Useful information about Ehime
General Information about Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture is a nature-rich prefecture located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea. It has a population of about 1.34 million people and a land area of 5,676 km2. It consists of 11 cities and 9 towns, with Matsuyama serving as the prefectural capital. In all, there are around 150 train stations in Ehime Prefecture. Matsuyama Station is served by JR Shikoku and the Iyo Railway, and is known as the only train station in a city of at least 300,000 people that has no automatic ticket gate. It is also famous for its connections to "Botchan", a famous novel by the writer Natsume Soseki. Compared to other major stations in urban centers, the surrounding area of Matsuyama Station has fewer shopping centers and restaurants, but has more prominent greenery.
Another major city in Ehime is Imabari City. Imabari Station is a major stop on the JR Shikoku Yosan Line, and serves as a transport hub with many local and express buses connecting it with other parts of the city and prefecture. Like Matsuyama Station, it is a compact station in an area of rich greenery. Imabari is the second busiest train station in Ehime, behind Matsuyama. The surrounding area has undergone redevelopment, and features a library and many parks. The west side of the station features a residential area with rows of apartments and municipal housing, while the east side is home to many hotels and office buildings.
Ehime is a nature-rich prefecture that is surrounded by mountains and the sea. It also has a rich local culture with many specialty products. It is one the largest producers of mikan (mandarin orange) and other citrus fruits in Japan, and is famous for products such as mikan jelly and mikan juice. Another popular local specialty is jakoten, a fish paste product.
Foreign Residents in Ehime Prefecture
As of June 2019, there are 12,459 foreign residents living in Ehime Prefecture, who are mostly concentrated in the cities of Matsuyama, Imabari, and Saijo. By nationality, Chinese nationals are the most in number, with a population of 3,942. Next come Vietnamese with 3,058 residents, followed by Filipinos, Koreans, Indonesians, Brazilians, Americans, Cambodians, Burmese, Thai, and Taiwanese. Chinese and Vietnamese nationals having nearly equivalent populations is something not commonly found in other prefectures.
Data source: Ehime Prefectural Government "Foreign Resident Population by Nationality" (published June 2019)
Popular Residential Areas in Ehime Prefecture
One of the most popular residential areas in Ehime for foreigners is Matsuyama City. Being the prefectural capital, it has convenient access to other municipalities and prefectures, but the cost of living is cheap compared to other urban areas. It also has many shopping and dining facilities that add to its convenience.
Another popular area is Imabari, a coastal city that is rich in nature, making it ideal for people seeking an idyllic life. Commercial facilities are relatively few, but it is still a perfectly livable place if you prefer a simple lifestyle.
Saijo City has a smaller population, and features quiet residential areas. It is a recommended area for people seeking to live in a serene environment.
Transportation in Ehime Prefecture
Transportation in Ehime is not as extensive compared to more populous prefectures. Rail transport across the prefecture consists of several lines operated by JR Shikoku and Iyo Railway. The Yosan Line is the longest line of JR Shikoku in terms of distance traveled. It runs along the northern coast of Shikoku, and connects Matsuyama to Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, making it an important regional mode of transport. The train offers great views of the sea and rural scenery.
Iyo Railway is the main transport provider in Matsuyama City. They operate an interconnected tram service centered on Matsuyama City Station that loops around Matsuyama Castle and also provides access to the famous Dogo Onsen. They also operate three railway lines that run from Matsuyama City Station to neighboring areas in the prefecture.
Ehime also has a network of buses that supports the transportation needs of its residents. The main bus operators are Iyotetsu Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, Setonaikai Kotsu, and Iyotetsu Nanyo Bus. Iyotetsu Bus is the largest bus operator and offers many routes from Matsuyama to other parts of the prefecture. In many municipalities, there are also local community buses.
Expressways also play an important part in the transportation of Ehime. Two of the most prominent expressways are the Matsuyama Expressway and the Nishiseto Expressway which provide convenient access within Ehime as well as to other prefectures.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture is home to many tourist spots and rich natural attractions. Matsuyama is famous in Japan as the setting of the novel "Botchan" by Natsume Soseki. One of the places featured in the novel is Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The Dogo Onsen Honkan public bathhouse lets you feel the history and cultural importance of the place.
Another popular spot is Matsuyama Castle. The castle sits on a mountain and offers a panoramic view of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea. When you're in Matsuyama, you should also check out the Botchan Train, a diesel train modeled on the old steam locomotive that ran across the city.
In Imabari City, one famous attraction is the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. This 4-kilometer-long suspension bridge runs over the Kurushima Strait that is known for its rapid tidal currents. The view of the bridge and the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most iconic sights in the area.