EHIME PREFECTURE

EHIME PREFECTURES

Ehime Prefecture is on the north western side of Shikoku Island on the Seto Inland Sea. The capital of Ehime Prefecture is Matsuyama. Ehime Prefecture is famous for its Dogo Hot Spring area and Matsuyama Castle, but also feature the ski resort in Kumakogen (near Matsuyama). Ehime Prefecture is also famous for its citrus fruits, fish and cultured pearls.

EHIME PREFECTURE CAPITAL

Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Matsuyama is famous for Onsen (hot springs).

EHIME CASTLES

Imabari Castle is a Mizujiro (castle in the sea) style Japanese Castle on the coast line in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Imabari Castle was constructed by the order of Todo Takoatora in 1604, as a replacement for Kokufu Castle, on Mt Karako, which proved an unsuitable location to rule the area. In 1873 all the main buildings of Imabari Castle were demolished as part of the Meiji Restoration. In 1980 a modern reconstruction of the donjon (tower) was completed.

Matsuyama Castle is a hilltop style Japanese Castle, on Mt Matsuyama in the city of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. Matsuyama Castle was completed in 1603 with a five story donjon (keep) which was relocated from Aizu Castle. In 1642 Matsudaira Sadayuki completed a new donjon, which was later destroyed by a lightning strike and fire in 1784. Between 1820 and 1854 the current donjon was completed. Parts of the castle were destroyed during World War II and restoration work started in 1966. Matsuyama Castle is a different castle to the similarly named Bitchu Matsuyama Castle.

Ozu Castle is a Japanese Castle in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Ozu Castle was constructed by the order of Utsunomiya Toyofusa in 1331. Between 1585 and 1617 was upgraded and modified to the form that lasted until 1888 when most of the buildings including the donjon (tower) were destroyed by fire. Two yagura which connected to the donjon survived the fire. In 2004 a modern reconstruction of the donjon (tower) was completed with a museum inside.

Uwajima Castle is a Japanese Castle in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Tsurushima-jo. Uwajima Castle was built in 1596 and was expanded in 1671. The donjon (tower) is a designated Important Cultural Property.

Yuzuki Castle was a Japanese Castle near Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture. Yuzuki Castle was upgraded from a fort in the 16th century, but was destroyed in battle in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today only a few reconstructed buildings and earthworks remain.

EHIME TEMPLES

Ishite-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, in Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture. Ishite-ji Temple is temple 51 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Ishite-ji Temple was established in 728AD and the oldest structure is the Niomon Gate or Deva Gate, which was completed in 1318 and is a designated National Treasure. The Ishite-ji Temple three story pagoda and gorinto (five ring tower) are Important Cultural Properties.

EHIME GARDENS and PARKS

Shiroyama Park, in Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku. Shiroyama Park is most famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

EHIME ONSEN

Dogo Onsen is a famous hot spring in Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture, which is one of the oldest Onsen in Japan. Today Dogo Onsen normally refers to the three story Dogo Onsen public bath which was built in 1894 and features Yushinden; a bath for the exclusive use of the Imperial Family.