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

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn Located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Imabari-jō Castle (今治城) stands as one of Japan’s few remaining seaside castles, famous for its impressive moat system that draws water directly from the sea. Constructed in 1604 by Tōdō Takatora, a master castle architect and feudal lord, this fortress blends strategic ingenuity with scenic elegance. What sets Imabari Castle apart is its extensive network of seawater moats, which served both as a defensive mechanism and a symbol of maritime control. The castle’s flatland-style structure, unusual for Japan’s mountainous terrain, showcases early Edo period innovation. Though the original castle was dismantled in the Meiji era, several parts, including the main keep (reconstructed in 1980), turrets, and gates, have been carefully restored. Today, the castle serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a museum housing samurai armor, weapons, and local history exhibits. Climb to the top of the donjon for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the city of Imabari, and the surrounding coastal landscape. The castle grounds are particularly beautiful in spring, with cherry blossoms adding a romantic hue to the stone walls and waters below. With its coastal charm and historical depth, Imabari-jō is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those exploring Shikoku’s unique heritage. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed around New Year’s) Admission: ¥520 (adults) Location: 3-1-3 Tōri, Imabari, Ehime, Japan #ImabariCastle #ShikokuCastles #JapaneseHistory #SeaCastle #TōdōTakatora #ImabariTravel #SamuraiEra #EhimePrefecture #SetoInlandSea #HiddenGemsJapan

#cityplaybook Tucked along the coast of Ehime Prefecture, Imabari is a laid-back city where history meets the Seto Inland Sea. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly why it feels so relaxing—perfect for a slow day away from the rush. I started my morning with a peaceful stroll around Imabari Castle. Surrounded by water and stone walls, it’s one of the few Japanese castles built with a seawater moat. The view from the top was surprisingly serene and beautiful. Later, I made my way to the Setouchi Minato Marche, a local market right by the sea. I snacked my way through freshly made treats and enjoyed a breezy walk along the waterfront. The sounds of the waves, friendly vendors, and seagulls in the distance made for the perfect slow afternoon. Why I recommend Imabari: ・You get a mix of local history and coastal calm, all within walking distance ・It’s a great spot to just take it easy and enjoy simple pleasures by the sea 📍Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Imabari #Ehime #SetouchiViews #ImabariCastle #MinatoMarche #JapanOffThePath #CoastalJapan #SlowTravel #HiddenGems #CityGuide

"Cafe Moppel" is a popular cafe that is quietly located on the seaside of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. It has a "retro cute" atmosphere that only those in the know know, and a great location with a view of the sea. After walking down a narrow path along the sea, you will find a cafe space that feels like you have traveled back in time. ⸻ ☕️【This time's experience menu】 ● Neapolitan It's a classic, but it's delicious. This is the taste you want to eat at a retro cafe! ⸻ ✨【Interior atmosphere】 ・The retro and slightly cluttered cuteness is the best! ・The furniture, lighting, and miscellaneous goods are all carefully selected, so it's fun just to sit there♪ ・The time until the food is served is also over in a flash thanks to the view and space. ⸻ 🌅【We recommend a window seat】 It was a weekday, so we arrived just before opening time and were the first to sit in the long-awaited window seat! On a sunny day, the gradation of the sparkling sea and sky is a moving sight. ⸻ 📍【Access】 3203-5 Nishiura, Namikata-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime 799-2107 We recommend accessing by car (parking available) 🕰【Business hours】 10:00-17:00 (※Irregular holidays, check business hours on SNS) ⸻ ⚠️【It's a popular restaurant, so we recommend coming early! 】 By the time you leave the restaurant, it's already full! If you definitely want to go, it's best to go right after opening. #EnjoyJapan #Imabari

🇯🇵 [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

🇯🇵【Ehime】Beautiful roses at Yoshiumi Rose Garden🌹 (^^) The largest rose park in Shikoku, with 3,500 roses from 400 different species from around the world. ^ ^ From early May to the end of December, the garden is covered in colorful flowers, and in mid-May, during the peak season, a rose festival is held, attracting many tourists. [Location] 1292 Fukuda, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime [Access] Bus stop Sachi/About 10 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu Bus stop Yoshiumi Branch Office/About 13 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu Bus stop Furukawa/About 15 minutes on foot from Setonaikai Kotsu #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

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The vermilion torii gates are gorgeous! Betsumiya Inari Shrine ⛩️^ ^ It is located in the grounds of Betsumiya Oyamazumi Shrine in Imabari City (^^) The vermilion torii gates lined up are very gorgeous (^^) Oyamazumi Shrine and Inari Shrine are built in the same grounds, so you can visit two shrines at once (^^) There is a fox carving on the ken-uo in the main hall (^^) 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

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] "Habari Port Exchange Center" (^^) in the shape of a ship The Harbor Exchange Center "Habari" (^^) located in Imabari Port has an interesting shape ^ ^ Imabari is known for shipbuilding! It was built with a ship in mind (^^) There is an observation deck on the rooftop, from which you can see the Shimanami Kaido and Imabari Castle (^^) Please go and check it out (^^) [Location] 1-1-27 Katahara-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About 20 minutes on foot from JR Imabari Station #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Jippoji Temple has a long history! (^^) It was founded around 1640 by the fourth head priest of Enkoji Temple, Shuhachi Tokoro, and has continued to exist as a Soto Zen temple to this day (^^) Throughout its long history, this temple has supported the faith of the local community, maintained deep ties, and continued to protect its traditions ^ ^ The main hall was rebuilt in 1922, and the kuri was rebuilt in 1924. As a result, Jippoji Temple continued to function as a base of faith in the local community, both physically and spiritually. [Location] 3-1-3 Kitatoriu-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About a 23-minute walk from Exit 1 of Imabari Station #0 Yen Trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] One of the New Shikoku Mandala Sacred Sites! "Bekku Oyamazumi Shrine" (^^) This shrine is a branch shrine of Oyamazumi Shrine, which is located on Omishima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. It is also known as one of the New Shikoku Mandala Sacred Sites (^^) It is said to have been founded by order of Emperor Mommu, and during the Edo period it was well protected by successive Imabari feudal lords, including Todo Takatora (^^) Be sure to go and check it out (^^) [Location] 3-6-1 Bekkucho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture [Parking] Available. 8 spaces (^^) #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] 59th temple of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage, Konkozan Saishoin Kokubunji Iyo Kokubunji (^^) This is where the provincial capital of Iyo was located, and this area is the birthplace of Iyo culture! The ruins, which are thought to be the remains of the eastern tower, have 13 huge foundation stones and are considered a national historic site. The height of the seven-story pagoda, estimated from the arrangement of the foundation stones, is about 60m, and the temple's magnificent seven-hall structure evokes the Tenpyo period, which reigned over the Buddhist world of Iyo, and still retains its appearance to this day (^^) [Location] 4-1-33 Kokubun, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Shikoku 88 Temples, 58th Temple, Sakurei-san, Senko-in, Senyuji The temple grounds are located on a hill 300m above sea level near the summit of Sakurei-san, which is the mountain's name, and you can see Imabari city and the Imabari International Hotel, the tallest hotel in Shikoku, below (^^) Beyond that, you can see the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and even the Shimanami Kaido, which opened in 1999, all in one panoramic view! The view is amazing (^^) [Location] 483 Bessho-ko, Tamagawa-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture, 794-0113 #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Shikoku 88 Temples, 57th Temple, Mt. Futo, Muryojuin, Eifuku-ji In this area along the Seto Inland Sea coast, there are constant shipwrecks, and Eifuku-ji has been worshiped since ancient times as a temple for safety on land and sea, and for increased longevity, as Kobo Daishi performed a memorial service for the sea god here (^^) Highlights of Eifuku-ji include the old sutra book, the boy's box cart, the wish Jizo (at the entrance to the approach to the temple. Wearing a red hat), and the carvings of the twelve zodiac animals in the Daishi Hall (^^) [Location] 200 Hachiman-ko, Tamagawa-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime 794-0114 #0 yen trip