ITINERARIES

Enjoy the peace of this sacred mountain and discover traditional handicrafts at Tobe pottery

Enjoy majestic views from Mt. Ishizuchi and experience the tranquillity of Ishizuchi Shrine on the mountainside built to worship this sacred mountain. Be delighted by the seasonal beauty of Omogo Gorge stretching out from the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi. The seasonal autumn leaves are a particular visitor favourite. Visit breath-taking Shirai Falls just as Japan’s great writers did once upon a time. Then head to Tobe pottery where you can try your hand at painting and wheel throwing and make your trip even more memorable!

Day 1

  • Matsuyama

    1 hr 30 min
  • Omogo Gorge (Omogokei)

    The picturesque scenery changes along with the seasons

    Located at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, the Omogo Gorge is well known as a national scenic site and delights visitors with its seasonal beauty. The water in the gorge is crystal clear and you can see to the bottom of the river even from the walking trails. There are two trails; one is the Honryu (main stream) Route including scenic beauty spots such as Goshiki-kawara, Momiji-kogen, and Toraga-taki. The other is the Teppo Route, a relaxing trail along the tranquil Teppo River. The gorge is popular with visitors seeing the autumn foliage in early November.

    40 min
  • Mt. Ishizuchi

    Climb Ehime's most sacred peak

    Mt. Ishizuchi (1,982 m) is one of Japan's seven sacred peaks and the highest mountain in western Japan. The ascent to the Ishizuchi Shrine at the summit affords sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Climbers can take a ropeway to the Joju Route trailhead; from there it takes around three hours to reach the peak. In some sections, there will be a choice between scaling steep rock faces with chains or taking less-demanding bypass trails. An easier route starts from Tsuchigoya Hut (accessible by car) and takes around 2 hours. There is a small lodge near the summit where you can stay to enjoy spectacular views at sunrise.

    1 hr 40 min
  • Ishizuchi Shrine

    The shrine worshiping the sacred mountain of Mt. Ishizuchi

    Built for worshipping Mt. Ishizuchi, Ishizuchi shrine stands on the mountainside as if looking out over the whole world. The shrine consists of four parts: one at the summit, two on the mountainside, with the head shrine standing on the foothills. Visitors can experience the magnificence of the shrine not only by visiting but also by taking part in the various festivals held here including the autumn festival in October, and the star festival in February.

    50 min
  • Shirai Falls

    The scenery is breath-taking!

    Great writers such as Shiki Masaoka and Soseki Natsume visited the falls and composed a number of well-known Tanka (short poems) and Haiku about the scenery. The waterfalls are easily accessible via a footpath that leads to the perfect viewing location. A great number of visitors come to the Shirai Falls Festival on 3 November. The 96m tall falls freeze in winter when you may be lucky enough to see the mystical beauty of the gigantic frozen waterfall. Along with a nearby farm park, the falls are the perfect place to enjoy some amazing natural beauty.

    40 min
  • Tobe-yaki Togeikan (Tobe Pottery Center)

    Beautiful pottery with distinctive indigo designs

    At the Tobe-yaki Togeikan visitors can see a range of earthen and porcelain Tobe ware by local artisans, and try their hand at making or painting a piece. Earthenware has been produced in the area since the Nara and Heian periods (710–1185), while porcelain production dates from the Edo period (1603–1867). Today there are around 100 active pottery studios in Tobe.

    Tobe earthenware is admired for its practicality and is popular for daily-use items. The more decorative porcelain ware is typically grayish-white and bears bold indigo designs. The coloration of the porcelain is due to the high iron content of the local clay. A variety of Tobe ware is available to browse and buy at Tobe-yaki Togeikan, along with local souvenirs.