A Project of Four Chambers of Commerce &Industry of
Matsue・Onomichi・Imabari・Matsuyama

From Matsue toMatsuyama inapprox. 4 hours

Way by Ca
e
h
t
r!
All

Matsue・Onomich・i Imabar・i Matsuyama
Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Expressway) and Setouchi
Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway) bring

the San'in and Shikoku areas closer than ever!
And, Yamanami Kaidō is par tly free of charge.
So, get ready for an enjoyable drivie!

Must-see Spot

Spiritual

Matsue Castle,
01 a National Treasure

02 Raindrop Monuments
As it rains quite a lot in the region all
year round, Matsue has set up eight
Raindrop Monuments near Matsue
Castle, offering you something
enjoyable even on a rainy day. Each of
the monuments has its own good luck
and is quite popular as a “power spot.”

Izumo Airport

Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō

10.6km（10mins）

Mitoyakisuki IC

MatsueExpwy

61km（53mins）

Miyoshi higashi JCT･IC
49.9km（43mins）

Onomichi
Expwy

Onomichi JCT
Fukuyama Nishi IC
5km（6 mins）

59.4km（60 mins）

Nishiseto
Expwy

Roadside
Rest Area

4km（8 mins）

Enjoy sightseeing and useof sur rounding fac ilit i e ssuch as roadside rest areasand hot springs near the IC.

13km（12 mins）

Imabari-Komatsu
Expwy

Iyo-Komatsu JCT
3.4km（24 mins）

Matsu
yama

Matsuyama
Expwy

Matsuyama IC

02

Unnan-Yoshida IC

Hirose・TomitajōRoadside
Rest Area

Yasugi City

Roadside
Rest Area

Sakaguraokuizumo
kōryūkan

Nichinan-chō

Cross prefectural boundaries
while going througha 4,878m tunnel!

Okuizumoorochirūpu

Roadside
Rest AreaŌyorogi Tunnel, connecting
Shimane and Hiroshima boasts
its longest in the Chū goku
district (4,878m) and a notablec onstr uction on Yamanami
Kaidō.

Scenic View

03 Sunset over Lake Shinji
We recommend watching the sunset at
L ake Shinji Sunset Spot, whic h is
located along the lakefront promenade.
Sit on the terrace and keep your camera
ready for when the sun sets behind thepine-covered island. There are also
many other nice viewing spots such as
Kishi Park and Shirakata Park.

04 TakanoRoadside
Rest Area

Akagikōgen
The highest point on Yamanami Kaidō
Altitude 637m
About 3km from Takano IC
in the direction of Onomichi.

Greenroad Yamato15-1 Higashi-tsuchidō chō, Onomichi City,
Hiroshima Pref.
TEL／0848-23-2310

Be prepared for driving in winter!
The temperature might be 4 to 5℃
l o w e r o n Ya m a n a m i K a i d ō i n
mountainous areas.
Prepare by putting on winter tires,
carrying chains, and checking roadconditions and temperature.

!

Kuchiwa IC
Roadside
Rest Area

Forest Kimita

Scenic View

Tataraba Ichibanchi
Located next to the Unnan-Yoshida
IC on the Matsue Expressway.
Attractions include a restaurant
serving Izumo soba buckwheat
noodles, farmer-direct produce
sales, and popular confections
made with free-range, pasture-raised
eggs.
Most popular of all is the highly
recommended soft-serve ice cream.
4378-31 Yoshida, Yoshida-chō,
Unnan City, Shimane Pref.
TEL: 0854-74-0018

Yume-land Funo

Miyoshi City

Mt. Shirataki, 226.9m above sea level,
offers a prime view point of Innoshimaisland. Many statues of the Buddha’s Five
Hundred Disciples are placed there. It
took three years for Kashiwabara
Denroku, the founder of Ikkankyo, and his
disciples to complete the statues in 1830.
This is also a wonderful spot to watch
the sunset. You can see the Seto Inland
Sea shining like gold.

Miyoshi Higashi JCT・IC

Roadside
Rest Area

Restore-station

Roadside
Rest Area

Sanwa 182 Station

Scenic View

Roadside
Rest Area

Kisa IC

04 Setoda Sunset BeachThis beach is on Ikuchijima island, withbeautiful white sand stretching over
800m. As the name suggests, this is agreat place to view the sunset over the
Seto Inland Sea. Facilities for marine
sports are provided at a seashore park.

Akitakada City!

Hiroshima
City

05

04

Roadside
Rest Area

TakanoKōnu IC

Hiroshima Pref.

Sera

Located in the nor thernmost
part of Hiroshima Prefecture,
this rest stop offers items suchas Takano apples, Takano rice,and buck wheat. The freshly
squeezed apple juice andgelato are recommended. Enjoy
buying agricultural products at
Waiwai Highland Market.
4 9 S h i m o n d e, Ta k a n o - c h ō,
Shōbara City, Hiroshima Pref,
TEL: 0824-86-3131

Fuchu City

There are no gas stations
or service areas in thetoll-free
section of Yamanami Kaidō.

Roadside
Rest Area

Sera-chō

05 SeraSera IC

Exit and entrance is free in the toll-free section,so please make use of facilities around the ICs.

Ibara City

Roadside
Rest Area
Roadside
Rest Area

OnomichiExpressway/
Expwy
Onomichi JCT

Onomichi Expressway

Hatsukaichi City

Local Onomichi specialty goods and souvenirs
are sold here, as well as processed goods madewith local delicacies.
In addition to a local foods shop, restaurants,
and a grocery selling local produce, the site
provides spots to take a break and exchange
information with other coming and going visitors,
including a children’s library and a bus terminal.
Be sure to stop by if you have a chance.
33 Ōda, Mitsugi-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
Pref.TEL: 0848-76-3115

National Rout 2(Onomichi bypass)

Kure-chōNishiseto-Onomichi IC

On September 7, 2017, it is opened as
the third external bathD ō g o O n s e n A n n ex A s u k a - n o - y u
opened in September 2017, as the third
external bath. It has a special private
bath that is a replica of Yūshinden, abath for exclusive use by the Imperial
Family. Guests can experience bathing
in a yuchō, an ancient bathing robe.
(Reser vations are required) Pleasecontact for further information.

ŌsakiKamijima-chō

Kazahayanosato-fuwari

Roadside
Rest Area

MatsuyamaKankō Port

02

08

Tidal current cruiseŌshima Minami
IC

02

Imabari
Station03

Imabari City

Two national routes,
along the seaside andthrough the hills,
are available between
Imabari and Matsuyama.

Towel Museum

Roadside
Rest Area

Iyo Sakurai
Lacquerware
MuseumImabari Yunoura-onsen

Imabari-Yunoura IC

Tōyo PortTōyo-Tanbara IC
Iyo-Komatsu Kita IC

01

Iyo-Komatsu IC
Shiki Museum

Kawauchi IC

Matsuyama IC

Botchan Theater

Tobe-chō1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0008
TEL: 089-921-4873 (Matsuyama Castle General office)
Open: Castle Keep 9:00-17:00 (Admission ends 30 minutes before closing)(Closed the third Wednesday of December)
Honmaru Square 5:00-21:00 (Open all year round)*Hours vary depending on the season forboth the Castle Keep and Honmaru Square.
Admission: Castle Keep Adults 520 yen *Free for Honmaru Square
http://www.matsuyamajo.jp/

Iyo City
Hirota"Kyōnoyakata"
Roadside
Rest Area

Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Line) toll-free section
Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Line) toll section
Setouchi Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway)＊

Half-interchange (Entrance and exit one-way)

Expressway
National Road
This map is based on a numerical map (Basic National Information 200,000) published by the Geographical Survey Institute.

Uchiko-chō

A new observation deck nicknamed“The Peak” opened to the public in
Senkō-ji Park in March 2022. Alongwith views of the Onomichi Waterway
and the streetsc ape of the Japan
Heritage city below, the 63-meter deck
offers visitors the enjoyment of gazingout on spring cherry blossoms, freshsummer verdure, and autumn foliage. Boasts an establishedreputation as a site for stunning nighttime scenery as well.

Roadside
Rest Area

07

The roadside Rest Area is justnear Ōmishima IC and is thep er fe c t p lac e to se e Tat ar aŌhashi Bridge.
You c an get f resh seasonal
citrus fruits or honey harvestedon the islands. The specialty inthe restaurant is a dish of a rarepr ized f ish c alled “mahata”.
Give it a try.
9180-2, Inokuchi,
K amiur a - c h ō, I m abar i Cit y,
Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-87-3866Roadside
Rest Area

08

Hakata S.C Park
“Marine Oasis Hakata”
In the, “Dolphin Farm
S him anami ”, yo u c an e nj oyinteracting with dolphins andwhales. There is also an
artificial beach and a rental bikestation. At the specialty center,
special local products including
Hakata-no-Shio salt orprocessed foods are sold.
16 68 -1, Kanoura kō,
H a k a t a - c h ō , I m a b a r i C i t y,
Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-72-3300

Iyo-Komatsu JTC

Saijo City

Ehime Pref.

Toon City

03 Imabari Castle
Tōdō Takatora, the lord of half of Iyo( p r e s e n t d ay E h i m e P r e f.) w i t h a
20 0,0 0 0 koku income (one koku is
150kg of rice), built the castle. He built
the castle on a flat sandy beach facing
the Seto Inland Sea. It was one of themost outstanding sea castles in Japan,
with wide moats with salt water drawn in from the sea. The castle
also provided the moat with an inner port, which was the largest inJapan in those days.
Imabari Castle is one of the three major sea castles in Japan.
〒794-0036 3-1-3, Tori-chō, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-31-9233
Open/9:00〜17:00 Closed/Dec.29〜31 andwhen the exhibits inside the castle tower are changed
Admission/ Adults 520 yen

Kumakogen-chō

Spiritual

01 Ōyamazumi ShrineŌyamazumi Shrine is one of the most
famous shr ines in Japan. The godŌyamazumi-no-kami was worshiped as
the guardian of seas and mountains. He
was also deeply worshiped as the god ofbattles, so samurai warriors visited theshrine before or after battles. Armor andhelmets offered by those warriors are
kept in the shrine, including nationaltreasures and important cultural assets. The number of armorand helmets preserved there is one of the largest in Japan.

Must-see Spot
Tobe-chō Tōgei Sōsakukan

Senkō-ji Park

Tatara Shimanami Park

Roadside
Rest Area Yoshiumi Ikiikikan
Kurushima Kaikyō SA

Imabari Kita IC

Masaki-chō

Among the 12 existing castle
keeps in Japan, Matsuyama
Castle is the last complete
keep from the Edo period. It
is possible to visit the insideof the keep, from which you
can view the Seto Inland Sea
and Matsuyama City.

01 Observation Deck: “The Peak”

Kamijima-chōRoadside
Rest Area

Imabari IC

Matsuyama
StationMust-see Spot

Suigun Castle

Viewing a ship launch(Shimanami Shipyard)Ōshima Kita IC

Matsuyama City

Matsuyama
Airport02 Matsuyama Castle

Hakata S・C park

Kontex Towel
Garden ImabariSeto Inland Sea

Scenic View

Innoshima

Ikuchijima Minami IC
Setoda PA

Kamiura PA

Arisuto Numakuma

Innoshima
Kita IC

Hakatajima IC

The ﬁrst cycling roadcrossing a strait in Japan!
You can enjoy a 70km road over the sea on a bicycle.
Municipalities from Onomichi to Imabari operate facilities
for renting bicycles. The bicycles may be returned at any
rental cycle terminal.
* Onomichi Port (Harbor parking lot at the Station) ~Imabari City (Sunrise Itoyama)

04

Roadside
Rest Area

Jikōji Buddhist
image making

Ikuchijimakita IC

07

Sakurasanri PA

19-22 Dōgo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0842
TEL: 089-932-1126 (Dōgo Onsen Consortium)
Open: 6:00-23:00 (Varies depending on type of bath) All year round(Closed one day in December)
Admission: Adults 610 yen https://dogo.jp/onsen/asuka

01

Important point about
Setouchi Shimanami Kaidō

Dōgo Onsen Honkan

Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu

Roadside
Rest Area

OnomichiŌhashi GatewayŌhama PA

Innoshima Minami IC
Shimanamino-eki
MishimaKasaoka City

Senkōji Ropeway ･
Cat Alley Stroll

Onomichi
Statiaon
Mukaishima
IC

03

Takehara

Imabari-tatarashimanami Roadsidepark Rest Area

Dōgo Onsen Honkan
01 and Dōgo Onsen
Annex Asuka-no-yu

5-6 Dōgo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0842
TEL: 089-921-5141 (Dōgo Onsen office)
Open: 6:00-23:00 (Varies depending on type of bath)
All year round (Closed one day in December)
Admission: Adults 460 yen https://dogo.jp/onsen/honkan

NishisetoOnomichi IC

Shimanami Kaidō

Must-see Spot

Dōgo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot
spring in Japan. Dōgo Onsen Honkan
was rebuilt in 189 4. In 199 4, it was
designated as an impor tant culturalproperty, the first for a public bathhousein Japan.

Roadside
Rest AreaenŌmishima
IC

Crossroad Mitsugi

S

ōS
any

s
kan
hin

Roadside
Rest Area

Fukuyama
Station01 Nishiseto-Onomichi IC

02

Mihara Shinmeinosato

From Shimanami Kaidō

Saka-chō06

Onomichi JCT(Sanyō Expressway/Expwy)Mihara City↑

Hiroshima Bay

Fukuyama
Nishi IC

Fukuyama
Nishi IC

Shin-Onomichi
StationHiroshima Airport

Fukuyama
Nishi ICWhen going from Matsue to Imabari, follow signs for “Shimanami
Kaidō.” When going from Imabari to Matsue, follow signs for“Onomichi Expressway.”

Sanyō
Expressway

Kaida
City
Kumano-chō

Onomichi City

Roadside
Rest Area(Use Sanyō Expressway and National Route 2)

Onomichi line Toll gate

Hiroshima
StationOnomichi Kita IC

Yogansu Hakuryū↓
From Yamanami Kaidō

Fuchū-chō

Fukuyama City

06

Crossroad Mitsugi Roadside
Rest Area

Yamanami Kaidō andShimanami Kaidō are notconnected directly.

!

Bingofuchū

Kohannosato-fukutomi

OnomichiJCT

En j oy s h o p p i n g f o r f r e s hSera vegetables, rice grownin fields 400m high, andSera Blend Coffee. Also try
the nationally famous Sera
hamburgers!
2402-1 Kawajiri, Sera-chō,Sera gun, Hiroshima Pref.
TEL: 0847-22-4400

Roadside
Rest Area

Okayama Pref.

Kamiishikogen-chō

Mirasaka IC

Kitanosekijuku Akitakata

03

Roadside
Rest Area

Roadside
Rest Area

03 Mt. Shirataki

Roadside
Rest Area

Located near to famousYunokawa Hot Spring, one oft h e t h r e e g o o d f o r s k i n - h ot
sprimgs in Japan, the area has
a free foot bath. You can also
take hot water from the springback home with you (for a fee).
825 -2 G akutō, Hikawa - c h ō,
Izumo City, Shimane Pref.
TEL: 0853-73-9327

Okuizumo-chō

Tonbara02

Roadside
Rest Area

Yunokawa

03 Tataraba-ichibanchi

Takano IC
Roadside
Rest Area

Canoeing or yachting on Lake
Shinji and camping in green
spaces attract those who preferto be outdoors. Miso soup withshijimi clams is served at therestaurant. An abundant varietyof vegetables are available.
10 4 8 -1 O k a m o t o - m a c h i ,Matsue City, Shimane Pref.
TEL: 0852-88-3700

Orochinosato

Shimane Pref.

01

Roadside
Rest Area

Aika Nagisa Park

Roadside
Rest Area

Roadside
Rest Area

Roadside
Rest Area

Onomichi Seven
Buddha Tour

Onomichi Shichibutsu Meguri
Secretariat (Senkō-ji Temple)[ seven-temple mini-pilgrimage ]Matsue Castle area,
Meimei-an Teahouse,
Yakumo-nuri lacquerware,and Shinji-ko Lake cruise

Roadside
Rest Area

Iinan-chōThis is a mini pilgrimage that people
walk to visit seven old temples in
Onomichi. During this mini pilgrimage
they collect goshuin(i.e. red stamps), or
stones for bracelet rosaries at the
temples. At the end, they buy a powerstone to complete the bracelet. These
make good souvenirs of the trip.

Tottori Pref.

Sakuranosato-kisuki

Yoshida-Kakeya IC

Spiritual

Yonago City

MatsueStation

Roadside
Rest Area※The required time is based on ordinary weekday travel.

YonagoAirportUnnan City

Kakeyanosato

Imabari Bypass

Imabari-Yunoura IC

about
45 mins.

Honjō

Mitoyakisuki IC

Except for the tollroad section,
you can enter andexit freely!

Imabari IC

ImabariRoadside
Rest Area

Make use of the toll-free
section from Onomichi Kita IC
to Mitoyakisuki!

Kirara-taki

SetouchiShimanami Kaidō

about
60 mins.

Kamoiwakura PA

Toll-free section
available!

National Rout 2

Nishiseto-Onomichi IC

Yunokawa

Taishagoenhiroba

Important point about
Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō

Sanyō
Expwy

4.5km（3mins）

02

Roadside
Rest Area

Shinjiko SA

Izimo Great
Shrine03

Tamatsukuri-onsen
StationMiho Bay

Sakaiminato
City

02

Matsue-Tamatsukuri IC

Roadside
Rest Area

Approx.
4 hours!

Expwy

Shinji JCT

01

Shinji IC

Izumo City

Matsue-Tamatsukuri IC San’in
15.7km（14 mins）

01

Aika-nagisa park

Shinji JCT

Matsue〜Matsuyama

Ono
michi

Matsue City
Roadside
Rest Area

1-5 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Pref. 690-0887
TEL: 0852-21-4030
Open: 8:30~18:30 (Hours depending on season) All year round
Admission: Aduls 680 yen, Children 290 yen
https://www.matsue-castle.jp/

about
130 mins.

Sakai Port
Roadside
Rest Area

Hiezu-son

D e s i g n ate d a s a n at i o n a l t r e a s u r e,
Matsue Castle is one of twelve
remaining original c astles in Japan.
The elegance of the castle’s swooping
roofs is compared to the outstretchedw i n g s o f a p l o v e r, l e n d i n g i t t h enickname “Plover Castle.” The top floorof fers a panoramic view of the town
and Lake Shinji.

MatsueJapan Sea

Niyodogawa-chō

Tosa-chōScenic View

02 Itoyama Park
Itoyama Park is located at the foot ofKurushima Kaikyō ōhashi Bridge on the
Imabari side on Itoyama Hill, 97m above thesea level. The observation deck commands
a beautiful view of the tidal currents of theKurushima Strait, the bridge and small
islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kōchi Pref,※ The information included is current as of December 2023.

Hidaka-muraMatsue

Place 01
A Walk around Matsue Castle, a National Treasure(Moat cruise and Shiomi-Nawate, a samurai residence area )Matsue Castle, a symbol of Matsue, and its surrounding moats
retain the atmosphere of the old castle town with a history
dating back around 400 years. Passing under large and small
bridges, an enjoyable 3.7- km boat ride on the moats provides
you with nice scenery of Matsue, ‘the City of Water’. Strollingaround the town, you find Shiomi-Nawate is the very area thatthe essence of the old town from Edo era remains firmly.
507-1 Kuroda-chō, Matsue City, Shimane Pref. 690-0876 TEL: 0852-27-0417
Open: 9:00~17:00 (Depending on season) (Leaving every 20 minutes) Operates all year round
Fare: Adults 1,600 yen
https://www.matsue-horikawameguri.jp/about/index.html

Place 02
Meimei-An (Tea House)
It is a tea house designed by Fumai Matsudaira,the seventh lord of the Matsudaira clan, who
won renown as a master of tea ceremony. You
can enjoy matcha, green tea, and a Japanesec onfectioner y related to Fumai in theJapanese-style room facing the nice garden.
〒690-0888 278, Kitahori-cho, Matsue-city, Shimane TEL: 0852-21-9863,
Business hours:
April to September: 8:30-18:30 ※Last reception 18:10 matcha served 9:50-16:30 ※ last order 16:30
October to March 8:30-16:00 ※Last reception 16:00 matcha served 9:50-16:30 ※ last order 16:00
Open: all year round Entrance fee: adult 410 yen A cup of matcha: 410 yen
http://www.meimeian.jp/admission/index.html

Annual Events●A castle Festival at Matsue Castle, a National Treasure(from late March to mid-April)

Castle Festival is held in Matsue castle park, which is
selected as one of Japan’s 100 scenic sites for cherr y
blossoms. About 200 cherry trees, mainly a popular kind ofSomei-Yoshino, are in bloom and it is fantastic to see themat night softly illuminated by many paper lantern lights.
There are various stage per formances on the daytime
Saturday and Sunday during the period, and the areaaround the castle is thrown open until 21:00.

●Matsue Musha Parade (Early April)

Matsue Castle was built by the first feudal lord of Matsue,
Horio Yoshiharu. The parade gorgeously portrays the lordand his men making an entry to the castle. Many citizens
march through the streets clothed in traditional warrior
costumes or in beautiful kimonos as noble young ladies.
They process around the city and finally go to the castle.

●Matsue Suigō Festival (Planned for 1st Sat/Sun in Aug.)

This is one of the largest fireworks festivals in westernJapan. The sight of fireworks reflected on the surface of
Lake Shinji is spectacular. The Matsue Dandan Festival,
which has stage performances and other events, is also
held at this time.

Place 03
Yakumo-nuri (Hands-on lacquerware-painting experiences)
Lacquerware production in Matsue began when MATSUDAIRA Fumaikō, a daimyō feudal
lord and master of the tea ceremony, invited craftsmen from Kanazawa and other places
to create lacquerware for him in his preferred style. The Yakumo-nuri style was later
pioneered by a nushi lac quer c raf t sman in the ser vic e of the M at sue D omain.
Lacquerware made with multiple applications of transparent, refined suki-urushi lacquerwith low water content is used. As the lacquerware becomes more transparent with thepas s ag e of t im e, de si gns painte d under neat h c o m e to ap p ear m o re v iv i dly —Yakumono-nuri’s most distinctive defining feature. Yakumo-nuri Yamamoto, a shop of longstanding established in the Meiji period (1868 –1912), offers hands-on experiences
painting designs on lacquerware in the shop’s production workshop. Rather than freehand
painting, participants fill in outlined patterns with iro-urushi colored lacquer. Try your handat this fun activity — like coloring for adults — if you have the opportunity.
45 Suetsugu-honmachi, Matsue City, Shimane Pref.
TEL: 0852-23-2525
Open: 10:00‒19:00 Hands-on lacquerware-painting:
13:00‒15:00 (excluding Sundays & holidays)
Closed dates: Jan. 1‒3

Hands-on lacquerware-painting fee (up to 2 hrs):
1,100 yen instruction fee per person(plus actual cost of lacquerware)※Reservations accepted up to 2 days before desired date
※Painted lacquerware will be mailed at a later date, as it requires time to dry

Place 04
Lake Shinji Cruise: Lake Shinji sightseeing boat "Hakuchō"
The cruising that you can see beautiful scenery of the castle town,
feeling a breeze off the water. You set out from the Ohashi River togo into Lake Shinji and it takes about an hour to make a round trip. It
is quite popular to have enjoyable time watching the evening sunover Lake Shinji, which is designated as natural heritage ‘Sunset
over Lake Shinji’ and counted as one of Japan’s 100 Beautiful
Sunsets.

●Matsue Suitoro illuminated streets (Late Sept. to mid-Oct.)

A lighting event with illuminations of Matsue Castle and otherdestinations in the Shiomi- Nawate area, of fering
opportunities to stroll along walking paths beautifully lit up
after dark. Visitors will enjoy the many flickering andon paper
lanterns, including ones handmade by local residents, which
create captivating scenery with interplays of shadows andlight in a way that can only be experienced in a castle town.

〒690-0001 150-7, Higashiasahi-machi, Matsue-City, Shimane
TEL: 0852-24-3218 Open: depending on season Closed dates: Jan. 1 only
Passage Fare: 1,800 yen for adults http//hakuchougo.jp●Matsue Dō Drum Parade ( Third Sunday of October)

The Matsue Dō Drum Parade is a festival to celebrate thebuilding of the castle town. Giant drums called dō are placedon large floats with roofs and iron wheels, and about a dozen
f loats are hauled through the streets. The drums areaccompanied by bamboo flutes and changara cymbals, andthe energetic sound echoes throughout the town.

Access to Matsue●By plane

Tokyo (Haneda )-Izumo
1hr30mins
Nagoya (Komaki)-Izumo 1hr
Osaka (Itami)-Izumo
50minsFukuoka-Izumo
1hr15mins*●Airport limousine: Izumo Airport-Matsue 30mins
Tokyo(Haneda)-Yonago 1hr20mins*● Airport limousine: Yonago-Matsue
45mins●By train
Tokyo-Okayama: By Shinkansen (3hrs 20mins)
Nagoya-Okayama: By Shinkansen (1hr 40mins)
Shinosaka-Okayama: By Shinkansen (45mins)
Hakata-Okayama: By Shinkansen (1hr 45mins) .
Okayama-Matsue: Express Train Yakumo (2hrs 40mins)

Inquiries: Matsue Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TEL: 0852-32-0504

GourmetGourmetIzumo Soba (Buckwheat Noodles)

Matsue Odon

Izumo soba is dark in color, as
the flour is milled to include thec haf f, giving it a distinc tive
fragrance and f lavor. The t wo
styles of ser ving the soba arewarigo and kamaage. Many
restaurants serve Izumo soba,
with as many variations in taste.

Matsue odon is oden hotpot
mixed with udon, wheat noodles,
featuring flying fish flavor soups t o c k a n d s p r i n g y t ex t u r e o fudon noodles. Ser ved at anumber of eateries in the city.
Enjoying comparing the different
variations.

http://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/3188

https://www.chiiki30.jp/

GourmetMatcha, Green Tea, andTraditional Japanese Sweets

Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Matsue is one of the most famous places for its
matcha and wagashi in Japan. Tea culture has been a part of everyday life among thecitizens. Quality of blending tea is famous nationwide. Many wagashi shops including
old establishments are found around the city. Some of wagashi are traditional ones
taken over a flavor of ‘Fumai-ko’s favorites’ and others are creative ones reflected four
seasons. Enjoy their exquisite wagashi with matcha.

Onomichi

Place 01
Onomichi Ferry
The distance between Onomichi and Mukaishima island is only 300m. This narrow
body of water is called Onomichi Channel, and ferries operated by two companies
busily come and go there. Time aboard is five minutes one way, and both residents
and tourists use these ferries as convenient transportation. From the ferry, you canhave a retro and photogenic view of downtown Onomichi or of Mukaishima island.
Onomichi Ferry TEL: 0848-38-7761
Fukumoto Ferry TEL: 0848-44-2711
Open: 6:06‒22:10 (Varies depending on company)
Closed days: None (Onomichi Ferry) / Sundays (Fukumoto Ferry)
Fare: Adults 60 yen & up (Varies depending on company)

Place 02
Island-wide Art Museum
The smallest art project in the world called
Setoda Biennale(i.e. Biennial) was held in1980 on Ikuchijima island. 17 works created
for the event are still on display, and you canappreciate them freely.They are displayed ina unique fashion; for example, one sculpture
is in the sea. Enjoy walking around theisland and finding these works.
Setoda-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref.
TEL: 0845-27-0051 (Setoda Tourist Information Center)
https://www.city.onomichi.hiroshima.jp/soshiki/44/2787.html

Annual Events

Place 04
Jikōji Temple Experiencing grasp
and shape out Buddha sculpture
from clay
This castle-style building is a museum,Place 03
Innoshima Suigun Navy Castle●Onomichi Minato Festival (Late April)in which many materials related to thetreasure of the Murakami Suigun andf inds from archaeologic al sites are
exhibited. In April, 2016, the story oft h e M u r a k a m i S u i g u n’ s a c t i v i t i e sspanning from Onomichi to Imabari,
was certified as a Japan Heritage.

Onomichi Minato (Harbor) Festival has been held
since the early Showa period. Nowadays an
original dance contest, “Eejan SANSA gari,” is the
key event. It is a symbolic festival in Onomichi.

●Innoshima Suigun Navy Festival(Late June to Late August)This festival recreates the Murakami Suigun, which
was active from the Nanbokuchō period to the
Muromachi and Sengoku periods and was basedon Innoshima. The residents of the Innoshima area
make this a lively festival. It consists of three parts:
the Shima (island) Festival, the Hi (fire) Festival,
and the Umi (sea) Festival.

●Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival(Late July)

Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival has been
held since the middle of the Edo period. It is aspectacular fireworks festival, such that it is called
the Ryōgoku Fireworks of the west.

3228-2 Nakanosho-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-2211
TEL: 0845-24-0936
Open: 9:30~17:00 (On Jan. 2, 3 10:00~15:00)
Closed: Thursdays (except national holidays), Dec. 29-Jan. 1
Admission: Adults 330 yen, Students through junior high 160 yen(Groups: 30 or more) Adults 220 yen, Children 110 yen●Onomichi Lantern Festival (Mid-October)20-1 Higashitsuchidō-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-0033(Sanchō Station) TEL: 0848-22-4900
Open: 9:00~17:15 All year round (Leaves every 15 min)Fare: One way: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen
Roundtrip: Adults 700 yen, Children 350 yen
https://mt-senkoji-rw.jp/

In 1807, a disease epidemic struck the Onomichi
area. This festival originated from the offering ofprayers for recovery from that disease.

Access to Onomichi

To enjoy Shimanami Kaido cycling, rent a bicycle at the rental bike station at
Onomichi Port(Port parking lot in from of the station). Go to Mukaishimaisland from Onimichi by ferry, and explore the islands via Innoshima andIkuchijima Bridges. It is possible to reserve a bicycle or to drop one off at
the rental bicycle stations on Mukaishima island and Ikuchijima island.

Tokyo (Haneda)-Hiroshima (1hr 25mins)
Hiroshima-Onomichi: Onomichi Bus (55mins)●By train

Inquiries: Onomichi Chamber of Commerceand Industry
TEL/0848-22-2165

Higashitsuchidō-chō,Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref.
http://ihatov.in/

Going up the slope near the
lower station of Senkōji AerialTram, you’ll find an about 200m
alley from the east exit ofUshitora Shrine to theThree-story Pagoda of Tenneiji
Temple. Cat-shaped objets d’art
produced by Shunji Sonoyama
are placed there. They are called“Happy Stone Cats.” This is ane n j oya b l e p r o m e n a d e w h e r eeven real cats sometimes
appear.

Place 07
Shimanami Kaidō Cycling●By plane

Tokyo-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (3hrs 40mins)
Nagoya-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (2hrs)
Kyoto-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (1hr 20mins)
Shinosaka-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi, Sakura, Mizuho(1hr 10mins)
Fukuyama-Onomichi: JR Sanyō honsen (20mins)
Hakata-Hiroshima: Shinkansen Nozomi, Sakura (1hr
10mins)Hiroshima-Mihara: Shinkansen Kodama (30mins)
Mihara-Onomichi: JR Sanyō honsen (12mins)
Inquiries: Onomichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TEL/0848-22-2165

Place 06
Stroll along Cat Alley

Senkoji Temple is said to have beenn
established by Kobo - Daishi(i.e.
M a s t e r K o b o) , a n d a s y m b o l o f
Onomichi.
You can easily go to the park taking
the aerial tram from the foot to thesummit. From the summit, you canhave a nice view of downtown
Onomichi or of Onomichi channel.

This is a lively event in which participants of theevent dres s up as familiar c harac ter s f rom
animations or movies and parade along the main
shopping street of Onomichi.

●Onomichi Betchaa Festival (November 1-3)

9-2 Nishitsuchidō-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-0032
TEL: 0848-23-2411 Open: 9:00~16:30 All year round
Time required: About 20 minutes Hands-on Nigiri-botoke experience(Molding Buddhist images out of clay by hand) Fee: 1500 yen (Not including shipping)https://shichibutsu.jp/temple/jikouji.php

Place 05
Senkōji Aerial Tram

●Onomichi Costume Parade & Cosplay
Festival (Late Sept. or early Oct.)

T h e O n o mi c hi L ante r n Fe st i val re c alls t h efoundations of Onomichi’s prosperity. You can feelthe ‘warmth of the town of Onomichi’ through thegentle glow of thousands of small lamps lining thestreets.

At Jikoji Temple, you can make yourown small Buddha sculpture. All
you have to do is grasp some clay
stabbed with a bar, and paint a faceon it. The temple bake it to makepotter y and send to your house.
Anyone can enjoy the experienceeasily following the kind instructionsof the temple priest.

Onomichi Port, Higashigosho-chō, Onomichi City (Onomichi Ekimae Port parking lot)722-0036 TEL: 0848-22-3911 (Shimanami Japan)
Open: (Mar.‒Nov.) 7:00‒19:00 (Dec.‒Feb.) 8:00‒18:00 Rental cycle fee: Adults 3,000
yen per day & up, Children (elem. school & younger) 1,000 yen

GourmetOnomichi Ramen

SouvenirLemon Cakes

The Onomichi Ramen soup is made with small

Ikuchijima island is the largest

fish and chicken bones and seasoned with mild

producer of lemons in Japan. Freshsoy sauce. A characteristic of Onomichi Ramen islemons or lemon sweets make goodincluding pork grease, in addition to the standard

souvenirs. In particular, lemon cakes

toppings such as green onion, roast pork, andcoated with chocolate are available

fermented bamboo shoots. Onomichi Ramen has

i n l o c a l c a ke s h o p s . T h e l e m o nnationwide popularity.

shape of the cakes is cute, too.

Imabari

Place 01
Shimanami Kaidō Cycling
Enjoy cycling the route along the Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway) of the Seto
Inland Sea. Having delicious foods and mingling with local people are the real pleasureof cycling this route.
There are cycling terminals on each island, including Sunrise Itoyama.
TEL:0898-41-3196 Cycling Terminal Sunrise Itoyama, Imabari City
Open: 8:00‒18:00 (8:00‒20:00 Mar.‒Nov.)
Rental Fee (for a bike)/3,000 yen〜 for adults per day
http://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/

Place 02
Kontex Towel Garden Imabari
The towel shop, in a renovated towel factory built
in 1950 provides a wide assortment of towels
and a cafeteria. Inside the red-brick building are
towels with unique designs and full of originality.
A tour of t he towe l fac to r y is p o s sible byreservation.
〒794-0083 854-1, Takuma kō, Imabari-City, Ehime Pref.
TEL/0898-23-3933
Open/10:00-17:45 Closed/Mondays(Tuesday if the Monday is a holiday)
http://kontex.co.jp/

Annual Events●Imabari Towel Fare (in May and October)

Place 03
Viewing a ship launch(Shimanami Shipyard)

Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, in
Imabari City the biggest towel production area
in Japan, there are exhibitions and spot sales,
new products by local makers, a kids’ towel
design exhibition, and demonstrations ofweaving textiles.

Imabari, the biggest maritime cityin Japan, is famous forshipbuilding. In the launc hng
c e r e m o ny to ur at S h im a n a m i
Shipyard Co. on Hakatajima, thedramatic launch of a newly-built
ship can actually be seen close by.

●「Onmaku」, Imabari Citizen’s Festival(August)Dances, local traditional performing arts, andfireworks are the three major attractions of thisfestival. Every year, over 200,000 people turnout for the f irewor ks, the biggest in the
Chūgoku and Shikoku districts.

●Local Specialties Select Market (Oct.)
Local special products including towels areshown and sold at the festival. Towels are soldat special prices. In addition to a big raffle,
hands-on classes for parents and children to
enj oy, t here w ill b e a se l e c t i o n of l o c al
products from each area.

Place 04
Iyo Sakurai
Lacquerware Museum
Sakurai Lacquer ware is the
traditional artwork of Ehime. Insidet h e b ui l di n g, a w i d e r a n g e oflacquerware artworks including
bowls, chopsticks, and trays etc.
are displayed and sold.
It is possible to see the process of
producing these and see theexper t skills that have been
passed down from the Edo period.
Find your favorite artwork.

〒794-2303
2312, Ikata-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari Cty, Ehime Pref.
TEL/0897-72-1121
9:30-19:00(Saturdays, consecutive holidays)
http://www.shimanami-shipyard.co.jp〒799-1527 340-1, Nagasawa kō, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-48-0418
Open/10:00-18:00 Closed/Tuesday (Wednesday if the Tuesday is a holiday)
http://www.sakuraishikki.com/index

Place 05
Towel Museum

Place 06
Tidal Current Cruise

Access to Imabari

Cruising around Noshima Island
allows you to experience the rapid
tidal currents that surround theisland. These powerful currents
c an r ise to a ma ximum of ten
knots. The island was the base of
the Noshima Murakami Kaizoku(an unofficial navy), the largest inJapan. It is now designated as asite of historical interest in Japan.
When visiting its remains andhistorical sites, it is easy to
imagine the role that the Kaizoku
played in the Seto Inland Sea
some 400 years ago.

The museum displays towel artsthat are unique to the world. It isalso possible to see the process of
towel weaving in the museum.
Lovely Moomin and his friends
welc ome you at the European
garden that is rich in greenery andflowers.

●By plane
Tokyo (Haneda)-Matsuyama (1 hr 20 mins)
Nagoya (Chūbu)-Matsuyama (About 1 hour)
Osaka (Itami/Kansai)-Matsuyama (50 mins)
Fukuoka-Matsuyama (45 mins)
・Matsuyama-Imabari : by car (1hr 10 mins)●By train
To k y o - O k a y a m a : S h i n k a n s e n N o z o m i(3 hrs 20 mins)
N ag oya - O kayama: Shinkansen N ozomi(1 hr 40 mins)O s a k a - O k ay a m a : S h i n k a n s e n N o z o m i(45 mins)
H a k at a - O k aya m a S h i n k a n s e n N ozo m i,
Sakura (1 hr 45 mins)
・O k aya m a - I m a b a r i: J R S u p e r E x p r e s s
train Shiokaze (2 hrs 10 mins)●By ferryboat
O s a k a (O s a k a - N a n kō Po r t) -Toyo Po r t :Shikoku Kaihatsu Ferry (About 8 hours)
・Tōyo Port-Imabari: Connected bus service(About 1 hour)

Inquiries: Imabari Chamber of Commerce andIndustry
TEL:0898-23-3939〒799-1607 2930, Asakurakami kō, Imabari-City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-56-1515
Open/9:30-18:00(Gallery tour is until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed days: Open year-round (Museum closed some days in Jan.)
Admission/800 yen for adults, 600 yen for junior, senior high school students,
400 yen for elementary school students http://www.towelmuseum.com/

GourmetImabari Teppan Yakitori(grilled chicken)

Imabari Teppan Yakitori means
chicken grilled on a hot ironplate. Chicken and chicken skinplaced on the iron plate aregrilled by being pressed with aniron presser, a unique way toprepare the dish. Salty-sweet
sauce adds to the taste.

〒794-2203 In front of Murakami
Navy Museum, 1293-2, Miyakubo,
Miyakubo-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-86-3323(Noshima Suigun)
Open/9:00-16:00(Frequency of service: every one-hour)
Closed/Monday (Tuesday if the Monday is a holiday)
Passage fare/Adults 1,500 yen Elementary school students 700 yen
Free for preschool kids
http://noshima.jp/choryu

GourmetImabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi(rice with roast pork and sunny-side up egg)

A big bowl of rice topped with roast
pork and sunny-side up eggs is alocal delicacy of Imabari. It was
originally cooked in an old Chinese
restaurant in Imabari. The sauce
made from well-cooked roast pork
makes you want to eat more.
Imabari Yakibuta
Tamago Meshi
Worldwide
Popularization Committee
TEL/0898-24-2020
http://i-ytm.com/

Matsuyama

Place 01
Dōgo Onsen Honkan andDōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu
Dōgo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan. The Honkan was rebuilt in
1894. The three-story wooden building holds two baths called Kami-no-yu andTama-no-yu, several relaxation rooms, and the Yūshinden, the imperial bath
(guided tours are available). The Honkan was designated an important culturalproperty in 1994, the first for a public bath house.Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu
whose interior is decorated with Ehime’s traditional handicraf ts opened in
September 2017 as the third external bath.

Place 02
The Shiki Museum
Masaoka Shiki was one of the famous haiku poetsborn in Matsuyama. The Museum introduces the cityof Matsuyama and literature through his works. A
replica of Gudabutsu-an, in which Shiki and Natsume
Soseki lived, is in the permanent exhibition room.

Haiku Monuments

Matsuyama, the Haiku Capital, has produced
many talented haiku poets. Stone monumentswith their haiku are set up around the city, inviting
you to visit them.

Annual Events●Matsuyama Castle“New Year at the Castle” (Jan.1-3)

Place 03
Botchan Train

This street car is modeled after the steam-powered locomotive which ran in the city for 67 years
from 1888. The name “Botchan Train” comes from the novel Botchan, written by Natsume
Soseki. The Iyo Railway Company started as the first private railway company outside the major
cities. It was a pioneer of light railway service, which was later set up all over the country.
The Botchan Train Museum shows the history of the Iyo Railway Company and items which
mirror historical changes. A full-size replica of the No.1 locomotive is also exhibited. Rare rollingstock parts and other materials will surely please railroad fans. Near the museum is the statue of
Kobayashi Nobuchika, who was the founder of the Iyo Railway Company. He was an innovative
businessman who undertook many enterprises in order to stimulate the regional economy. Why
not take a ride on the Botchan Train, now a diesel-powered streetcar, between Matsuyama city
Station and Dōgo Onsen?

Lion Dance performances, free pork and miso soup,and various traditional events are held.

●Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival)(Between late January to late February)※Days 7-9 of the first month of the lunar calendar

Commonly known as Tsubaki Jinja or “Otsubaki-san,”Tsubaki (camellia) Shrine is famous for its deity of good
fortune and success in business. Each year, about
500,000 people from all over Japan visit the shrine
during the festival.

●Matsuyama Spring Festival (Early April)This is a collective name for the Castle Festival and the
Dōgo Onsen Festival. It ’s the biggest festival in
Matsuyama. At the castle festival, the citizens dressed
as lords, ladies, and samurai boldly parade in the city
center and at the castle, where cherry blossoms are in
full bloom.

●Matsuyama Yakyūken Odori Festival
A feature of summer in Matsuyama since 1966 when
the first festival was held, featuring lively dancing withthe yakyūken version of rock-paper-scissors thatoriginated in Matsuyama.

Botchan Train Museum

4-4-1 Minatomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0012
TEL: 089-948-3290
Open: 7:00 to 21:00 All year round
http://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/museum/Place 04
Botchan Theater
An only one permanent theater in Japan, which performs an independently produced musical workthrough a year. Musicals’ themes are based on history of Shikoku and Seto Inland Sea area, or stories ofimportant figures, that all the audience can enjoy from children to adults. Performers are chosen byaudition every year among actors/actresses who have been already active in Tokyo, this makes the local
people be able to appreciate a full-scale stage.

●Matsuyama Autumn Festival (Oct.7)
It is thrilling to watch hachiawase, when two portableshrines ram against each other to loud shouts of“Motekoi, motekoi!”

Access to Matsuyama●By Plane

Tokyo (Haneda) - Matsuyama (1hr20mins)
Nagoya (Chūbu) - Matsuyama (About 1 hour)
Osaka (Itami /Kansai) - Matsuyama (50mins)
Fukuoka - Matsuyama (About 50 minutes)〒791-0211 1125 Minara Toon City, Ehime TEL: 089-955-1174 FAX: 089-955-5830
Theater Fees: (day ticket) Adult 4,500 yen, High school student 3,200 yen, Jr. high school students & younger: 2,700 yen(advance ticket) Adult 4,200 yen, High school student 2,900 yen, Jr. high school students & younger: 2,400 yen
http://www.botchan.co.jp/index.html

Place 05
Tobe-yaki Craft Center
Here you can enjoy making Tobe -yaki ceramics, which have been designated as a
Traditional Craft. Try your hand at applying designs with gosu (indigo dye). You can also
experience shaping vessels from clay by hand and on an electric potter’s wheel. What a finesouvenir you can make.

●By Train

Tokyo - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (3hrs20mins)
Nagoya - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (1hr40mins)
Osaka - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (45mins)
Hakat a - O kayama: Shinkansen N ozomi /Sakura(1hr45mins)■Okayama - Matsuyama: JR limited express Shiokaze(2hrs40mins)●By Ferry

H i r o s h i m a - M a t s u y a m a K a n k ō ko: h i g h - s p e e d(1hr10mins)
Kokura - Matsuyama Kankōko: Matsuyama-Kokura ferry(7hrs5 mins)

Inquiries: Matsuyama Chamber of Commerceand Industry
TEL: 089-941-4111

1-30 Dōgo Kōen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0857 TEL: 089-931-5566
Open: 9:00 to 17:00 (Until 18:00 from May to October) *Admission ends 30 min. before closing
Closed days: Varies depending on the season
Admission: Adults 400 yen (Special exhibitions require a separate admission fee)
High school students and under for free. https://shiki-museum.com

82 Gohonmatsu, Tobe-chō Iyo-gun Ehime Pref. 791-2133
TEL: 089-962-6145
Open: 9:00 to 17:00 (Admission ends 16:00)
Closed: Thursdays (Or the following day if a public holiday falls on Thursday), Dec. 29- Jan. 3
Fee: Porcelain painting from 300 yen, Hand-forming・potterʼs wheel from 1,500 yen (Reservation required)
http://www.town.tobe.ehime.jp/site/sousakukan/

GourmetTaimeshi (Sea Bream Rice)
Matsuyama-style taimeshi issea bream cooked with rice.
T h e r i c h f lavo r of t h e s e ab r e a m, f r e s h l y h a r ve ste dfrom the Seto Inland Sea,
infuses each grain of rice.
Freshly cooked taimeshi issuperb.

Souvenir

Taruto and Botchan Dango
Tar uto is a loc al sweet said to havebeen introduced by the lord of
Matsuyama in the Edo period. It ’s asponge roll c ake made with azuki
b e a n p a s t e . B o t c h a n D a n g o (r i c e
d u m p l i n g s) a p p e a r i n t h e n o v e l
Botchan, written by Natsume Soseki.