2025 Saijo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

[Komatsu Oasis Roadside Station] There is Montbell, famous for outdoor equipment, and inside there are towering bouldering and climbing walls, and even a waterfall👏 You will be surprised at the wide selection of outdoor equipment and clothing✨ There is also an outlet corner on the second floor, making it a must-see spot for Montbell fans⭐️ The visitor center is also located in the center of the first floor. At the Oasis Market, which is typical of a roadside station, you can buy souvenirs from Ehime, mandarin oranges, Imabari towels, and more. From the highway, you first enter Ishizuchiyama SA, and then the road continues for a while, but you can access it from either the northbound or southbound lanes of Ishizuchiyama SA. This roadside station has a large parking lot, a children's playground with authentic athletic equipment, and even a hot spring♨️. Highly recommended♪ 📍Location: 22-29 Shinyashiki, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime Electric vehicle charging facilities available🚗 [Montbell] [Oasis Market] 🕰️Opening hours: 10am-7pm [Visitor Center] 🕰️Opening hours: 9am-7pm #Ehime #Ehime Drive #Ehime Roadside Station #Roadside Station Komatsu Oasis #Spring 0 yen trip

[Temple No. 64: Maegami-ji Temple | Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture "A sacred place at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, where the spirit of Shugendo flows"] — Maegami-ji Temple, the 64th of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage, is a sacred site that flourished as the gateway to climbing Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, and is also a base for Shugendo. The grounds are filled with a majestic atmosphere, and you can feel the unique energy of mountain worship that's a little different from other temples. 🌲🔥 📍[Access] ・Address: 1426 Sunouchi-ko, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture ・Nearest Station: Approximately 10 minutes by car or 30-40 minutes on foot from JR Iyo-Saijo Station ・Parking available (free parking near the main hall) ⛩[Visiting Information] ・Principal Deity: Amida Buddha ・Sutra Offering Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM ・Founder: Reportedly En no Gyoja (En no Gyoja) ⸻ ✨Recommended Points • The tense atmosphere the moment you enter the grounds. ✨ • Faith in Mt. Ishizuchi is deeply rooted here → A solemn, ascetic atmosphere unlike other temples. • The buildings, including the main hall, Daishi Hall, and Niomon Gate, are also worth seeing. 🛕 • The harmony between the giant trees and the mountain scenery makes you feel one with nature. ⸻ 🎒 Tips • The grounds are spacious and slightly elevated, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 👟 • The main hall and Daishi hall are a little far apart, so pay attention to the route. • Experience the Shugendo atmosphere. 🙏 Calm your mind as you worship. 🙏 • There's little shade in the summer. 🧢🧃 Don't forget your hat and water. 🧢🧃 ⸻ #Maegamiji #Temple64 #IshizuchiFaith #Shikoku88Temple #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Shrine No. 60, Yokomine-ji Temple | Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture "A sacred place in the sky, nestled in the middle of Mt. Ishizuchi"] — One of the most prominent "mountain temples" among the 88 Shikoku temples. Located about 750 meters above sea level, halfway up Mt. Ishizuchi, Yokomine-ji Temple is truly a "mountain sanctuary." The moment you step onto the approach, the air changes instantly, and a silence and solemnity envelops you. Since ancient times, this temple has been revered as a "place of training," and many pilgrims visit with determination. ⸻ 📍 [Location & Access] ・Address: 2253 Ishizuchi, Komatsu-cho, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture ・Access: ┗ Ropeway → Take the shuttle bus from Ishizuchi Trailhead Station and then walk approximately 15 minutes. ┗ Car (via Ishizuchi Skyline) → From the forest road entrance, take the toll road (¥2,100 one way) to the summit parking lot. ・Parking: Available (paid parking available on the mountain). 🕰️ [Visiting Hours] ・Free entry to the grounds (Noukyo Office: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM) 💰 [Noukyo Fee] ・Noukyo Book: ¥300 ・Hanging Scroll & White Robe: ¥500 ⸻ ✨ Recommended Points • The atmosphere deep in the mountains is overwhelming. → A sacred atmosphere, reverberating only with the sounds of birdsong and the wind. • Both the Main Hall and Daishi Hall are majestic wooden structures. → A historic site • The beautiful autumn foliage and fresh greenery in spring create a stunning contrast with the mountain scenery. • It's also possible to hike from the hiking trail (for those with good walking skills). ⸻ 🎒 Tips • If driving, be aware of the forest road (toll road) opening hours (from around 8:00 AM to early evening). • Be aware of changeable weather and temperature fluctuations. A jacket is essential. • Non-slip trekking shoes or sneakers are recommended. • If you're worried about driving, we recommend accessing the site via the Ishizuchi Ropeway. ⸻ #Yokomineji #60thTemple #88TempleOfShikoku #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Temple No. 63, Kichijoji | Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture "A peaceful temple dedicated to Kisshoten, bringing good fortune"] — Among the 88 temples of Shikoku, Kichijoji is known for its blessings of "harmony and prosperity." As its name suggests, stopping here during your pilgrimage brings a sense of calm and gentle envelopment. The grounds are compact yet well-maintained, making this a soothing temple where you can pray in peace and tranquility. ⸻ 📍 [Location & Access] ・Address: 1048 Himi Otsu, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from Iyo Himi Station on the JR Yosan Line ・Parking: Available (Free) 🕰️ [Visiting Hours] ・Free access to the temple grounds (Noshosho 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM) 💰 [Offering Fee] ・Nosho Book: ¥300 ・White Robe/Hanging Scroll: ¥500 ⸻ ✨ Recommended Points • A statue of Kichijoten (the goddess of fortune) is enshrined in the main hall, making it a popular shrine for bringing good fortune. • The grounds are quiet and surrounded by trees and flowers, creating a tranquil atmosphere. • Both the main hall and Daishi Hall are conveniently located, allowing for smooth movement. • A small pond and flowers in front of the temple gate create a gentle, photogenic landscape. ⸻ 🎒 Tips • Easily accessible within walking distance from the station. Recommended for those on foot. • Take a short break at the nearby shops and rest areas before visiting. • Goshuin stamps and amulets are available at the temple office. The temple staff are courteous and helpful. • There are some steps within the temple grounds. Wear comfortable shoes. ⸻ #Kichijoji #TempleNo.63 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

📅 Itinerary Day1：Matsuyama Day2: Shimanami Day3: Saijyo 🏨 Accommodation : Sora to Mori 🍴 Food Recommendations: Seafood 📌 Tips

Mount Ishizuchi, located in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, stands tall at an impressive altitude of 1,982 meters, making it the highest peak in Western Japan. Recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views! From the sea of clouds to the Seto Inland Sea, the majestic beauty of nature will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Along the way, you’ll encounter thrilling rock climbing sections known as "chain areas," adding a sense of adventure to your journey 🧗♂️. Getting there is easy: take a bus from JR Iyo-Saijo Station to the Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway entrance, which takes about an hour. From there, the ropeway swiftly takes you up to an altitude of around 1,300 meters 🚡. For beginners, the "Joju Shrine Route" is highly recommended! Using the ropeway ensures a more manageable hike. Don’t forget to bring hiking boots and prepare for cold weather 🧤. Mount Ishizuchi is a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the energy of nature. Whether you’re embarking on a solo journey of self-discovery or a couple’s adventure, it’s the perfect destination. Why not make your next trip to the place closest to the sky? ☁️✨

🇯🇵【Ehime Prefecture】In a place like this! Ishizuchi Shrine Chugu Jyojusha⛩️(^ ^) Ishizuchi Shrine is a shrine that worships Mt. Ishizuchi, one of the seven sacred mountains of Japan, as its sacred mountain (the mountain where the gods rest). The four shrines, the summit shrine at the top, the Jyojusha shrine and Tsuchigoya Yohaiden shrine at the middle (7th station), and the main shrine located near the JR and national highway, are collectively called Ishizuchi Shrine (^^) It is located about 20 minutes walk from the Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway at the middle (7th station) of Mt. Ishizuchi! It serves religious ceremonies and events, and offers prayers for general climbers. Along with Tsuchigoya Yohaiden shrine, it is an important base for climbing the sacred mountain Mt. Ishizuchi (^^) #EnjoyJapan

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Enjoy the best cherry blossoms🌸 at Hyotan Pond (^^) Hyotan Pond is a small pond in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture (^^), but this pond is famous as a cherry blossom spot (^^) Although it is named "Hyotan" (gourd), the outer edge of the pond does not look like a gourd (^^) Many people on social media say "It's not a gourd at all!" lol [Location] Hyotan Pond, 730 Ishida, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About 12 minutes on foot from Tamanoe Station exit About 39 minutes on foot from Iyo-Komatsu Station exit About 42 minutes on foot from Mibugawa Station exit #EnjoyJapan

🇯🇵 [Ehime] Koenji Temple, 61st of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku The one and only temple that enshrines Koyasu Daishi (Kobo Daishi holding a baby) due to auspicious origins (^ ^) Kobo Daishi is said to have left secret methods for safe childbirth, child rearing, substitutes, and women's enlightenment at the temple. This is why Koenji Temple is called "Koyasu's Kobo Daishi" (^^) And it is said that Koenji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku (574-622) to pray for the peace of mind of the 31st Emperor Yomei's illness. [Location] 19 Minamikawa-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime 799-1102 #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Impressive Torii ⛩️ Mishima Shrine ⛩️ ^ ^ An ancient shrine that was enshrined by the provincial governor Kono Iyonokami Ochi no Sukune Tamaoki and Tamazumi as the general guardian deity of Idego by imperial order in the 5th year of the Wadou era (712) of Emperor Genmei (^^)(^^) Nearby is Koenji Temple, the 61st temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku (^^) I think it's best to visit them as a set (^^)! Please go and check it out (^^)! [Location] 2234 Shinyashiki-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo City [Access] About a 15-minute walk from Iyo-Komatsu Station on the JR Yosan Line. [Parking] 10 spaces available. #0yentravel

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A day-trip hot spring facility inspired by the Asian resort island of Bali! (^^) Just like Bali! ? (^^) A day-trip hot spring facility inspired by the popular Asian resort island of Bali! (^^) Outside the large bath, there is an open-air bath, a hot spring bath, a barrel bath, and a walking bath! The hot spring bath is at a low temperature so you can bathe for as long as you like (^^) Also, while feeling the breeze blowing through, you can relax and heal your mind and body as if you were in Bali! Please go and check it out (^^) #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Let's go to the famous Ishizuchi Shrine⛩️ This shrine is built at a high position, as if it were looking out over the world, with the sacred mountain Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, as its sacred mountain. The four shrines, "Okunomiya/Chojosha", "Nakamiya/Jojusha", "Tsuchigoya Yohaiden", and "Kuchinomiya/Honsha", are collectively called Ishizuchi Shrine, and welcome visitors with a solemn atmosphere. In addition, various Shinto ceremonies such as the "Oyama-kairi Grand Festival" and the "Setsubun Festival/Hoshi-matsuri Prayer Festival" are held, and you can experience the atmosphere of Ishizuchi Shrine's main shrine through these ceremonies as well. [Location] 797 Nishida-ko, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-8555 #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] 60th temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku, Mount Ishizuchi, Fukuchiin, Yokomine-ji Temple (^^) 60th temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku, Mount Ishizuchi, Fukuchiin, Yokomine-ji Temple (^^) The temple is built in the style of a shrine, and the main image is a seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai made by Kobo Daishi (^^) It also enshrines a bronze statue of Zao Gongen from the Heian period, both of which are designated as important cultural properties by the prefecture (^^) [Location] 2253 Ishizuchi-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime Prefecture, 799-1112 [Access] From Iyo Komatsu Interchange, drive on National Route 11 towards Saijo City, pass Himi intersection and turn right onto Prefectural Route 142, then turn right at the Yokomine Trailhead bus stop. Head towards the mountain and it will be right in front of you. #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Shikoku 88 Temples, Temple No. 63, Mikkyo Mountain Taizoin, Kichijoji Among the Shikoku pilgrimages, Kichijoji is the only temple with Bishamonten as its principal image, and the origin of this is traced back to that time (^^) It is said that Kobo Daishi made a pilgrimage around this region during the Kōnin era, when he found a single cypress tree emitting light and felt that the area was filled with spiritual energy ^ ^ He carved a statue of Bishamonten as his principal image from this sacred tree, and then carved and enshrined statues of Kisshoten and Zenshi Doji as attendants, and built a temple to pray for relief from poverty, which is said to be the founding of the temple. [Location] 1048 Himi Otsu, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 793-0072 #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Maegami-ji Temple, 64th Temple of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage Maegami-ji Temple was built by the imperial wish of Emperor Kanmu, and is the 64th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (^^). It was the head temple of the sacred mountain, Mt. Ishizuchi, until the Shinto-Buddhist separation policy! The grounds are large, and the Daishi-do, Goma-do, Yakushi-do, and Hon-do are scattered throughout. Currently, it is the head temple of the Ishizuchi school of Shingon Buddhism, and is visited by many worshippers as the main training center of Shugendo (^^) Please go and check it out (^ ^)!! ! ! [Location] 1426 Sunouchi-ko, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture [Parking] Free parking available #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The most delicious katsudon in Japan! A restaurant that has a line! A long-established katsudon restaurant! (^^) A katsudon specialty restaurant that is popular among locals, and there is often a line! (^^) A must-visit restaurant for katsudon lovers (^^) There is always a line during seasons such as Golden Week! Many customers come from outside the prefecture! The katsudon has just the right thickness of meat, and is accented with fragrant green seaweed! The cheese katsudon is recommended! It's absolutely delicious (^^)! If you like cheese, you should definitely come (^^) [Location] 1-9 Honmachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Shikoku 88 Temples, 62nd Temple, Kannon-in Hojuji Regarding the main hall and Daishi-do, there is a stone monument in front of the gate that reads "Ikoku Ichinomiya Betsudo Hojuji" (^^) There is also a signpost erected by the monk Shinnen in the precincts. The main hall is in front, and the Daishi-do is in the foreground to the right. A gentle wooden bridge spans the main hall. The grounds are spacious (^^) Please come and visit (^^) [Location] 428 Shinyashiki-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime Prefecture, 799-1101 [Access] About 10 minutes from Iyo Komatsu Interchange About 5 minutes by car to Kichijoji, the 63rd temple #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] A dining bar that's like a stylish cafe (^^) Every single dish is delicious! The appetizer plate is stylish (^^) The cod roe pasta and duck are recommended (^^) Please come and visit us (^^)(^^)!! ! ! ! ! [Store name] Waltz&de [Location] 679-12 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About 9 minutes on foot from the Iyo-Saijo Station exit About 57 minutes on foot from the Ishizuchiyama Station exit [Business hours] 18:00-1:00 [Closed] Tuesday #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The sea!! A hot spring inn boasting a spectacular view! ♨️(^^) A hot spring inn boasting a spectacular view of the Ishizuchi mountain range, the highest peak in western Japan, and the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea. You can enjoy the water drawn from Hontani Onsen, which is known as one of the "Three Hot Springs of Iyo" along with Dogo and Donkawa Onsen (^ ^) There is also a campsite and a swimming area, so both adults and children can enjoy it! (^^) The most popular season is summer vacation (^^) You're sure to have fun! Please come and visit (^^) [Hotel name] Kyuka Mura Setouchi Toyo [Location] 7-179 Kawarazu Otsu, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip

"Teizui's Moss Phlox" Teizui's Moss Phlox is known as a tourist spot in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. Although it is a very beautiful bank now, in the past it was not clean because of the large amount of illegal dumping of garbage. The local people wondered if there was a way to make the bank beautiful, and as a result, they started planting moss phlox. They started working on it around 2010, and the area has expanded little by little every year until it is now as large as it is now. The desire of the local people to beautify the bank has grown into a moss phlox tourist attraction representing Ehime Prefecture. Every year, the local people take care of this magnificent moss phlox by replanting, watering, and weeding. I am filled with gratitude that they do not charge a viewing fee and open it to the public for free. ■Opening hours None ■Address Teizui, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture ■Fee Free ■Parking No #0 yen trip

#aprilblooms If you’re a fan of wisteria, Teishoji Temple in Saijo, Ehime is a hidden gem worth checking out! I visited during spring, and the purple wisteria flowers were in full bloom, draping over the temple grounds like a floral curtain — absolutely magical. The peaceful surroundings and gentle scent in the air made it a super relaxing visit. It’s not a huge tourist spot, which makes it even better if you’re looking to enjoy flowers without the crowds. Plus, the temple has a lovely traditional charm that’s perfect for slow spring strolls and quiet moments. Why You Should Visit: ✔ Stunning wisteria flowers that bloom beautifully in spring. ✔ Peaceful atmosphere away from the busy tourist spots. 📍Address: 47 Kitagawa, Saijo, Ehime 793-0042 #Saijo #Ehime #Japan #TeishojiTemple #WisteriaSeason #SpringInJapan

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Sky Road Leading to Mt. Ishizuchi, the Highest Peak in Western Japan🚗 A town road stretching for about 27km in length with Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan, in the background (^^) The route that runs along the ridge at an altitude of 1,300m to 1,700m is popular as a driving course with a spectacular view that leads to the sky! The road is closed for the winter from late November to early April. In addition, although the road is all paved, it is a single lane and will be crowded during Golden Week and the autumn foliage season, so please be careful when driving (^^) #0 Yen Trip February 2025

📍Binke-mori The summit of Binke-mori, which exudes a stately presence, is a gentle plain, and is covered with magnificent bamboo grass. There are clusters of fir and hemlock trees, and the skeletal forest creates a particularly beautiful landscape, and the natural beauty is worthy of being called the panoramic platform of Shikoku. The summit has two peaks, Meyama and Oyama, and the views are outstanding. In particular, Mt. Ishizuchi can be seen in all its majestic beauty. It takes about an hour to reach the summit from the trailhead at Binke-mori parking lot, and the views are outstanding, so it is a popular mountain for beginners. An refuge hut and toilets were completed at the end of 2017, and are available for use along with the nearby campsite. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Hoshigamori, Yokomine-ji Temple's inner sanctuary If you climb another 500m from the temple grounds, you will reach Hoshigamori, a remote worship site on the west side of Mt. Ishizuchi. It takes a little time, but the unassuming torii gates blend in with the surroundings, and you can enjoy a wonderful view that values ​​the atmosphere. Also, I felt that the photos including the torii gates would be interesting to take home as souvenirs. Yokomine-ji Temple, the 60th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is highly regarded for its well-preserved old roads and the pilgrimage culture itself, including marker stones, Jizo statues, and pilgrim graves. It is a spot where you can enjoy the old road (Yokomine-ji Road) to Hoshigamori. #0 Yen Travel February 2025

📍Autumn leaves on Mt. Ishizuchi The leaves on Mt. Ishizuchi start to change color from the summit in early October, around the summit around the 10th, around Jojusha Shrine from mid-October to around the 20th, and on Nishinokawasuji from late October to mid-November. Mt. Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan, boasting an elevation of 1,982 meters, and is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. On a clear day, you can see the Seto Inland Sea from the summit, as well as the mountains of the Chugoku region and Kyushu in the distance. The best time to see the autumn leaves is around October near the summit, and the colors gradually move to the foothills. From Kumakogen Town, you can use the Ishizuchi Skyline mountain road to access the Tsuchigoya hut at an elevation of 1,492 meters while enjoying the autumn leaves. The feeling of accomplishment from climbing and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves at the same time are the real pleasures of a high-altitude mountain. From the hut, even beginners can climb to the summit in relative safety, and the area near the summit is a spectacular spot to view the red leaves of autumn. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Kanehisa Pond Also known as Ikenouchi Pond, it is located at the foot of a mountain in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea. It is a reservoir built in 1791 for irrigation purposes, and with a storage capacity of 460,000 tons, it is the largest reservoir in the Saijo area. There are parking lots and promenades around it, and it has a great view of the Ishizuchi mountain range, and in spring people come to enjoy cherry blossoms and strolls. It may be a hidden gem that many people don't know about yet. Currently, it is managed by the Dozen Plain Land Improvement District, and is effectively used as a regulating pond for the Omogo Dam. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Ishizuchi Mountain Range The Ishizuchi mountain range is centered around Mt. Ishizuchi and has over a dozen mountains with an elevation of 1,700m or more, stretching over 50km from east to west. The mountains of Shikoku are mainly divided into the Tsurugi Mountains in the east and the Ishizuchi Mountains in the west, and the Ishizuchi Mountains are led by Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, and reach Ninomori, Dogamori, Aotakiyama, and Kuromori Pass in the west. From Kuromori Pass, it forms a mountain range that is high in the east and low in the west, passing through the Saraga Mountain Range and the Izushi Mountains to the Sada Misaki Peninsula. This mountain range, which has nearly 20 mountains over 1,500m, forms the backbone of the Shikoku Mountain Range and is also one of the most representative mountains in western Japan. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Nishiyama Koryuji Temple During the autumn foliage season, the temple is known as "Nishiyama Koryuji Temple of Maple Leaves" because of the stunning scenery that blends in with the surrounding mountains. In spring, the Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom in full glory, and many photographers gather here during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. The temple also has many cultural assets, such as the main hall and bronze bell, and the historic building blends in with nature while exuding a dignified presence. The best time to see the autumn leaves at Nishiyama Koryuji Temple is from mid-November to early December. #Free hotel stay