2026 Iyo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)
Real traveler experiences and travel guides for Iyo in March, 2026
In the past 7 days, 2 travel guides for Iyo have been added, helping 627 travelers with their trips
In the past 30 days, 2 travel guides for Iyo have been added, helping 1525 travelers with their trips
Essential Travel Information for Iyo
Iyo Today's weather
Partly cloudy 12-18℃
Iyo weather for the next 2 days
3/29: 14-20℃, 3/30: 11-19℃
All Trip Moments about Iyo | Travel Experiences
Matsuyama Walking Pass! Day 2 Trip to Uchiko, Ozu, and a Hidden Sunset Spot.
Uchiko -> Iyo-Ozu -> ???
The walking pass is cheaper if you purchase it through Klook!!!!!
09:07 JR Matsuyama -> Uchiko via express train
The weather wasn’t too hot, so I decided to walk up to Goshōji Temple. Since I was traveling alone and wanted to save on taxi fare, I walked, but I recommend taking a taxi… 🥲 It was an uphill climb, and I ended up sweating a lot.
Since it was early in the morning, there weren’t many people around, so I could explore comfortably. While walking up, I got tired and took breaks to enjoy the scenery.
Using a Korean coupon, I only visited the Kamihaga Residence. Luckily, I arrived just as other visitors were leaving, so I managed to take photos at the photo spot all by myself! 🥹
Then, due to Google Maps giving me incorrect directions… I ended up taking the wrong train, went back to Matsuyama, and then headed to Iyo-Ozu again.
In Ozu, I only had an hour, and I didn’t realize it was Monday, so many places were closed… ^^… I only managed to see the Sota chair. Next time, Sota-kun… 🥹
After that, I grabbed a quick bite at Kira Bakery and moved on to the hidden sunset spot 🌅
- Goshōji Temple ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Take a taxi… 🥹, May your wishes come true 📿)
- Kamihaga Residence ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (The garden was the highlight of the visit!)
- Kira Bakery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I tried the cheese tart and chestnut bread, and the chestnut bread was delicious!)
Eun DDo
3
[Ehime Travel] The station closest to the sea in Japan
JR Shimonada Station in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
Known as the "closest station to the sea," this scenic spot frequently appears as a filming location for dramas and movies.
With the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before you, sitting on a bench makes you feel as if you're floating on the water. The view is especially beautiful at sunset, when the orange sky and sea blend seamlessly, attracting many visitors for photo opportunities.
Trains run infrequently, so it's important to check the train schedule in advance.
Snapping a photo with the red tourist train, the "Iyonada Monogatari," is also popular.
However, priority is given to passengers on this train when taking photos nearby! Be sure to listen carefully to the explanations given by the station volunteers.
If you're visiting by car, you can use the free parking lot near the station, but please be aware of narrow roads and follow traffic rules.
The tranquil sea and nostalgic station building create a scene straight out of a movie. Be sure to experience it.
▪︎▪︎
📍JR Shimonada Station
Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City
⚠️While it's possible to get there by train, we recommend renting a car.
▪︎▪︎
#JapanTravelGuide #Ehime #ShimonadaStation #DomesticTravel
gigi___st | 渡韓22年目のリアルな旅ログ
8
Healing Journey on the Secret Railway
Check in at Ehime Prefecture's hidden train stations 🚉 A summer healing trip around Iyo City by local railway
This niche railway line is perfect for photography! Looking out the window, you see the Seto Inland Sea, so blue it feels unreal. It's recommended to visit in the morning or evening when the sunlight is gentle and there are fewer people—every shot looks like a scene from a Japanese drama~
📍Recommended itinerary:
Day 1:
🚃 JR Shimonada Station - Known as "the station closest to the sea," the platform faces the Seto Inland Sea directly, offering a stunning view of islands floating on the water. It's best to take the Yosan Line from Matsuyama Station, about a 30-minute one-way trip. The station still preserves a retro wooden station building, especially beautiful at dusk.
🏘️ Iyo-Ozu - Continue west by JR for about 20 minutes. This area retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town. Must-visit spots include Ozu Castle and the old townhouses along the Hiji River, where you can also experience handmade washi paper.
Day 2:
🚞 Uchiko Town - Transfer to the Uchiko Line from Ozu Station for about 15 minutes. The entire old street is a designated important traditional architecture preservation district. The white-walled earthen storehouses in the Yokaichi Gokoku area are especially photogenic. It's recommended to watch a traditional puppet show at Uchikoza Theater and buy local wood wax products as souvenirs.
Return to Shimonada Station in the evening, and don’t forget to buy a bottle of Ehime mikan soda at the shop in front of the station. Sit on the platform bench and watch the sunset to perfectly end this railway journey~
🍊 Food recommendations:
- Tangerine ice cream on Dogo Onsen Street
- Chicken tempura in Ozu
- Tsukudani (preserved food) in Uchiko Town
📸 Photo tips:
1. Wear light-colored clothes at Shimonada Station
2. Uchiko Town is perfect for kimono experiences
3. Preparing a railway pass will be more cost-effective
Harper Vivienne
44
[Matsuyama Travel] Shimonada Station, a train station right in front of the sea 🌊
#JulyTravelSupport #Shimonada #ShimonadaStation
📍ShimonadaStation (下灘駅), Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
📸 A train station famous for being the setting for the anime Spirited Away
The sea next to the train tracks, and the sunset
We arrived at Shimonada Station after a little over an hour on a quiet train from downtown Matsuyama.
The scenery that unfolds as soon as you get off is literally touching.
This scenery where the boundary between the sea and the sky blurs is so romantic that you wonder, “Is this really Japan?”
When I got off the train, the sun was just beginning to set,
🚉 The moment I saw the sea turning red next to the train was a scene I will remember for the rest of my life.
☀️ A spot you must visit on a nice day!
• The wide-open sea right in front of the station! • You can sit on a chair next to the railroad tracks and leisurely enjoy the ocean view.
• When there are few tourists (morning or just before sunset), it feels like your own time.
🚶 How to get there TIP
• JR Matsuyama Station → Shimonada Station (get off)
• Take the old JR Yosan Line train (there are not many trains and they only stop at certain times, so check the timetable!)
• You can use the JR Shikoku Rail Pass!
💬 Overall Review
📸 A great photo spot / 🧘 A place that calms your mind / 🐢 A station where time feels slow
✔️ For those who like taking pictures
✔️ For those who dream of a Japanese emotional train trip, this is a spot I would definitely recommend.
#MatsuyamaTravel #MatsuyamaTravelRecommendation #MatsuyamaSuburbs #It'sTheBest
포포의 여행
6
⚓ Spirited Away motif location!
#HawaiiFlightEvent
🏭 The charm of Wakamatsu Shipyard - Wakamatsu Shipyard, located in Matsuyama, Japan, is known as the background of the Ghibli animation Spirited Away. The retro atmosphere of the old shipyard and the mysterious scenery with the ocean in the background are attractive! (Tip: Access by private vehicle, free admission ⏰)
📍Japan 〒799-3312 Ehime, Iyo, Futamichokushi, 夕やけこやけライン高架付近
📸 The best photo spot - Take a picture with the rusty structure of the shipyard and the ocean in the background! (Tip: Take a picture on a cloudy day to maximize the Ghibli feeling 📷)
🚢 Things to do - Walking around the shipyard, visiting the nearby Wakamatsu History Museum (Admission ¥200). (Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and be careful of slipping 👟)
Crazy in travel
39
Shikoku🇯🇵Japan's most beautiful seaside station🌊Shimonada Station🚆
Starting from Songshan Station, it takes about fifty minutes to reach the most beautiful unmanned train station, Xiatan Station. The buses here cannot use transportation cards, so you have to buy tickets on site!
After getting off the bus, you can take a few photos near the station (there are a lot of people). Walk along the road on the right and you will see a small rocky beach. I went down the stairs toward the beach and after a short walk you can see the railroad tracks. There are three in total. There are fewer people here than at the station, so you can take more photos.
There will be many students sitting together in the car after 3 o'clock. It will be more convenient if you drive yourself.
Weather is a very important factor in travel, only come on sunny days~
Xiatan Station
📍Address: 〒799-3311 3-8 Okubo, Sokai-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
#AprilGoodDestinations2025 #Shikoku #Shikoku #Ehime #ShikokuTravel
namhochong
3
[Ehime Prefecture] 2-day, 1-night trip to Ehime
📍Ehime Prefecture
We spent two days and one night touring Ehime Prefecture.
We planned to fulfill my niece's request to ride the Anpanman train.
However, the hot springs are fun for adults and children alike.
Here are the places we visited.
⚫︎Anpanman train
The train was filled with Anpanman.
The kids were in a good mood and it was a happy memory.
⚫︎Dogo Onsen streetscape
A retro station building that retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era. There are many photo spots such as the "Botchan train" and the clock tower. 📸
A must-see spot for eating and buying souvenirs.
⚫︎Enmanji Temple
Enmanji Temple is located near the main building of Dogo Onsen.
The colorful love luck item "Omusubi ball" is photogenic and cute. ✨
⚫︎Shimonada Station
A popular spot for watching the sunset. 🚉
I learned that it was a filming location for the drama "HERO", so it's a must-see spot for my generation.
The sea just around the corner from the station is a spectacular spot
#Ehime #EhimeTrip #DomesticTrip
#0YenTrip
しおり旅I shiori Trip
22
🌊 Romantic scenery near Shimonada Station & Beach, Matsuyama!
#AustraliaFlightEvent
🏞️ The charm of Shimonada Station - Located about an hour away from Matsuyama by train, Shimonada Station is a small station with the Seto Inland Sea in the background. The scenery of the sea and the train right from the platform gives you the romance of traveling in Japan. (Tip: Recommended to visit during sunset 🌅)📸 Life shot point - Take a picture of the train and the sea together from the station platform. It is also emotional to take a picture of yourself walking along the beach with the waves.
(Tip: Bring a tripod 📷)🌴 Things to do - Take a walk along the beach or enjoy a leisurely time at a nearby cafe. (Tip: Recommended to prepare a simple picnic 🧺)✨ Have a healing time with the sea at Shimonada Station! #ShimonadaStation #MatsuyamaSuburbs #BeachTravel
Crazy in travel
7
Matsuyama, a quiet Japanese small town with an old-fashioned feel
#Overseas travel
🗺️🗺️ 【Travel itinerary】
Day 1: Okaido & Gintengai shopping street
Day 2: Shimonada Station
Day 3: Matsuyama Castle & Dogo Onsen
Day 4: Uchiko & Ozushi
📍📍【Recommended shopping spots】
Okaido & Gintengai shopping street
➡️An indoor street shopping street with famous restaurants, franchises, convenience stores, clothing stores, etc. It is connected to Gintengai shopping street and is connected to the street leading to Matsuyama Castle above, so it is easily accessible.
🥘🥘【Recommended restaurants】
PECO Japanese curry specialty store
➡️A place where I was satisfied with the service, taste, and hygiene. You can add 3 toppings for free, and the kareage is soft and the curry sauce is rich and delicious.
🏠🏠【Recommended hotels】
1.REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotel
➡️A place with great breakfast, well-equipped sauna facilities in the hotel,
and a great location for using the airport tram, etc. It is a place where you can easily access anywhere in Matsuyama. The hotel facilities and services are also very satisfactory, making it the best accommodation for Koreans.
📷📷 【Photo spots】
Kururin Ferris Wheel in front of Iyotetsu Takashima Department Store
➡️A Ferris wheel on the 9th floor of Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store that goes up 85m from the ground and runs for 15 minutes, allowing you to see the city.
Crazy in travel
62
Ehime city walk|Same style as Spirited Away.
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.
xandra_5971
6
[Ehime] Spirited Away🐉A station that looks like it's floating in the sea
The Shimonada Station on the JR Yosan Line is famous for its breathtaking ocean view! It has been a popular spot for filming movies, TV dramas, and commercials. Reminiscent of a scene from Spirited Away, this ocean-view station is incredibly popular among Ghibli fans and railway enthusiasts! The station is unmanned, and you can enter the premises for free. However, please do not step onto the tracks as trains do come through. Access by car is convenient, but parking can be competitive on weekends, so it's recommended to arrive early! 📍Location: Shimonada Station 3-8 Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo-shi, Ehime 799-3311
世界周遊するおチビちゃん
7
The station closest to the sea in Japan🫣🫧 A nostalgic unmanned station🚉🤍💎 [Shimonada Station, Ehime Prefecture]
====📍Shimonada Station Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
🚃Nearest station JR Shikoku Yosan Line, Shimonada Station
🎫No admission fee *If you are boarding, please purchase a ticket to your destination!
🚗Parking available
⏰Recommended visiting time Famous for sunsets🌇
====
Shimonada Station is famous for many titles such as "Japan's closest station to the sea", "Japan's most beautiful unmanned station", and "Japan's most scenic station"😍✨
It is a station where you can see a truly fantastic and beautiful view that has also been used as a poster and movie location☺️🧡🧡
The retro and cute small station building also has a historical atmosphere and was very cute🫶🚉
The platform is a simple design with only a row of benches, reminiscent of the train station that No-Face and Chihiro rode in the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away". 🫣💞
It was an unmanned station and no one was getting on at Shimonada Station, so we were the only ones there, and it felt like we had wandered into another world, like time had stopped, and it was a mysterious atmosphere 💎🕊
The ocean that we could stare at from the bench on the platform was so beautiful that we felt like we wanted to sit there forever ☺️🫧
There is also a truck-type cafe called Shimonada Coffee in front of Shimonada Station, so it is recommended to enjoy the spectacular view with a cup of coffee or juice in hand 🎶
====📍Shimonada Coffee
⏱Business hours [Weekdays] 15:00-18:00 [Saturdays and Sundays] 11:00-18:00 *Closing time may change depending on the weather!
🗓Closed days Irregular holidays *There is a high possibility that we will be closed if it rains!
💰Budget: up to 1000 yen
💳Payment method: Credit cards and electronic payments not accepted❌Cash only⭕️
⚠️Note: This is a take-out only restaurant! *There is an open terrace next to the truck
====
#besttrip2023
#Girls trip
#Domestic travel
#Ehime trip
#Ehime sightseeing
#Ehime
#Photogenic spot
#Breathtaking view spot
ななせ@おでかけ大好きOL
33
[A hidden station you should visit at least once] ~ JR Yosan Line Shimonada Station ~
\\Points//
This is a famous remote station that is always ranked high on the "remote stations you should visit at least once" rankings that are introduced on TV and in magazines. It is located in Iyo City, next to Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture.
It is about 50 minutes by car from Matsuyama Airport. From Matsuyama Station, it is about 50 minutes by train.
The parking lot is small, but there is a place to park. There are not many trains, but a leisurely train trip is also nice.
I visited Shimonada Station several times because I wanted to see it on a sunny day, but unfortunately it was always cloudy or rainy.
Still, it is a beautiful station with a spectacular view, so please visit it! !
Facility name 📍 Shimonada Station
Address 📍 Kushihama, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
#Domestic travel #Tourist train #Railway #Remote station #Photogenic spot #Photogenic #Shimonada Station #Ehime Prefecture #Spectacular view #Spectacular spot #Train trip
ramu*raimu
4
Filming locations for the movie HERO
Shimonada Station is a station on the JR Shikoku Yosan Line in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. It is about an hour by local train from Matsuyama Station, and is an unmanned station characterized by its small, single-story station building.
There is a parking lot right next to the station where you can park several cars.
If that is full, there is a parking lot a little further in, so please use that one♪
The sunset is very beautiful and the sea beyond the platform is also very beautiful. #Hotspring #Amazingview #Shikoku #Shimonada #ShimonadaStation
りんとも
13
We went to a station that is famous in the movie!
🌟 I went to Shimonada Station 🌟
Now I've traveled around Shikoku once‼ ️‼ ️
I went to Shimonada Station, which has been featured in many places, such as blogs, websites, and Instagram☺️
It's about an hour by local train from Matsuyama Station...
On the platform, there's just an old house and a bench😂
It's a place full of uniqueness😏
It's been used as a location for many movies and dramas,
I think it's fair to say that it's now the most famous station in Japan with a view of the sea😏
This time, I was coming from Kochi Prefecture, so I rented a car and went there. Let's take the train someday🚃
It's an unmanned station with trains every 1-2 hours from Matsuyama Station😜
There's no particular time to close, so I made a detour
I went there, but it was a miracle that a train came 5 minutes after I arrived✨
And then 15 minutes later, another train came!
If you think there are a lot of people, that's what I mean😂lol
The weather is so bad that the sea looks a bit hazy
I'm just glad that the typhoon didn't come. 。 。
It's a place that photographers want to go to at least once
I'm not good at taking pictures, so I enjoy it with my own eyes
If you're interested, please go and see it✨✨
#Shikoku #Ehime #ShimonadaStation #AmazingView #Drive
fuga
14
The closest station to the sea in Japan!
I went to Shimonada Station, which is said to be the closest station to the sea in Japan. I drove there without doing any research, and it was a miracle that a train arrived 5 minutes after I arrived🚃
It was a very lucky trip as the weather held despite the rain forecast😎I might be a sunny guy😅
I saw the scenery with my own eyes, which I often saw on location, as a movie set, and on social media😂
#Shimonada #Sunset at Shimonada Station #Amazing view #Shikoku
fuga
26
[Ehime Travel] Japan's most remote station!!
Shimonada Station, an unmanned station with a view of the sea.
Shimonada Station is an unmanned seaside station in Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, which was once known as the "closest station to the sea in Japan." When you stand on the platform, the calm Iyonada Sea spreads out before you.
It is a really tiny station about 50 minutes from Matsuyama Station, but because of its good location, it has been selected three times for the Seishun 18 Ticket poster.
It has been used as a location for many TV dramas, commercials, and movies, and is even introduced in The Best House 123 as "Japan's Best 3 Beautiful Unmanned Stations You'll Want to Get Off at Least Once!"
Please come and experience the excitement! !
#Breathtaking views #Summer trip #Couple trip #Free spot
#Japan Genki Project 2021 #Trip to enjoy spring
#Amazing nature #Breathtaking views #Trip to enjoy spring #Trip with children
YUKI SADAHIRO
25
Shimonada Station (Ehime, Matsuyama)
It is said to be the model for the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away" and is a popular spot. It is about 50 minutes by train from Matsuyama Station, but there are very few trains.
#SupportTourism #AmazingView
你快乐所以我快乐
5
Shimonada Station-Ehime Tourism
Shimonada Station is a small unmanned station that runs along the sea side of Ehime Prefecture.
It's also famous as a filming location for dramas, and it seems to have been the location for "HERO Special Edition" starring Kimura Takuya✨
The sea spreads out in front of the station platform, so it was great to sit on a bench and stare at the sea☺️
I think this is the most famous station close to the sea💡
There is only space for about five cars, so it's recommended to avoid lunchtime and busy times♪
I went there around 3pm, and there was just one space available. 😂
◆Access
Train: 50 minutes from JR Matsuyama Station or local train
Car: 30 minutes from Iyo IC
◆Parking
4-5 spaces
It gets crowded during the day, so it's recommended to go early in the morning
#Shimonada Station#Shimonada#Iyo City#Seaside scenery#Girls' trip#Girls' trip#Want to connect with people who love to travel#Girls who love to travel#Travel lovers#Sunset at Shimonada Station#Aoishi Coast#Umihara Train#Ehime trip#Ehime sightseeing#Ehime girls' trip#My world through the viewfinder#Smartphone photography club#Camera girls#Life with a camera#Photos that make you want to travel #Ehime
#Breathtaking views
A Charming Journey Through Matsuyama, Colored by History and Stunning Scenery
Dogo Onsen is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, loved for its historic buildings and atmospheric streetscape. ♨️✨ The main building, often said to have inspired *Spirited Away*, has a dreamy and uniquely magical atmosphere. 🏮 As you soak in the hot spring, you can enjoy a slow, soothing time that relaxes both body and mind. 😊 There is also a shopping street nearby, where you can enjoy trying local snacks and looking for souvenirs. 🍡🛍️
Shimonada Station is famous as "the station said to be closest to the sea in Japan," and the view of the Seto Inland Sea stretching out right in front of you is simply breathtaking. 🌊🚉 Standing on the platform, you feel almost as if you have become one with the sea. ✨ Especially in the evening, the sky and sea are dyed orange, creating a romantic scene beyond words. 🌅💛
Matsuyama Castle is a historic castle built in the Edo period, and its appearance rising on top of a mountain is truly striking. 🏯🌿 You can go up by ropeway or lift, and from the summit, you can take in a panoramic view of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea. 👀✨ The original keep and stone walls that still remain let you feel Japan’s history and culture, making it a wonderful place to enjoy even just by strolling around. 🚶♂️🍃
kochan77
1
[Ehime, Matsuyama] Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, Shimonada Station
♨️ A retro charm and stunning views tour | 3 must-visit spots in Matsuyama, Ehime
A classic one-day route where you can fully enjoy the essence of Ehime: a hot spring town, breathtaking views from a castle keep, and a station by the sea ✨
⸻
📍 Dogo Onsen (Main Building)
With a history of about 3,000 years, Dogo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan.
It is also the only public bathhouse designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Its preservation and restoration work was completed in 2024, and the entire building is now fully open again ✨
You can now enjoy the “fully restored main building.”
⸻
🛁 Types of baths
・Kami no Yu
👉 The most basic option and recommended for first-time visitors
・Tama no Yu
👉 A calmer atmosphere for a more elevated experience
👑 You can also tour the imperial family’s private bath, Yushinden, depending on the plan
⸻
💰Fees (approx.)
・Kami no Yu (bath only)
👉 ¥700
・Kami no Yu + 2nd-floor seating (recommended)
👉 ¥1,300 (includes yukata + tea and sweets)
・Tama no Yu 2nd-floor seating
👉 ¥2,000 (includes Yushinden tour)
・Tama no Yu 3rd-floor private room
👉 ¥2,500
👉 Enjoy it from ¥700 to ¥2,500
⸻
⏰ 6:00–23:00 (last admission 22:30)
🚃 About a 3–5 minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station
👉 It’s beautiful in the morning, evening, and at night
⸻
📍 Matsuyama Castle
One of Japan’s 12 original surviving castle keeps.
From the castle towering on the mountaintop, you can take in sweeping views of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea 🏯
🏠 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
🚠 Ropeway or lift available
💰 Admission: Adults ¥520
👉 The view from the keep is a must-see
⸻
📍 Shimonada Station
Famous as “the station closest to the sea in Japan.”
It looks equally beautiful under blue skies and at sunset
🏠 Okubo, Futamicho, Iyo, Ehime Prefecture
🚗 Parking available
⸻
🚗 Sample route (recommended order)
① Matsuyama Castle (morning)
↓ (about 5 km / 15 min)
② Dogo Onsen (midday to strolling and hot spring)
↓ (about 30 km / 40–50 min)
③ Shimonada Station
⸻
📊 Trip summary
・Total travel distance: about 35 km
・Total time needed: about 6–8 hours
Main Building
tabi_bura
3
[Ehime] Beautiful train station near the sea, exquisite local cuisine, and more...🐟
Here are some must-see spots if you're going to Ehime!
① Shimonada Station
Shimonada Station, which looks like something out of a movie scene, is one of Japan's leading "unmanned stations with ocean views," offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from the platform. 🚉
Many people sit on the benches with the sea as a backdrop and take photos, and it's especially lively at sunset and when trains arrive. 🌟
There's a parking lot about a 5-10 minute walk away, so access by car is also recommended. 🚙
📍Address: Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
② Hozumi-tei
While "Uwajima Tai-meshi" (sea bream rice) is a famous local dish of Uwajima, and it's available at this restaurant, I tried another specialty dish, the "Tachiuo Chirimen Don" (beltfish and dried sardine rice bowl), which features rolled beltfish. 🍚
The beltfish, wrapped around a skewer, was easy to pick up with chopsticks, making it surprisingly easy to eat. 🥢✨ The sauce had soaked in nicely, making it delicious. 🐟
📍Address: 2-3-8 Shinmachi, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture
(5-minute walk from JR Yosan Line Uwajima Station)
③ Kirinomori Confectionery Workshop Matsuyama Branch
The daifuku (rice cake) made with generous amounts of matcha, filled with smooth bean paste and fresh cream, was absolutely exquisite…! This is a must-try item if you're visiting Matsuyama! 👏🏼
It's so popular that there's always a line at the store, and ordering online means waiting several months! 👑
You can't buy it at the airport, so if you're sightseeing in Matsuyama, we recommend going to buy it first thing in the morning! 🛍️
📍Address: 3-3-1 Ookaido, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
2-4 photos: Shimonada Station
5-6 photos: Hozumi-tei
7-9 photos: Uwajima Rice Museum
10-11 photos: Michi-no-Eki Minato Oasis
12-13 photos: Kirinomori Confectionery Workshop (Kirinomori Daifuku)
#ehime #Ehime #japan #Japan
#domestictravel #JapaneseSightseeing #hiddenphotospots
pudding55
🌅 This isn't romance, it's physics! Capturing the legendary "green light" 🔭 The sun's contact with the horizon.
#January Destinations 2026
Soukai Seaside Park was selected as one of the "100 Best Sunset Spots in Japan," primarily due to its "geographical location."
Facing the unobstructed Iyo-nada, it's an excellent testing ground for observing the "Omega Sun" and the "Green Flash."
When the atmosphere is stable and the air is extremely transparent, the sun, at the moment of impact with the sea surface, will refract light into an Ω shape (Daruma shape). In the final instant before sinking, the red light is absorbed, resulting in a very brief flash of "green light." This is a physical phenomenon caused by atmospheric refractive index. Brother, don't hold hands here; bring a telephoto lens or binoculars, hold your breath, and wait for that optical miracle of a fraction of a second.
📝 Key Observation Points:
1. Horizon: The horizon here is perfectly straight, with no islands obstructing it, making it a standard line for calibrating a level.
2. Golden Path: The long reflections of the setting sun on the sea surface are the sun's trail.
💰 Cost:
• Admission: Free.
WANG GD
A quieter and more enjoyable destination: Matsuyama Goshikihama Beach
📍 Location
• Name: Goshikihama Beach
• Area: Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
🚃 How to Get There
• About 25-30 minutes by car from Matsuyama city center
• By public transport, the most convenient way is to get off at JR Iyo Station and take a taxi
⏰ Hours of Operation
• The beach itself is open year-round
• The official swimming season is usually in summer (July-August), during which safety measures are better managed
🌊 Goshikihama Beach is a small beach located in a quaint seaside village in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. As its name suggests, it features a colorful coastal landscape, but it is not as well-known as large resorts or famous tourist spots.
Instead, it has been primarily used by local residents, so it is well-maintained and equipped with shower facilities and basic amenities. Nowadays, it is becoming known as a hidden gem for travelers who want to quietly enjoy the sea or combine swimming with a leisurely walk.
Behind the beach, the serene scenery of the seaside village continues, and just walking through the town after enjoying the sea naturally slows down the pace of your trip.
💡 Tips for Visitors
• The waves are calm, making it less intimidating for beginner swimmers
• The beach is small, making it suitable for a half-day visit
• There aren’t many convenience stores nearby, so it’s a good idea to prepare drinks in advance
SIANOTES
19
The Happy Yellow Hill in Ehime Prefecture
In spring, the hill is covered with a carpet of rapeseed flowers, and mimosa blooms in full glory. Everywhere you look, it's a sea of yellow, and the delightful scent of rapeseed flowers fills the air, bringing a sense of happiness. 😌
In autumn, cosmos flowers welcome visitors. With Fujibakama planted, Asagimadara butterflies also visit, making this hill a wonderful place that showcases different faces throughout the seasons.
This vast private land is managed by a couple and local residents, and we are grateful to be able to visit such a fantastic place for free.
At the parking area, there are coffee stands and handmade goods shops. There are also goats and an Akita dog as the mascot. 🐕𓃶
The route to the hill is easy to follow. While some parts of the road are narrow, even large vehicles can manage.
【Thanks to the generosity of the owners】
Entrance fee: Free
Parking: 50 spaces (Free)
Dog run: Free
You can also take your dog for a walk on the hill. 🐶 However, as the path involves climbing slopes, pet strollers are not suitable. Please make sure to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash to maintain good manners.
ふくまるくん
Missing the "Iyo-nada Monogatari" Unexpected Surprise
Originally planned to take the Shikoku sightseeing train "Iyo-nada Monogatari" to Iyo-Ozu, but the online tickets sold out instantly as soon as they were released, showing how popular it is. So we switched to the regular Yosan Main Line train. Although it lacked the glamorous atmosphere of the sightseeing train, the carriage was filled with office workers, students, local residents, and travelers, which gave a stronger sense of local life.
The train slowly departed from Matsuyama, heading along the coastline toward Shimonada Station. JR Shimonada Station is a very famous unmanned station in Shikoku, known as "Japan's closest station to the sea." Looking out from the platform, there is the vast Seto Inland Sea stretching endlessly, with the blue sea merging with the horizon, making you feel as if a gentle leap could plunge you into that sparkling ocean. Although it is in a remote location, this tranquility and magnificent scenery have made it a dream destination for many travelers.
After enjoying the beautiful view at Shimonada Station, we spontaneously decided to head to Iyo City, about a 25-minute drive from Matsuyama. This small town is almost at the center of Ehime Prefecture, with a quiet small fishing port along the coast, filled with boats that have just returned to rest. The Goshikihime Seaside Park by the harbor has a soft sandy beach; under the afternoon sun, the sea surface is calm like a mirror, making a stroll there especially pleasant.
Iyo City still retains the quaint Japanese style. It was the weekend, and there was a small market on the street. We also took the opportunity to try the local fried shrimp set meal, which was delicious.
Traveling doesn’t always have to follow a set plan; sometimes those last-minute changes bring unexpectedly wonderful surprises, don’t they?
Grace.Moore^13
A short but intense trip to Matsuyama
#TravelItinerary Matsuyama 2-Night 3-Day Itinerary 🇯🇵♨️
A city filled with hot springs, a castle, and a tranquil Japanese atmosphere✨
Day 1
Arrival at Matsuyama Airport✈️ → Stroll around Dogo Onsen Street♨️
Relieve fatigue with your first hot spring bath at the 100-year-old Dogo Onsen Main Building🛁
In the evening, enjoy yuzu beer and the onsen town atmosphere at the Dogo Shopping Arcade🍺
Day 2
Morning at Matsuyama Castle🏯 Take the ropeway to enjoy the view! Enjoy panoramic city views from the castle 🌇
Recharge with the local specialty "Taimeshi (sea bream rice bowl)" for lunch 🐟
In the afternoon, take the "Botan Onsen Tram" to explore the city's corners 🚋
At night, relax again at Dogo Onsen ♨️
Day 3
After checking out, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a cafe on "Horikawa Street" ☕️
Souvenir shopping and transfer to the airport ✈️
A compact yet fulfilling itinerary, perfect for a relaxing trip filled with hot springs, castle, and food 💛
#MatsuyamaTravel #DogoOnsen #MatsuyamaCastle #Taimeshi #JapanOnsenTravel #ShikokuTravel #JapanTravelItinerary #MatsuyamaRestaurants #TramTravel
mozzi_orzl_
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