A Project of Four Chambers of Commerce &Industry of ・ ・ ・ Onomichi Imabari From Matsue to Matsuyama in approx. 4 hours

the Way by Ca All r!

Matsue ・Ono michi ・Imabari ・

Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Expressway) and Setouchi Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway) bring the San'in and areas closer than ever! And, Yamanami Kaidō is partly free of charge. So, get ready for an enjoyable drivie!

Must-see Spot Spiritual Sea 02 01 Matsue Castle, Raindrop Monuments a National Treasure As it rains quite a lot in the region all year round, Matsue has set up eight Designated as a national treasure, Raindrop Monuments near Matsue Sakai Port Matsue Castle is one of twelve Castle, offering you something remaining original castles in Japan. enjoyable even on a rainy day. Each of Sakaiminato Miho Bay The elegance of the castle’s swooping the monuments has its own good luck roofs is compared to the outstretched Matsue City Honjō City

and is quite popular as a “power spot.” Hiezu-son wings of a plover, lending it the nickname “Plover Castle.” The top Yonago floor offers a panoramic view of the Airport Roadside 01 town and . Rest Area 01 02 1-5 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Pref. 690-0887 Aika-nagisa park Yonago City TEL: 0852-21-4030 Open: 8:30~18:30 (Hours depending on season) All year round 03 Matsue Admission: Aduls 680 yen, Children 290 yen Izumo Airport Tamatsukuri- Station https://www.matsue-castle.jp/

Shinji JCT Shinji Station Shinji IC

Izumo City Matsue-Tamatsukuri IC Tottori Pref.

Shinjiko SA Shinjiko Near by places of Matsue Castle・ Izimo Great Meimei-An・ Shrine 02 Yunokawa Karakoro Art Studio・ Matsue～Mats Taishagoenhiroba Lake Shinji Cruise uyama Approx. 01 4 hours! Important point about Aika Nagisa Park Matsue Matsue-Tamatsukuri IC Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō

San’in Kaidō Yamanami Chūgoku 15.7km（14 mins） Kamoiwakura PA Hirose・Tomitajō Canoeing or yachting on Lake Expwy Shinji and camping in green Shinji JCT Toll-free section spaces attract those who 10.6km（10mins） available! prefer to be outdoors. Miso Mitoyakisuki IC Matsue soup with shijimi clams is Expwy Kirara-taki Make use of the toll-free Sakuranosato-kisuki served at the restaurant. An 61km（53mins） section from Onomichi Kita IC abundant variety of vegetables to Mitoyakisuki! about are available. 130 mins. Miyoshi higashi JCT･IC Except for the toll Mitoyakisuki IC 1048-1 Okamoto-machi, Yasugi City Matsue City, Shimane Pref. 49.9km（43mins） Onomichi road section, TEL: 0852-88-3700 Expwy you can enter and Onomichi JCT exit freely! 4.5km（3mins） Sanyō Enjoy sightseeing and use Expwy Fukuyama Nishi IC of surrounding facilities such as roadside rest areas 5km（6 mins） National Rout 2 Unnan City Ono and hot springs near the IC. Kakeyanosato Sakagura- michi Nishiseto-Onomichi IC Kaidō Shimanami okuizumo

Setouchi kōryūkan 02 about Yoshida-Kakeya IC 59.4km（60 mins） Nishiseto Orochinosato Yunokawa 60 mins. Expwy Located near to famous Yunokawa Hot Spring, one of Unnan-Yoshida IC the three good for skin-hot Okuizumo-chō sprimgs in Japan, the area has Imabari Imabari IC Tataraba-ichibanchi 4km（8 mins） Imabari Bypass 03 a free foot bath. You can also Imabari-Yunoura IC take hot water from the spring about 13km（12 mins） Imabari-Komatsu Nichinan-chō back home with you (for a fee). 45 mins. Expwy Cross prefectural boundaries 825-2 Gakutō, Hikawa-chō, Iyo-Komatsu JCT while going through Izumo City, Shimane Pref. 3.4km（24 mins） Matsuyama Expwy a 4,878m tunnel! TEL: 0853-73-9327 Matsu Matsuyama IC Shimane Pref. Okuizumo- yama Ōyorogi Tunnel, connecting orochirūpu ※The required time is based on ordinary weekday travel. Tonbara Shimane and Hiroshima boasts its longest in the Chūgoku district (4,878m) and a notable construction on Scenic View Iinan-chō Yamanami Kaidō. Spiritual 03 Sunset over Lake Shinji

Onomichi Seven Takano IC We recommend watching the sunset at 02 Takano Lake Shinji Sunset Spot, which is Buddha Tour 04 located along the lakefront promenade. Akagikōgen Sit on the terrace and keep your camera ready for when the sun sets This is a mini pilgrimage that people The highest point on Yamanami Kaidō behind the pine-covered island. There walk to visit seven old temples in Altitude 637m are also many other nice viewing spots Onomichi. During this mini pilgrimage Greenroad Yamato About 3km from Takano IC such as Kishi Park and Shirakata Park. they collect goshuin(i.e. red stamps), or in the direction of Onomichi. stones for bracelet rosaries at the temples. At the end, they buy a power Be prepared for driving in winter! stone to complete the bracelet. These make good souvenirs of the trip. The temperature might be 4 to 5℃ lower on Yamanami Kaidō in mountainous areas. Kuchiwa IC ! Prepare by putting on winter tires, 03 carrying chains, and checking road Scenic View conditions and temperature. Tataraba Ichibanchi Forest Kimita Located next to the 03 Unnan-Yoshida IC of Matsue Mt. Shirataki Expressway, this rest area is famous for the Izumo Soba at Mt. Shirataki, 226.9m above sea level, Yume-land Funo the restaurant and a market that offers a prime view point of Innoshima sells products grown in the island. Many statues of the Buddha’s Five Miyoshi City region. Some sweets using Hundred Disciples are placed there. It fertilized eggs from floor-feeding took three years for Kashiwabara chickens have gained popularity. Miyoshi Higashi JCT・IC You can also try a cone of ice Denroku, the founder of Ikkankyo, and his cream with red pepper in it. disciples to complete the statues in 1830. 4378-31 Yoshida, Yoshida-chō, This is also a wonderful spot to watch Unnan City, Shimane Pref. the sunset. You can see the Seto Inland Restore-station TEL: 0854-74-0018 Sea shining like gold. Kitanosekijuku Akitakata Mirasaka IC Kamiishikogen-chō Sanwa 182 Station Okayama Pref. Scenic View Kisa IC 04 Setoda Sunset Beach 04 Takano This beach is on Ikuchijima island, with Akitakada City Located in the northernmost beautiful white sand stretching over Kōnu IC part of , 800m. As the name suggests, this is a this rest stop offers items such great place to view the sunset over the as Takano apples, Takano rice, . Facilities for marine Hiroshima Pref. and buckwheat. The freshly sports are provided at a seashore park. Fuchu City squeezed apple juice and gelato are recommended. Enjoy buying agricultural There are no gas stations Sera products at Waiwai Highland Sera-chō 05 Market. or service areas in thetoll-free 49 Shimonde, Takano-chō, ! section of Yamanami Kaidō. Shōbara City, Hiroshima Pref, TEL: 0824-86-3131 05 Hiroshima Sera IC City Exit and entrance is free in the toll-free section, Sera so please make use of facilities around the ICs. Ibara City Enjoy shopping for fresh Sera vegetables, rice grown Bingofuchū in fields 400m high, and Kohannosato-fukutomi Sera Blend Coffee. Also try the nationally famous Sera Fukuyama City hamburgers! Crossroad Mitsugi 06 Onomichi KitaFukuyama IC 2402-1 Kawajiri, Sera-chō, Yamanami Kaidō and Onomichi Sera gun, Hiroshima Pref. Shimanami Kaidō are not IC Nishi TEL: 0847-22-4400 Onomichi City

Yogansu Hakuryū JCT ! connected directly. Fukuyama (Use Sanyō Expressway and National Route 2) Station Kasaoka City When going from Matsue to Imabari, follow signs for “Shimanami Kaidō.” When going from Imabari to Matsue, follow signs for Shin-Onomichi

“Onomichi Expressway.” From Yamanami Kaidō Hiroshima Airport Station 01 Nishiseto-Onomichi IC Fuchū-chō Onomichi Onomichi Expressway Expressway/ Mihara City Senkōji Ropeway ･ Expwy Cat Alley Stroll Onomichi line Toll gate Mihara Shinmeinosato 02 Onomichi JCT Onomichi Onomichi Arisuto Numakuma Sanyō Ōhashi Gateway Hiroshima Expressway Statiaon Station Jikōji Buddhist Fukuyama ↓ Mukaishima image making Kaida Nishi IC IC Fukuyama (Sanyō Expressway City Nishi IC Hatsukaichi City Onomichi JCT /Expwy) Takehara Kumano 03 Ōhama PA Hiroshima Bay -chō ↑

From Shimanami Kaidō Innoshima Sanyō Shinkansen National Rout 2 Kita IC Scenic View Saka-chō (Onomichi bypass) Innoshima 06 Innoshima Minami IC Suigun Castle Senkōji Park

Crossroad Mitsugi Shimanamino-eki Ōmishima 01 Kure-chō Nishiseto-Onomichi IC Ikuchijima Observatory Many Onomichi specialties and Mishima kita IC Nishiseto- 04 processed foods are sold here. Shimanami Kaidō This is a famous spot in At the buffet-style restaurant, Onomichi IC IC Onomichi for photographers. you can enjoy dishes with 01 Ikuchijima Minami IC You can enjoy a panoramic view seasonal vegetables, sweets, of Onomichi Town, Onomichi and beverages. The vegetable Setoda PA Kamijima-chō Channel, and Mukaishima market is always popular. Imabari-tatarashimanami island, as well as cherry 33 Ōda, Mitsugi-chō, Onomichi park Viewing a ship launch 07 blossoms in spring, fresh green City, Hiroshima Pref. ŌsakiKamijima-chō (Shimanami Shipyard) TEL: 0848-76-3115 Kamiura PA in summer, and autumn tints in Important point about fall. The spot also boasts a Setouchi Shimanami Kaidō Hakatajima IC beautiful night view. Hakata S・C park The first cycling road 08 Must-see Spot Tidal current cruise crossing a strait in Japan! Ōshima Kita IC 07 You can enjoy a 70km road over the sea on a bicycle. Ōshima Minami Tatara Shimanami Park Dōgo Onsen Honkan Municipalities from Onomichi to Imabari operate facilities IC The roadside Rest Area is just for renting bicycles. The bicycles may be returned at any 01 and Dōgo Onsen near Ōmishima IC and is the rental cycle terminal. 02 perfect place to see Tatara * Onomichi Port (Harbor parking lot at the Station) ~ Annex Asuka-no-yu Yoshiumi Ikiikikan Ōhashi Bridge. Imabari City (Sunrise Itoyama) Kaikyō SA You can get fresh seasonal Dōgo Onsen Honkan Imabari Kita IC citrus fruits or honey harvested Dōgo Onsen is said to be the oldest hot on the islands. The specialty in spring in Japan. Dōgo Onsen Honkan Kontex Towel Imabari the restaurant is a dish of a rare prized fish called “mahata”. was rebuilt in 1894. In 1994, it was Garden Imabari Station Give it a try. designated as an important cultural 9180-2, Inokuchi, property, the first for a public bathhouse Imabari IC 03 Kamiura-chō, Imabari City, in Japan. Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-87-3866 5-6 Dōgo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0842 Seto Inland Sea TEL: 089-921-5141 (Dōgo Onsen office) Imabari City Open: 6:00-23:00 (Varies depending on type of bath) Two national routes, All year round (Closed one day in December) along the seaside and Imabari Yunoura-onsen Admission: Adults 420 yen https://dogo.jp/onsen/honkan through the hills, Towel Museum 08 Kazahayanosato-fuwari are available between Iyo Sakurai Imabari-Yunoura IC Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu Imabari and Matsuyama. Hakata S.C Park Lacquerware “Marine Oasis Hakata” On September 7, 2017, it is opened as Museum In the, “Dolphin Farm the third external bath Shimanami”, you can enjoy Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu interacting with dolphins and opened in September 2017, as the third whales. There is also an external bath. It has a special private Tōyo Port artificial beach and a rental bath that is a replica of Yūshinden, a bike station. At the specialty bath for exclusive use by the Imperial Matsuyama City center, special local products Family. Guests can experience bathing Tōyo-Tanbara IC including in a yuchō, an ancient bathing robe. Hakata-no-Shio salt or (Reservations are required) Please Iyo-Komatsu Kita IC processed foods are sold. contact for further information. Matsuyama 01 1668-1, Kanoura kō, 19-22 Dōgo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0842 Iyo-Komatsu IC Hakata-chō, Imabari City, Kankō Port TEL: 089-932-1126 (Dōgo Onsen Consortium) 02 Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-72-3300 Open: 7:00-23:00 (Varies depending on type of bath) All year round Shiki Museum Sakurasanri PA Iyo-Komatsu JTC (Closed one day in December)

Admission: Adults 610 yen https://dogo.jp/onsen/asuka IC Kawauchi Matsuyama Spiritual Matsuyama Station Airport Saijo City 01 Ōyamazumi Shrine Must-see Spot Matsuyama IC Ōyamazumi Shrine is one of the most 02 Masaki-chō famous shrines in Japan. The god Ōyamazumi-no-kami was worshiped as Ehime Pref. the guardian of seas and mountains. He Among the 12 existing castle Botchan Theater Toon City was also deeply worshiped as the god keeps in Japan, Matsuyama of battles, so samurai warriors visited Castle is the last complete the shrine before or after battles. Armor keep from the . It Must-see Spot and helmets offered by those warriors is possible to visit the inside are kept in the shrine, including national of the keep, from which you Tobe-chō Tōgei Sōsakukan 03 treasures and important cultural assets. The number of armor can view the Seto Inland Sea Imabari Castle and helmets preserved there is one of the largest in Japan. and Matsuyama City. Tobe-chō 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0008 Tōdō Takatora, the lord of half of Iyo Tosa-chō TEL: 089-921-4873 (Matsuyama Castle General office) (present day Ehime Pref.) with a Open: Castle Keep 9:00-17:00 (Admission ends 30 minutes before closing) Iyo City 200,000 income (one koku is (Closed the third Wednesday of December) 150kg of rice), built the castle. He built Scenic View Honmaru Square 5:00-21:00 (Open all year round) the castle on a flat sandy beach facing *Hours vary depending on the season for the Seto Inland Sea. It was one of the both the Castle Keep and Honmaru Square. Hirota"Kyōnoyakata" most outstanding sea castles in Japan, 02 Itoyama Park Admission: Castle Keep Adults 520 yen *Free for Honmaru Square with wide moats with salt water drawn in from the sea. The castle http://www.matsuyamajo.jp/ also provided the moat with an inner port, which was the largest in Japan in those days. Itoyama Park is located at the foot of Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Line) toll-free section Imabari Castle is one of the three major sea castles in Japan. Kurushima Kaikyō ōhashi Bridge on the Chūgoku Yamanami Kaidō (Onomichi-Matsue Line) toll section Imabari side on Itoyama Hill, 97m above the 〒794-0036 3-1-3, Tori-chō, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-31-9233 sea level. The observation deck commands Setouchi Shimanami Kaidō (Nishiseto Expressway) Open/9:00～17:00 Closed/Dec.29～31 and a beautiful view of the tidal currents of the ＊ Half-interchange (Entrance and exit one-way) when the exhibits inside the castle tower are changed Kurushima Strait, the bridge and small Expressway Admission/ Adults 520 yen islands of the Seto Inland Sea. National Road Niyodogawa-chō ※ The information included is current as of December, 2017. This map is based on a numerical map (Basic National Information 200,000) published by the Geographical Survey Institute. Kumakogen-chō Uchiko-chō Kōchi Pref, Hidaka-mura Place 01 Matsue 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’. Strolling around the town, you find Shiomi-Nawate is the very area that the 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 1,500 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 Japanese confectionery related to Fumai in the Japanese-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 9:50-17:00 ※ last order 16:30 October to March 8:30-17:00 ※Last reception 16:40 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 Place 03 Annual Events Karakoro Art Studio (experiencing traditional Japanese Sweets) ●A castle Festival at Matsue Castle, a National Treasure The main building constructed in the early Showa Era was a former Bank of Japan (from late March to mid-April) Matsue Branch. Inside, a large pillar, the basement vault, a chandelier and the fireplace of the manager room still remain as they were in those days, all of which Castle Festival is held in Matsue castle park, which is selected as one of Japan’s 100 scenic sites for cherry have flavors in retro and modern atmosphere. You can experience making typical blossoms. About 200 cherry trees, mainly a popular kind confectionery of Matsue or creating accessories of Somei-Yoshino, are in bloom and it is fantastic to see guided from craftsmen. There is "a pink post" them at night softly illuminated by many paper lantern on the terrace which is well-known as a power lights. There are various stage performances on the spot bringing good luck. daytime Saturday and Sunday during the period, and the area around the castle is thrown open until 21:00. 43 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Pref. 690-0887 TEL: 0852-20-7000 ●Matsue Musha Parade (Early April) Open: 9:30~18:30 All year round(except Dec.30-Jan.1) Matsue Castle was built by the first feudal lord of Matsue, http://www.karakoro-kobo.com/about/index.html Horio Yoshiharu. The parade gorgeously portrays the lord and 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. 04 They process around the city and finally go to the castle. Place

●Matsue Suigō Festival (First Weekend in August) Lake Shinji Cruise: Lake Shinji sightseeing boat "Hakuchō" This is one of the largest fireworks festivals in western Japan. The sight of fireworks reflected on the surface of The cruising that you can see beautiful scenery of the castle town, Lake Shinji is spectacular. The Matsue Dandan Festival, feeling a breeze off the water. You set out from the Ohashi River to which has stage performances and other events, is also go into Lake Shinji and it takes about an hour to make a round trip. held at this time. It is quite popular to have enjoyable time watching the evening sun ●Matsue Suitoro illuminated streets over Lake Shinji, which is designated as natural heritage ‘Sunset It is an event that the streets around Matsue Castle and over Lake Shinji’ and counted as one of Japan’s 100 Beautiful Shiomi Nawate area are lit on to make them look more Sunsets. beautiful. There are about 2,000 paper shade floor lamps, some of which are handmade by the citizens. You can enjoy 〒690-0001 150-7, Higashiasahi-machi, Matsue-City, Shimane scenery of the castle town created by the combination of TEL: 0852-24-3218 Open: depending on season Operate: all year round lights and shadows. Passage Fare: 1,500 yen for adults http//hakuchougo.jp ●Matsue Dō Drum Parade (Third Sunday of October) The Matsue Dō Drum Parade is a festival to celebrate the Gourmet Gourmet building of the castle town. Giant drums called dō are placed on large floats with roofs and iron wheels, and about a dozen Izumo Soba (Buckwheat Noodles) Matsue Odon floats are hauled through the streets. The drums are accompanied by bamboo flutes and changara cymbals, and the energetic sound echoes throughout the town. Izumo soba is dark in color, as Matsue odon is oden hotpot the flour is milled to include the mixed with udon, wheat chaff, giving it a distinctive noodles, featuring flying fish Access to Matsue fragrance and flavor. The two flavor soup stock and springy styles of serving the soba are texture of udon noodles. Five ●By plane warigo and kamaage. Many restaurants serve this savory Tokyo (Haneda )-Izumo 1hr30mins restaurants serve Izumo soba, local dish. Why not compare Nagoya (Komaki)-Izumo 1hr with as many variations in taste. their unique flavors? Sendai-Izumo 1hr30mins. http://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/3188 http://www.m-yeg.com/?page_id=310 Shizuoka-Izumo 1hr10mins Osaka (Itami)-Izumo 50mins Fukuoka-Izumo 1hr15mins Gourmet *●Airport limousine: Izumo Airport-Matsue 30mins Tokyo(Haneda)-Yonago 1hr20mins Matcha, Green Tea, and AR *● Airport limousine: Yonago-Matsue 45mins Traditional Japanese Sweets ●By train Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Matsue is one of the Tokyo-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (3hrs 20mins) Nagoya-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (1hr 40mins) most famous places for its matcha and wagashi in Japan. Shinosaka-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (45mins) Tea culture has been a part of everyday life among the Hakata-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi/Sakura (1hr 45mins) . citizens. Quality of blending tea is famous nationwide. Okayama-Matsue: Express Train Yakumo (2hrs 40mins) 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 Inquiries: Matsue Chamber of Commerce and Industry others are creative ones reflected four seasons. Enjoy TEL: 0852-32-0504 their exquisite wagashi with matcha. Place 01 Onomichi Ferry

Onomichi The distance between Onomichi and Mukaishima island is only 300m. This narrow body of water is called Onomichi Channel, and ferries operated by three 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 can have a retro and photogenic view of downtown Onomichi or of Mukaishima island. Onomichi Ekimae Tosen TEL: 0848-22-7154 Fukumoto Tosen TEL: 0848-44-2711 Onomichi Tosen TEL: 0848-44-0515 Open: 6:00-22:30 (Depends on the company) All year round Fare: Adults 60 yen ~ (Depends on the company.) http://www.onoport.jp/sightseeing/map.html Place 02 Island-wide Art Museum

The smallest art project in the world called Setoda Biennale(i.e. Biennial) was held in 1980 on Ikuchijima island. 17 works created for the event are still on display, and you can appreciate them freely.They are displayed in a unique fashion; for example, one sculpture is in the sea. Enjoy walking around the island and finding these works.

Setoda-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. TEL: 0845-27-0051 (Setoda-chō Tourist Information desk) https://www.city.onomichi.hiroshima.jp/soshiki/44/2787.html Place 04 Place 03 Jikōji Temple Experiencing grasp Annual Events Innoshima Suigun Navy Castle and shape out Buddha sculpture This castle-style building is a museum, from clay ●Onomichi Minato Festival (Late April) in which many materials related to the Onomichi Minato (Harbor) Festival has been held treasure of the Murakami Suigun and At Jikoji Temple, you can make your since the early Showa period. Nowadays an finds from archaeological sites are original dance contest, “Eejan SANSA gari,” is the own small Buddha sculpture. All exhibited. In April, 2016, the story of key event. It is a symbolic festival in Onomichi. you have to do is grasp some clay the Murakami Suigun’ s activities stabbed with a bar, and paint a face spanning from Onomichi to Imabari, ●Innoshima Suigun Navy Festival on it. The temple bake it to make was certified as a . (Late June to Late August) pottery and send to your house. This festival recreates the Murakami Suigun, 3228-2 Nakanosho-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-2211 Anyone can enjoy the experience which was active from the Nanbokuchō period to TEL: 0845-24-0936 the Muromachi and Sengoku periods and was easily following the kind Open: 9:30~17:00 (On Jan. 2, 3 10:00~15:00) instructions of the temple priest. based on Innoshima. The residents of the Closed: Thursdays (except national holidays), Dec. 29-Jan. 1 Innoshima area make this a lively festival. It Admission: Adults 330 yen, Students through junior high 160 yen 9-2 Nishitsuchidō-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-0032 consists of three parts: the Shima (island) Festival, (Groups: 30 or more) Adults 220 yen, Children 110 yen TEL: 0848-23-2411 Open: 9:00~16:30 All year round the Hi (fire) Festival, and the Umi (sea) Festival. Time required: About 20 minutes Fee: 1500 yen (Not including shipping) http://www.shichibutsu.com/jikouji/ ●Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival (Late July) Place 05 Place 06 Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival has been held since the middle of the Edo period. It is a spectacular fireworks festival, such that it is called Senkōji Aerial Tram Stroll along Cat Alley the Ryōgoku Fireworks of the west. Senkoji Temple is said to have beenn Going up the slope near the ●National Costume Meet in Onomichi established by Kobo-Daishi(i.e. lower station of Senkōji Aerial (Early September) Master Kobo), and a symbol of Tram, you’ll find an about 200m This is a lively event in which participants of the Onomichi. alley from the east exit of event dress up as familiar characters from You can easily go to the park taking Ushitora Shrine to the animations or movies and parade along the main Three-story Pagoda of Tenneiji shopping street of Onomichi. the aerial tram from the foot to the summit. From the summit, you can Temple. Cat-shaped objets d’art produced by Shunji Sonoyama ●Onomichi Lantern Festival (Mid-October) have a nice view of downtown are placed there. They are Onomichi or of Onomichi channel. The Onomichi Lantern Festival recalls the called “Happy Stone Cats.” This foundations of Onomichi’s prosperity. You can 20-1 Higashitsuchidō-chō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. 722-0033 is an enjoyable promenade feel the ‘warmth of the town of Onomichi’ through TEL: 0848-22-4900 where even real cats sometimes the gentle glow of thousands of small lamps lining Open: 9:00~17:15 All year round (Leaves every 15 min) Higashitsuchidō-chō, the streets. Fare: One way: Adults 320 yen, Children 160 yen appear. Onomichi City, Hiroshima Pref. Roundtrip: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen ●Onomichi Betchaa Festival (November 1-3) http://ihatov.in/ In 1807, a disease epidemic struck the Onomichi area. This festival originated from the offering of Place 07 prayers for recovery from that disease. Shimanami Kaidō Cycling

Access to Onomichi To enjoy Shimanami Kaido cycling, rent a bicycle at the rental bike station ●By plane at Onomichi Port(Port parking lot in from of the station). Go to Mukaishima island from Onimichi by ferry, and explore the islands via Innoshima and Tokyo (Haneda)-Hiroshima (1hr 25mins) Ikuchijima Bridges. It is possible to reserve a bicycle or to drop one off at Hiroshima-Onomichi: Onomichi Bus (55mins) the rental bicycle stations on Mukaishima island and Ikuchijima island. ●By train JA Onomichi Shiekimae BLD. 1F, 11-9 Higashigosho-chō, Onomichi City 722-0036 Tokyo-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (3hrs 40mins) TEL: 0848-22-3911 (Shimanami Japan) Nagoya-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (2hrs) Open: 8:30~17:00 All year round Rental fee: 1,100 yen～ per day Kyoto-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi (1hr 20mins) http://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/rental/ Shinosaka-Fukuyama: Shinkansen Nozomi, Sakura, Mizuho (1hr 10mins) Fukuyama-Onomichi: JR Sanyō honsen (20mins) Gourmet Souvenir Hakata-Hiroshima: Shinkansen Nozomi, Sakura (1hr 10mins) Onomichi Ramen Lemon Cakes Hiroshima-Mihara: Shinkansen Kodama (30mins) Mihara-Onomichi: JR Sanyō honsen (12mins) The Onomichi Ramen soup is made with small Ikuchijima island is the largest Inquiries: Onomichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry fish and chicken bones and seasoned with mild producer of lemons in Japan. Fresh TEL/0848-22-2165 soy sauce. A characteristic of Onomichi Ramen is lemons or lemon sweets make good including pork grease, in addition to the standard souvenirs. In particular, lemon cakes Inquiries: Onomichi Chamber of Commerce toppings such as green onion, roast pork, and coated with chocolate are available and Industry fermented bamboo shoots. Onomichi Ramen has in local cake shops. The lemon TEL/0848-22-2165 nationwide popularity. shape of the cakes is cute, too. Place 01 Imabari 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 pleasure of cycling this route. There are cycling terminals on each island, including Sunrise Itoyama.

TEL/0898-41-3196 Cycling Terminal Sunrise Itoyama, Imabari City Open/8:00-17:00(-20:00 April-September) Open all year round Rental Fee (for a bike)/1,100 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 the towel factory is possible by reservation.

〒794-0083 854-1, Takuma kō, Imabari-City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-23-3933 Open/10:00-18:00 Closed/Mondays (Tuesday if the Monday is a holiday) http://kontex.co.jp/

Place 03 Place 04 Annual Events Viewing a ship launch Iyo Sakurai ●Imabari Towel Fare (in May and October) (Shimanami Shipyard) Lacquerware Museum Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, in Imabari City the biggest towel production Imabari, the biggest maritime city Sakurai Lacquerware is the area in Japan, there are exhibitions and spot in Japan, is famous for traditional artwork of Ehime. sales, new products by local makers, a kids’ shipbuilding. In the launchng Inside the building, a wide range towel design exhibition, and demonstrations ceremony tour at Shimanami of lacquerware artworks including of weaving textiles. Shipyard Co. on Hakatajima, the bowls, chopsticks, and trays etc. dramatic launch of a newly-built are displayed and sold. 「 」 ● Onmaku , Imabari Citizen’s Festival ship can actually be seen close It is possible to see the process of (August) by. producing these and see the Dances, local traditional performing arts, and expert skills that have been fireworks are the three major attractions of passed down from the Edo this festival. Every year, over 200,000 people turn out for the fireworks, the biggest in the period. Find your favorite artwork. Chūgoku and Shikoku districts. 〒794-2303 〒799-1527 340-1, Nagasawa kō, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-48-0418 ●Imabari Textile Festival (October) 2312, Ikata-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari Cty, Ehime Pref. Open/10:00-18:00 Closed/Tuesday (Wednesday if the Tuesday is a holiday) TEL /0897-72-1121 http://www.sakuraishikki.com/index Local special products including towels are 9:30-19:00(Saturdays, consecutive holidays) shown and sold at the festival. Towels are sold http://www.shimanami-shipyard.co.jp at special prices. In addition to a big raffle, hands-on classes for parents and children to 05 06 enjoy, there will be a selection of local Place Place products from each area. Towel Museum Tidal Current Cruise

Access to Imabari The museum displays towel arts Cruising around Island that are unique to the world. It is allows you to experience the rapid ●By plane also possible to see the process of tidal currents that surround the island. These powerful currents Tokyo (Haneda)-Matsuyama (1 hr 20 mins) towel weaving in the museum. can rise to a maximum of ten Nagoya (Chūbu)-Matsuyama (1hr 5 mins) Lovely Moomin and his friends Osaka (Itami/Kansai)-Matsuyama (50 mins) knots. The island was the base of welcome you at the European the Noshima Murakami Kaizoku Fukuoka-Matsuyama (45 mins) garden that is rich in greenery and (an unofficial navy), the largest in ・ Matsuyama-Imabari : by car (1hr 10 mins) flowers. Japan. It is now designated as a site of historical interest in Japan. ●By train When visiting its remains and Tokyo-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi historical sites, it is easy to (3 hrs 20 mins) imagine the role that the Kaizoku Nagoya-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi played in the Seto Inland Sea 〒799-1607 2930, Asakurakami kō, Imabari-City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0898-56-1515 〒794-2203 In front of Murakami (1 hr 40 mins) some 400 years ago. Open/9:00-17:30(Gallery tour is until 30 minutes before closing) Navy Museum, 1293-2, Miyakubo, Osaka-Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi /9:30-19:00(Saturdays, consecutive holidays), /9:30-19:00(in January and February) Miyakubo-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Pref. TEL/0897-86-3323(Noshima Suigun) (45 mins) Open all year round (except January 3rd, 4th Tuesday) Open/9:00-16:00(Frequency of service: every one-hour) Hakata-Okayama Shinkansen Nozomi, Admission/800 yen for adults, 600 yen for junior, senior high school students, Closed/Monday (Tuesday if the Monday is a holiday) Sakura (1 hr 45 mins) 400 yen for elementary school students http://www.towelmuseum.com/ Passage fare/Adults 1,200 yen Elementary school students 600 yen Free for preschool kids ・Okayama-Imabari: JR Super Express http://noshima.jp/choryu train Shiokaze (2 hrs 10 mins) ●By ferryboat Gourmet Gourmet Osaka (Osaka-Nankō Port)-Toyo Port: Imabari Teppan Yakitori Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi Shikoku Kaihatsu Ferry (7 hrs 40 mins) (grilled chicken) (rice with roast pork and sunny-side up egg) ・Tōyo Port-Imabari: Connected bus service (40 mins) Imabari Teppan Yakitori means A big bowl of rice topped with chicken grilled on a hot iron roast pork and sunny-side up eggs plate. Chicken and chicken skin is a local delicacy of Imabari. It was placed on the iron plate are originally cooked in an old Chinese grilled by being pressed with an restaurant in Imabari. The sauce iron presser, a unique way to made from well-cooked roast pork prepare the dish. Salty-sweet makes you want to eat more. Imabari Yakibuta sauce adds to the taste. Tamago Meshi Inquiries: Imabari Chamber of Commerce and Worldwide Industry Popularization Committee TEL/0898-24-2020 TEL:0898-23-3939 http://i-ytm.com/ Place 01 Dōgo Onsen Honkan and Matsuyama Dōgo 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 and Tama-no-yu, several relaxation rooms, and the Yūshinden, the imperial bath (guided tours are available). The Honkan was designated an important cultural property in 1994, the first for a public bath house.Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-yu whose interior is decorated with Ehime’s traditional handicrafts opened in September 2017 as the third external bath. Place 02 The Shiki Museum Masaoka Shiki was one of the famous haiku poets born in Matsuyama. The Museum introduces the city of 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 monuments with their haiku are set up around the city, inviting you to visit them. 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: Tuesdays Admission: Adults 400 yen (Special exhibitions require a separate admission fee) High school students and under for free. http://sikihaku.lesp.co.jp/ Annual Events Place 03

●Matsuyama Castle Botchan Train “New Year at the Castle” (Jan.1-3) Lion Dance performances, free pork and miso soup, This street car is modeled after the steam-powered locomotive which ran in the city for 67 years and various traditional events are held. 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 ●Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) cities. It was a pioneer of light railway service, which was later set up all over the country. (Between late January to late February) The Botchan Train Museum shows the history of the Iyo Railway Company and items which ※Days 7-9 of the first month of the lunar calendar mirror historical changes. A full-size replica of the No.1 locomotive is also exhibited. Rare rolling Commonly known as Tsubaki Jinja or “Otsubaki-san,” stock parts and other materials will surely please railroad fans. Near the museum is the statue of Tsubaki (camellia) Shrine is famous for its deity of good Kobayashi Nobuchika, who was the founder of the Iyo Railway Company. He was an innovative fortune and success in business. Each year, about businessman who undertook many enterprises in order to stimulate the regional economy. Why 500,000 people from all over Japan visit the shrine during the festival. not take a ride on the Botchan Train, now a diesel-powered streetcar, between Matsuyama city Station and Dōgo Onsen? ●Matsuyama Spring Festival (Early April) This is a collective name for the Castle Festival and the Botchan Train Museum Dōgo Onsen Festival. It’s the biggest festival in 4-4-1 Minatomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. 790-0012 Matsuyama. At the castle festival, the citizens dressed TEL: 089-948-3290 as lords, ladies, and samurai boldly parade in the city Open: 7:00 to 21:00 All year round center and at the castle, where cherry blossoms are in http://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/museum/ full bloom. ●Matsuyama Festival Place 04 (Early to the middle August) The festival began in 1966 as one of the four biggest Botchan Theater festivals in Shikoku. Yakyūken Odori, a dance based on movements and gestures characteristic of baseball, An only one permanent theater in Japan, which performs an independently produced musical work and Yakyū Samba are exciting. through a year. Musicals’ themes are based on history of Shikoku and Seto Inland Sea area, or stories of ●Matsuyama Autumn Festival (Oct.7) important figures, that all the audience can enjoy from children to adults. Performers are chosen by It is thrilling to watch hachiawase, when two portable audition every year among actors/actresses who have been already active in Tokyo, this makes the local shrines ram against each other to loud shouts of people be able to appreciate a full-scale stage. “Motekoi, motekoi!” 〒791-0211 1125 Minara Toon City, Ehime TEL: 089-955-1174 FAX: 089-955-5830 Theater Fees: (day ticket) Adult 4000 yen, High school student 2700 yen, Junior high and Elementary student 2200 yen (advance ticket) Adult 3700 yen, High school student 2400 yen, Junior high and Elementary student 1900 yen Access to Matsuyama http://www.botchan.co.jp/index.html Place 05 ●By Plane Tokyo (Haneda) - Matsuyama (1hr20mins) Nagoya (Chūbu) - Matsuyama (1hr5mins) Tobe-yaki Craft Center Osaka (Itami /Kansai) - Matsuyama (50mins) Fukuoka - Matsuyama (45mins) 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 ●By Train experience shaping vessels from clay by hand and on an electric potter’s wheel. What a Tokyo - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (3hrs20mins) fine souvenir you can make. Nagoya - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (1hr40mins) 82 Gohonmatsu, Tobe-chō Iyo-gun Ehime Pref. 791-2133 Osaka - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi (45mins) TEL: 089-962-6145 Hakata - Okayama: Shinkansen Nozomi/Sakura Open: 9:00 to 17:00 (Admission ends 16:00) (1hr45mins) Closed: Thursdays (Or the following day if a public holiday falls on Thursday), Dec. 29- Jan. 3 ■Okayama - Matsuyama: JR limited express Shiokaze Fee: Porcelain painting from 300 yen, Hand-forming・potter’s wheel from 1,500 yen (Reservation required) (2hrs40mins) http://www.town.tobe.ehime.jp/site/sousakukan/

●By Ferry Hiroshima - Matsuyama Kankōko: high-speed Gourmet Souvenir (1hr10mins) Kokura - Matsuyama Kankōko: Matsuyama-Kokura Taimeshi (Sea Bream Rice) Taruto and Botchan Dango ferry (7hrs5 mins) Matsuyama-style taimeshi is Taruto is a local sweet said to have sea bream cooked with rice. been introduced by the lord of The rich flavor of the sea Matsuyama in the Edo period. It’s a bream, freshly harvested sponge roll cake made with azuki Inquiries: Matsuyama Chamber of Commerce from the Seto Inland Sea, bean paste. Botchan Dango (rice and Industry infuses each grain of rice. dumplings) appear in the novel TEL: 089-941-4111 Freshly cooked taimeshi is Botchan, written by Natsume Soseki. superb.