Spirited Away to Enchanting Ehime!

Ehime, situated in the northern part of Japan's southern island of Shikoku, has a population of about 1.5 million, and contrary to popular belief, is not only famous for some of the best mikan (mandarin oranges) in Japan. The expansive area boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including the Seto Inland Sea National Park, Ashizuri Uwakai National Park and Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan.

Seto Inland Sea & bridges
Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful travel routes in the region is the Nishiseto Highway, which starts from the famous towel manufacturing city of Imabari, just outside Ehime's capital city of Matsuyama. Otherwise known as the "Shimanami Kaido (Sea Road)," this stunningly scenic route connects Imabari to Onomichi City in Hiroshima. Opened in 1999, the approximately 60 km route crosses a series of 10 individually designed bridges that connect six islands in the Inland Sea. If public transportation doesn't excite you, more adventurous visitors can hire a bicycle and cycle along the dedicated 80-km (50-mile) biking trail that runs alongside the main road.

Matsuyama memories
For those looking for a more relaxing time, Matsuyama offers visitors a laid back lifestyle, wide open spaces, and more than enough sites to see in a weekend. The city is home to many shrines and temples, beautiful parks, huge shopping arcades, and a very convenient public transportation system - including old-fashioned streetcars!

Visitors with limited time should ensure they visit the famous, centrally located Matsuyama Castle. Dominating the city's skyline, this 400-year-old extremely well preserved castle has beautiful curved stone walls, and a very interesting museum containing many samurai-related items and other feudal-era displays. Furthermore, the view from the magnificent three-story castle tower stretching far across the landscape provides fantastic photo opportunities.

Culture and foods
Before leaving Ehime, be sure to check out some of the many famous crafts and specialties including (of course) mikan, the delicious Taruto sweet cake rolls, as well as the distinctive blue and white Tobe-yaki pottery, high quality towels and beautiful pearls cultivated in the Uwa Sea.

The model for "Spirited Away" Onsen
Dogo Spa, on the outskirts of Matsuyama, is the oldest hot spring in Japan with a history reputed to go back about 3,000 years. The three-story Japanese-style wooden bathhouse on the site that dates back to 1894 was a favorite of the Emperor Showa whenever he visited the city. Visitors can still see the Emperor's Room and private spa. Anime fans will be interested to learn that the onsen in the famous Japanese animation "Spirited Away" (directed by Hayao MIYAZAKI) is said to have been modeled from Dogo Spa. Another interesting fact is that famous modern novelist Soseki NATSUME (whose face appeared on the old 1,000 yen notes) often used this bath. From the moment guests walk through the door they are taken back in time and visitors can enjoy taking a bath, relaxing on tatami mats drinking tea, chatting, and eating rice crackers.

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