Top Ehime Prefecture Culture

Known as the “Haiku Capital,” Matsuyama is the birthplace of Masaoka Shiki, who redefined haiku as a form of modern literature, laid the foundations of contemporary haiku, and gave it the name “haiku.” The city is also the cradle of haiku innovation. It is home to many sites associated with renowned poets, including the hermitage where Santōka Taneda spent his final years, making Matsuyama truly the spiritual home of haiku. In Matsuyama, haiku is deeply woven into everyday life and urban culture and is actively shared both within Japan and internationally, making the city a uniquely important source of modern haiku culture. Drawing inspiration from seasonal landscapes and historic settings, participants compose, share, and receive commentary on English-language haiku. Guided by an English haiku instructor, the program is designed to engage all five senses, allowing participants to experience both the depth of haiku and the rich charm of Matsuyama.

Experience History Through Sound: Explore the Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama Castle has long been a beloved symbol of the city for the local community. Our audio guide reveals fascinating details you might have missed, designed to spark your curiosity. You'll feel transported to the past as Ninja guides you through the experience. Why Choose Our Guide? ✅ Engaging Insights – Discover the Castle's rich history in a simple, captivating way. ✅ Ultimate Convenience – Use your smartphone to explore at your own pace. ✅ Deeper Connection – Gain local knowledge for a truly memorable visit. Same-day reservations: Email sent within 30 min. Future reservations: The URL and password will be sent via email the day before. The closing day ・The third Wednesday in December The opening hour vary depending on the season. Please check the official website for updates. Please note: An entrance fee of 520 JPY which is not included in the price of the audio guide is required.

This is a private day tour in Matsuyama for shore excursion travelers! There are a couple of options that one of would fit your needs! Visit the Japanese ancient historical places! Depends on the time limit, we can arrange sightseeing area with our guide and we have options to fit you as much as we can. Tour Options are mainly divided into "Public transportation Plan" and "Private car Plan". Feel free to let us know your request!

Located at the foot of the Shikoku Karst, the Iwayagawa Gorge is a breathtaking canyon featuring a striking landscape of sharply split, massive boulders. The sight of water pouring vigorously from the crevices of these giant rocks and the crystal-clear pools are truly magnificent! Visitors can enjoy fresh greenery in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn while walking along the trail maintained as a prefectural park. After the hike, the program offers a chance to roast tea and taste "Irimochi," a traditional local tea sweet, providing a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals..

Start walking from Dogo Onsen Station and visit some famous spots for good fortune. While leisurely walking, think of a memorable word you like that will be made into an original Sake label later. How about a word related to Matsuyama such as Dogo, Shikoku, or Henro (pilgrimage) ? Or, it might be interesting to write your name in Chinese characters with the assistance of an English-speaking local guide. The word will be used to make an original Sake label at the Minakuchi Shuzo brewery, the only Sake brewery in Dogo. You can also enjoy tasting various Sake samples available for purchase in the store.

Explore the rich hot-spring culture of Dōgo Onsen on this guided walking tour that unveils the town's historical significance and vibrant community traditions. Discover how this celebrated spa town evolved into a beloved destination through storytelling and local pride, starting from the iconic Botchan Karakuri Clock. The tour includes a visit to the serene Isaniwa Shrine, where you'll learn about purification rituals, before observing the architectural beauty of the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a National Important Cultural Property. Conclude your journey with a stroll through the shopping street, sampling local snacks and comfort foods that embody the essence of this unique onsen community. - Guided walking tour through Japan's famed hot-spring town - Visit Isaniwa Shrine and learn about purification rituals - Explore the iconic Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a cultural landmark - Sample local treats while strolling through Dōgo's vibrant shopping area

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Matsuyama's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle with a government-licensed multilingual guide! Discover the warm charm of Matsuyama, the largest city on Shikoku island. Ride the ropeway up to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original surviving castles, with sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Soak in the timeless atmosphere of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, whose wooden bathhouse is said to have inspired Spirited Away. With a private vehicle, explore at your own pace. Visit historic Ishite-ji Temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage, see the beloved retro Botchan Train, stroll the lively Okaido arcade, and admire the vermilion Isaniwa Shrine and the European-style Bansuiso villa. With a fully customizable itinerary and a knowledgeable local guide, this private tour is a relaxed, enriching way to experience the best of Matsuyama at your own pace.

The menu features original recipes developed under the supervision of a registered dietitian with 20 years of experience in government agencies. Through dishes such as “Matsuyama Thai Rice,” “Soy Sauce Mochi,” and “Matcha Tea Ceremony,” this experience allows you to fully enjoy Ehime’s local cuisine and Japanese food culture. We will carefully explain each ingredient used. You’ll watch a demonstration by a professional chef, and the steps are simple enough for even children and beginners to follow, so you can participate with confidence. We accommodate food allergies and vegan diets. Aprons are provided, so you can come empty-handed.

Known as the “Haiku Capital,” Matsuyama is the birthplace of Masaoka Shiki, who redefined haiku as a form of modern literature, laid the foundations of contemporary haiku, and gave it the name “haiku.” The city is also the cradle of haiku innovation. It is home to many sites associated with renowned poets, including the hermitage where Santōka Taneda spent his final years, making Matsuyama truly the spiritual home of haiku. In Matsuyama, haiku is deeply woven into everyday life and urban culture and is actively shared both within Japan and internationally, making the city a uniquely important source of modern haiku culture. Drawing inspiration from seasonal landscapes and historic settings, participants compose, share, and receive commentary on English-language haiku. Guided by an English haiku instructor, the program is designed to engage all five senses, allowing participants to experience both the depth of haiku and the rich charm of Matsuyama.

The experience takes place in Dogo Onsen—one of Japan's oldest hot springs This hot spring town, with a history spanning roughly 3,000 years, offers a mesmerizing, otherworldly Japanese atmosphere—so much so that it has even inspired anime settings. Within a compact 500m² area, you'll find magnificent Japanese architecture, narrow alleys perfect for hidden explorations, and a lively arcade lined with souvenir shops, ideal for a food stroll. The entire town exudes a timeless ambiance, making it the perfect place to wander in a kimono while discovering countless picturesque scenes.

This experience allows you to discover the profound charm of Japanese tea and traditional Japanese confectionery. A photography service is also available. Take a stroll through Matsuyama Castle, where you can feel the breath of history, and the historic castle town, carrying a bento box filled with handmade Japanese sweets. Listen to the tranquility of Shinonome Shrine and take a moment to reflect on the words engraved on the haiku monument dedicated to Shiki Masaoka. This experience begins with a stroll enveloped in the scent of literature and culture. It is not merely sightseeing, but a journey of discovery connected to everyday life. In a cozy, welcoming space where you can truly feel the essence of Japan, you can explore the depths of Japanese tea and wagashi. While enjoying the process of learning how to brew sencha using a teapot and making mochi sweets, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Ehime’s tea and local wagashi. We accommodate guests with food allergies and vegans.

This is a unique guided tour, you get not only to know about special charcoals that used for Japanese tea ceremony, to see how it lit and used, and unite with the craftsman. ■At a charcoal kiln in the mountain area of Uchiko, the craftsman tells you how he makes charcoals and how it affects to the sustainable life in mountain area. ■visit mysterious Yuge shrine, the symbol of Ishidatami district. There is a big pond in front of the shrine, and you get walk on a beautiful bridge with roof to visit the shine. ■ Have a relax time with a cup of locally roasted coffee and local made bread. The tea-ceremony charcoal will be used to boil water for the coffee and warm up the bread. Enjoy chatting with the craftsman.

Are you looking for a hands-on and local immersion experience unlike any other? On this tour, you will also have the unique opportunity to partake in a 200-year-old tradition by learning how to make Japanese candles known as Warosoku. Unlike the dipped candles of the West, Uchiko Warosoku are created by hand using a centuries-old technique that you can learn from a master! Once you have completed your very own Warosoku, you can enjoy a peaceful and intimate tea time of matcha and local sweets with the 7th-generation head craftsman. With a highly educated and friendly guide, you’re guided through a beautiful and well-preserved historical district. As you make your way to a Japanese Candle workshop that has been in operation for 7 generations, you will learn all about the history of this one-of-a-kind historic district. This tour is the perfect mix of history, craft, and local immersion that you will never forget.

The number of vacant houses in Ozu City is increasing as its population declines, making it difficult to maintain the townscape and old buildings. To preserve valuable regional culture for future generations and protect the town’s identity, Ozu City has focused on the restoration and utilization of old, abandoned residences and historic buildings. On this tour, you will learn about the current struggles in the old district and its revitalization efforts. ・The movie will show the overview of the pre-revitalized Ozu. ・A special visit to architectures before or under construction ・Viewing of Revitalized Historical Architectures A special visit to a hotel and shops in olden houses ・Interactoin with local Residents Interact with locais and business owners involved in revitalization of the Ozu castle-town

Cycle through a river side road of Uchiko's Washi(Japanese handmade paper) heritage. This immersive washi cycling tour connects you with local artisans while you create one-of-a-kind treasures to take home. ◆ Washi Papermaking & Book Binding at a Local Workshop Work alongside skilled craftspeople to create your own handmade washi sheet. Then craft a unique handbound notebook using your paper as the cover—yours alone. ◆ Discover Hidden Origami Vending Machine A quirky vending machine dispensing miniature origami and paper crafts, showcasing how washi culture weaves into everyday life. ◆ Enjoy Kite Museum Explore traditional Japanese kites (tako) intricately crafted from washi paper. Learn how this durable material has been essential to kite-making for centuries. Enjoy scenic cycling through Uchiko's historic streetscapes and traditional architecture between stops. *Local-guided private tour: exclusive to you Enjoy “Real Japan” at a lovely river side town.

The perfect plan for those wishing to sightsee efficiently within limited time! Experience making traditional Japanese fans at the Ikarashi Kite Museum, which displays a wide range of materials centred on traditional kites from various regions and kites collected from around the world. Afterwards, stroll along the “Hachikōji and Gokoku Townscape” stretching approximately 600 metres along the Konpira Kaidō road. The residences of wealthy merchants, where traditional culture endures, remain preserved as they were in their heyday. Enjoy the lingering atmosphere, featuring earthen walls plastered with local clay and traditional plasterwork. Furthermore, experience Uchiko's artistic culture in the dressing rooms of an authentic, purely Japanese-style theatre building, which has continued since the Taisho era.

Discover Uchiko’s deep artisanal culture. Experience the world’s only "Gilded Washi"—adding modern brilliance to ancient paper—and visit a prestigious 300-year-old brewery. This private taxi tour is the perfect cultural transfer between Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen. Enjoy rare Japanese mastery while traveling in comfort. ◆Authentic Two Washi Arts At Ikazaki Shachu, hand-make traditional washi paper and decorate a washi card with rare gilding art found only here. ◆Award-Winning Sake Tasting Enjoy Chiyonokame Brewery for premium sake, recognized nationally for excellence and its 300-year heritage. ◆Flexible luggage-friendly Transfer Pick-up at Matsuyama with drop-off at Dogo Onsen or return to starting point. ◆Included Services English brochures and basic driver assistance provided. ◆Upgrades Professional English Guide: For deep cultural storytelling. Special Lunch: Local delicacies grilled over a traditional open hearth (Irori). ※Can see options' detail when check availability.

-Real and high quality wedding kimono wearing experience. You can choose your favorite one from 10 deferent colors and patterns to wear. -The dressing room is located right by the Yokaichi & Gokoku historic street where we shoot photographs. -A Donation will be make to the local preservation party from the profit of this activity.

This private tour is designed for travelers arriving in Matsuyama by cruise ship. We will pick you up at Matsuyama Port or hotels near the port and explore the city with a government-licensed, experienced multilingual guide and a private vehicle. Matsuyama, the largest city in Shikoku, is famous for Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve surviving original castles, and for Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest and most celebrated hot springs in the country. Over this relaxed 6-hour tour, your guide introduces both the historic and modern sides of this charming castle town in Ehime. Together you can choose 2-3 sites from your itinerary list, such as Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen Honkan, Ishite-ji Temple and the retro Dogo hot spring district with its Botchan steam train and lively shopping arcade. Because the tour is fully private and customizable, the day is built entirely around your interests, with no crowds and no rushing.

Dogo Hot Spring , which is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, is also on the route of the pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, where many pilgrims heal the fatigue of their journey and enjoy historical and cultural sightseeing. This programme allows visitors to experience local history and pilgrimage culture while walking with a guide along the surrounding pilgrimage routes, which are generally not well known to the public. Within walking distance of Dogo Onsen is the 51st temple Ishite-ji Temple, which has many cultural assets and has been awarded a Michelin star. You can learn the etiquette of pilgrimage and history and culture of temples. Along the walking pilgrimage route, there is a nature trail that climbs up a small mountain and passes through a bamboo forest, which you would not expect to find in the city, and an ancient shrine, Isaniwa Shrine, which located on a hill overlooking Dogo Hot Spring, making you to feel nature and history in a compact area.

Discover Matsuyama, the warm-hearted castle town of Ehime, on a relaxed private day tour with your own government-licensed English-speaking guide and a private vehicle. Travelling at your own pace, you skip crowded buses and timetables and focus on what you most want to see. Stand beneath Matsuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles left in Japan, with sweeping views over the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Soak up the timeless atmosphere of Dogo Onsen, one of the country's oldest hot springs, whose historic bathhouse is said to have inspired the film Spirited Away. Visit the National-Treasure temple of Ishite-ji, the vivid Isaniwa Shrine, the elegant Taisho-era villa of Bansuiso, and stroll the lively Dogo Haikara arcade with its retro Botchan Train. With a private guide and vehicle, the itinerary is flexible and fully customisable. Your guide shares the history, culture and local food of Ehime and helps with photos and tips, for an easy and memorable day in Matsuyama.

The Ultimate Photogenic Kimono Package: This private tour takes you to Ehime's most photogenic spots via private taxi. Explore an award-winning historic villa, Insta-famous seaside station etc. in traditional attire. After kimono dressing, our taxi connects distant locations directly, without disrupting your attire. As Shimonada Station has limited train access, this private taxi package is essential for a stress-free visit. ◆Garyu Sanso Villa: Hidden Masterpiece Awarded Stars by a World Top Travel Guide A century-old National Important Cultural Property. Its traditional architectual design and beautiful garden offers perfect harmony with kimono. ◆Shimonada Station: Viral Seaside Station Photograph at this iconic spot famous for dramatic sea views. The Best Part: Rare, authentic kimono photography against this backdrop makes your photos truly unique. ◆Futami Roadside Station & Seaside Park: Final stop for rest and local souvenirs. *Summer: Yukata (lighter kimono) provided."

Discover the hidden magic of rural Shikoku on this immersive day tour through a secluded village nestled within Niyodogawa town. Celebrated for its sweeping springtime cherry blossoms, dramatic autumn gorges, and the vibrant Akiba Festival in February, this remote community offers a rare glimpse into ancient Japanese traditions. Guests will walk the historic festival path to the local shrine, feast on Kochi’s traditional sawachi platter cuisine inside a beautifully preserved heritage home, and connect directly with local festival keepers. The journey concludes with a peaceful visit to a spectacular hillside tea plantation and a relaxing break for fragrant, artisan green tea and local sweets at a charming tea farmer’s restaurant.