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Matsuyama, Japan
Home to Matsuyama Castle and the famous Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring bathhouses. Stroll through the historic Dogo Onsen Honkan district and try taruto, a local sweet made with red bean paste. The ropeway up to Matsuyama Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
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Imabari, Japan
Gateway to the iconic Shimanami Kaido cycling route connecting Honshu and Shikoku across island-hopping bridges. Imabari Castle sits dramatically on the waterfront and is one of Japan's rare sea castles. The city is also famous for producing high-quality Imabari towels, a perfect local souvenir.
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Uwajima, Japan
A charming castle town in southern Ehime known for Uwajima Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castles. The city is celebrated for its taimeshi (sea bream rice) and fresh seafood from Uwa Sea pearl oyster farms. Don't miss the colorful Warei Shrine and the quirky Taga Shrine nearby.
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Saijo, Japan
Famous for its incredibly pure groundwater called uchinuki, which naturally bubbles up throughout the city streets. Saijo is the best base for hiking or visiting the scenic Omogo Gorge and nearby Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. The local sake breweries benefit greatly from the pristine water quality here.