains and the Chugoku Mountains. When I visited that day, the blue sky and white clouds matched the light blue water, which was really beautiful. It is said that the lanterns for viewing cherry blossoms at night are also very beautiful. Generally, early to mid-April is the best time to view Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. 📍Address: Ikata, Hakata-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Average Consumption: Free🆓 💞Recommended reason: Lots of parking lots🅿️ Cherry blossoms are in full bloom 🗓️Itinerary: Kaishan Park》Eat barbecue and ice cream at the rest stop🍦 #2025樱花 #March2025 #Japan #Hot Springs #Travel #Ehime #Imabari #Hot Spring