Story Kochi and Ehime
A haven for culture and food lovers Published in 2021

Kochi and Ehime

A haven for culture and food lovers

 

9:30     Asoo Chinkabashi

 

 

The turquoise-tinted Niyodo River is one of the clearest rivers in Japan, and you can truly appreciate its beauty by crossing it along one of the many chinkabashi - a simple concrete bridge built to withstand floodwater - that criss-cross the river's entire length. Asao Chinkabashi is one of the longest and most beautiful bridges along the river, with a gorgeous view of a traditional village nestled against a mountain backdrop.

 

 ↓ Car, 35 mins

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10:30     Cha Cafe Asunaro

 

 

Located beside Odo Dam, Cha Cafe Asunaro is a classic minimalist cafe to relax with some classic Japanese tea, dessert, or a light lunch. The cafe serves green tea and matcha desserts made using local Sawatari tea leaves grown along the banks of the Niyodo River, and even their main meals are infused with the same tea! Sit down for quiet bite here as you enjoy a gorgeous view of the Niyodo River from the restaurant's deck.

 

 ↓ Car, 60 mins

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12:30     Tobe Ehime Togeikan

 

 

Tobe-yaki is a type of local pottery characterised by deep blue, beautifully painted designs on fairly thick white porcelain. You can check out over 30,000 Tobe-yaki works from 32 local potteries which are available for purchase at Tobe Ehime Togeikan. Every spring and autumn, they hold markets where lots of visitors get to bring home porcelain works with a good bargain. On the upper floor, you can join pottery classes and try your hand at creating your very own unique piece of Tobe-yaki on the potter's wheel.

 

 ↓ Car, 25 mins

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13:40     10FACTORY

 

 

Located at the foot of Matsuyama Castle, this relaxed shopping street is lined with chic independent stores. You can find a variety of local retail brands as well as eateries where you can try regional specialties. Ehime is one of Japan's largest producers of mikan (a type of tangerine orange) - pop into the trendy 10FACTORY, a specialty shop where you can try a flight of mikan juice along with their freshly squeezed beverages, and purchase other mikan-related souvenirs, sweets, and snacks!

 

Shirasagiya

 

 

Enjoy the taste of Shirasagiya's fruit daifuku, which are seasonal fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwis, and mandarins encased in gyuhi - a softer, sweeter, and more delicate version of traditional mochi - and white bean paste which has an elegant sweetness. You can also try their manju which is made with Okinawan brown sugar. All their sweets are freshly made in-store.

 

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14:45     Matsuyama Castle Ropeway

 

 

Located on a steep hill in the city centre, Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's 12 original castles. While you can walk up to the castle, the easiest and fastest way to get there is via the ropeway or chair lift. From Ropeway Shopping Street, a 3-minute ride on the ropeway will get you to the summit. Alternatively, the 6-minute single-seater chair lift offers a more exhilarating open-air ride with unobstructed views of the castle town.

 

 ↓ Walk, 10 mins

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15:00     Matsuyama Castle

 

 

A magnificent fortress that has withstood war and time, Matsuyama Castle is an excellent example of a feudal castle - its main defense (honmaru) is well-defended, and the main keep is one of a few in the country boasting multiple wings. The complex also includes a secondary keep and multiple turrets which make it interesting to explore. Spread around the castle grounds are 200 cherry trees, which make it a lovely cherry blossom spot in spring.

 

 ↓ Walk, 10 mins

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16:30     Kadoya

 

 

Located along the Ropeway Shopping Street, Kadoya specializes in local seasonal cuisine such as their signature Tai-meshi (sea bream sashimi and raw eggs served over rice) which is a specialty of Uwajima, along with Fukumen which is a konjac noodle dish with a variety of colourful toppings like orange peel, minced fish soboro, and green onions. Other popular dishes include Jyako-ten (fishcake served hot on a small shichirin grill) and slices of bonito charred over a straw fire.

 

 ↓ Car, 10 mins

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18:00     Stay in Dogo Onsen

 

 

One of Japan's most popular and oldest hot spring areas, Dogo Onsen is recognizable by its famous bathhouse: the Honkan, which showcases an ornate architecture. Built in 1894, the bathhouse's wooden interior consists of intricately designed stairways, passages, and rooms. You can spend the night in the Dogo Onsen area as there are a number of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious traditional ryokan inns to modern hotels, all boasting hot spring baths on their premises.

 

 

Published in 2021