Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県)
Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) is located in the Shikoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Matsuyama and primary transport gateway at Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ). Spanning 20 cities, towns, and villages, Ehime is renowned for Dogo Onsen Honkan (3,000-year-old bathhouse that inspired Spirited Away) & hilltop Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido cycling terminus at Imabari, and preserved Edo wax-merchant streets of Uchiko & Ozu.
| Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Shikoku · Capital: Matsuyama |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) |
| Municipalities Covered | 20 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Matsuyama (松山市), Imabari (今治市), Niihama (新居浜市), Saijō (西条市), Shikokuchūō (四国中央市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Tai-meshi (sea bream rice—steamed whole in Matsuyama or raw sashimi over rice with egg in Uwajima), Jakoten (fried whole-fish cakes), Ehime mikan & citrus juices (literally on tap!), Imabari yakitori (seared on flat iron plates) |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Ehime Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Matsuyama or planning regional day trips from Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ), these top municipalities in Ehime Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Matsuyama (松山市) — Core city (pop. 515,068, 429.03 km²) served by Matsuyama Station (1.6 km); key local sights include Matsuyama Castle (1.4 km), Sa-shima (6.4 km), Kuro-saki (8.5 km).
- Imabari (今治市) — City (pop. 170,986, 419.85 km²) served by Imabari Station (今治駅) (0.6 km); key local sights include Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, opened in 2011., Imabari Castle (0.7 km), Chikami Mountain (3.3 km).
- Niihama (新居浜市) — City (pop. 123,329, 234.30 km²) served by Niihama Station (新居浜駅) (2.3 km); key local sights include Habu-saki (4.6 km), Ō-shima (8.1 km), Nishi-akaishi Mountain (12.0 km).
- Saijō (西条市) — City (pop. 112,543, 509.05 km²) served by Iyo Saijō Station (伊予西条駅) (0.6 km); key local sights include Koheichi Jima (13.9 km), Habu-saki (15.4 km), Kamega-mori (14.9 km).
- Shikokuchūō (四国中央市) — City (pop. 91,688, 420.10 km²) served by Iyo Mishima Station (伊予三島駅) (0.8 km); key local sights include Suiha Mine (4.7 km), Ōtani Yama (9.4 km), Kanami Yama (10.0 km).
- Uwajima (宇和島市) — City (pop. 86,819, 469.52 km²) served by Uwajima Station (宇和島駅) (1.1 km); key local sights include Ryūkō-ji, 41st temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Butsumoku-ji, 42nd temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Kushima (4.4 km).
How to get to Ehime Prefecture
2h 40m from Okayama Station on the JR Shiokaze Limited Express (stopping at Imabari), or 1h 25m flight from Tokyo Haneda. Once at Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 20 municipalities in Ehime. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Ehime
When visiting cities across Ehime, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Tai-meshi (sea bream rice—steamed whole in Matsuyama or raw sashimi over rice with egg in Uwajima) — regional culinary specialty across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県).
- Jakoten (fried whole-fish cakes) — regional culinary specialty across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県).
- Ehime mikan & citrus juices (literally on tap!) — regional culinary specialty across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県).
- Imabari yakitori (seared on flat iron plates) — regional culinary specialty across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県).
Best time to visit Ehime
March–May and September–November for cycling the Shimanami Kaido into Imabari and strolling Dogo Onsen in a cotton yukata.
All 20 cities & municipalities in Ehime Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsuyama 松山市 | Core city | 515,068 | 429.03 km² | City guide → |
| Niihama 新居浜市 | City | 123,329 | 234.30 km² | City guide → |
| Shikokuchūō 四国中央市 | City | 91,688 | 420.10 km² | City guide → |
| Seiyo 西予市 | City | 43,476 | 514.79 km² | City guide → |
| Tōon 東温市 | City | 35,517 | 211.45 km² | City guide → |
| Saijō 西条市 | City | 112,543 | 509.05 km² | City guide → |
| Ōzu 大洲市 | City | 49,543 | 432.20 km² | City guide → |
| Imabari 今治市 | City | 170,986 | 419.85 km² | City guide → |
| Yawatahama 八幡浜市 | City | 40,010 | 132.98 km² | City guide → |
| Iyo 伊予市 | City | 38,890 | 194.47 km² | City guide → |
| Uwajima 宇和島市 | City | 86,819 | 469.52 km² | City guide → |
| Matsuno 松野町 | Town (町) | 4,322 | 98.45 km² | City guide → |
| Ikata 伊方町 | Town (町) | 12,500 | 93.98 km² | City guide → |
| Uchiko 内子町 | Town (町) | 18,046 | 299.43 km² | City guide → |
| Tobe 砥部町 | Town (町) | 21,382 | 101.59 km² | City guide → |
| Ainan 愛南町 | Town (町) | 24,027 | 238.99 km² | City guide → |
| Kumakōgen 久万高原町 | Town (町) | 9,572 | 583.69 km² | City guide → |
| Kamijima 上島町 | Town (町) | 7,450 | 30.38 km² | City guide → |
| Kihoku 鬼北町 | Town (町) | 11,393 | 241.88 km² | City guide → |
| Masaki 松前町 | Town (町) | 31,168 | 20.41 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県)?
Top highlights across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) in Japan's Shikoku region include Dogo Onsen Honkan (3,000-year-old bathhouse that inspired Spirited Away) & hilltop Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido cycling terminus at Imabari, and preserved Edo wax-merchant streets of Uchiko & Ozu. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Ehime include Matsuyama (松山市), Imabari (今治市), Niihama (新居浜市), Saijō (西条市), Shikokuchūō (四国中央市).
How do I get to Ehime Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Ehime Prefecture is Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) (prefectural capital: Matsuyama). 2h 40m from Okayama Station on the JR Shiokaze Limited Express (stopping at Imabari), or 1h 25m flight from Tokyo Haneda. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Ehime Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) include Tai-meshi (sea bream rice—steamed whole in Matsuyama or raw sashimi over rice with egg in Uwajima), Jakoten (fried whole-fish cakes), Ehime mikan & citrus juices (literally on tap!), Imabari yakitori (seared on flat iron plates)—served at station restaurants around Matsuyama Station (JR Shiokaze Limited Express) & Matsuyama Airport (MYJ), local morning markets, and izakaya in Matsuyama and Imabari.
When is the best time of year to visit Ehime Prefecture?
March–May and September–November for cycling the Shimanami Kaido into Imabari and strolling Dogo Onsen in a cotton yukata. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.