Ehime
Ehime Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku in Japan, offers a diverse range of experiences for the discerning traveler. Known for its warm, mild climate, Ehime is home to many renowned hot springs, such as those in Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest onsen hot spring resorts in the country. The area is also noted for its abundance of citrus fruit orchards, especially mandarins. With rich cultural heritage sites, like Matsuyama Castle and the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, along with a strong maritime tradition encapsulated by the Seto Inland Sea and Uwajima, Ehime promises both relaxation and adventure.
Access
By Plane:
- Matsuyama Airport is the main airport in Ehime, with domestic flights from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. There are also some international flights from Seoul and Shanghai. From Matsuyama Airport, it’s approximately a 15-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute bus ride to central Matsuyama.
By Train:
- Shikoku Railway (JR Shikoku) connects Ehime with other parts of Shikoku and the main island, Honshu. The limited express Shiokaze train runs from Okayama to Matsuyama in about 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Bus:
- Express Bus services connect Matsuyama to other major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto. These bus journeys can be quite long (approx 10-12 hours from Tokyo to Matsuyama) but are a more economical option.
By Ferry:
- Ferries connect Matsuyama with Hiroshima, Beppu, and several other cities on the Seto Inland Sea. The journey from Hiroshima to Matsuyama takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by fast ferry and around 4 hours by car ferry.
Please note that times and services may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information before planning your trip.