
Most Scenic Road Trips in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
1. Dogo Onsen Way
A scenic drive through historic hot spring towns, with beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Historical Significance: Dogo Onsen has a rich history dating back over 1400 years.
- Hot Springs Experience: The route is dotted with traditional Japanese hot spring inns called 'ryokans'.
- Sea Views: The coastal views along this drive are particularly stunning at sunset.
2. Cape Ashizuri
A dramatic clifftop drive with breathtaking ocean views and a chance to spot dolphins.
- Marine Life: Cape Ashizuri is known for its abundant marine life, including dolphins and whales.
- Clifftop Walks: The clifftop walks offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Cape Ashizuri Lighthouse: Visit the iconic Cape Ashizuri Lighthouse at the end of the drive.
3. Shimanto River Drive
A leisurely drive along Japan's last remaining wooden bridge village and the crystal-clear Shimanto River.
- Wooden Bridges: The route is dotted with traditional wooden bridges, some over 200 years old.
- River Cruises: Cruise down the Shimanto River for a different perspective.
- Scenic Villages: The drive passes through picturesque villages nestled along the river.
4. Ishizuchi Mountain Drive
A mountainous drive with stunning views of Ehime's highest peak, Ishizuchi-san.
- Mountain Hiking: The drive ends at the base of Mount Ishizuchi, a popular hiking destination.
- Scenic Viewpoints: There are numerous scenic viewpoints along the route offering panoramic views.
- Local Cuisine: Try local specialties such as Matsuyama Beef and Ishizuchi potato at roadside inns.
5. Mt. Katsuragi and Mt. Hotaka Drive
A challenging drive through the mountains with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Challenging Drive: This is a more challenging drive due to steep roads and hairpin bends.
- Scenic Viewpoints: There are numerous scenic viewpoints along the route offering panoramic views.
- Historic Shrines: The drive passes by historic shrines such as Katsuragi Shrine and Hotaka Shrine.
6. Uwa No Michi (Sea of Uwa Road)
A scenic drive along the coast with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and its numerous islands.
- Scenic Coastline: The road follows the picturesque coastline of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Island Hopping: There are opportunities for island hopping along this route.
- Fresh Seafood: The road passes through several fishing villages, offering fresh seafood.
7. Nyuzen Kaido (Nyudzu Road)
A scenic drive through the mountains with views of the Yoshino River and Nyudzu Falls.
- Mountain Scenery: The route offers stunning mountain scenery and forested valleys.
- Waterfalls: Nyudzu Falls is a beautiful waterfall located along the drive.
- River Rafting: The Yoshino River is popular for river rafting, offering an exciting adventure.
8. Ogon no Taki (Firefall Waterfall)
A scenic drive to a stunning waterfall that illuminates at night.
- Nighttime Illumination: The waterfall is illuminated at night, creating a breathtaking sight.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: There are scenic hiking trails surrounding the waterfall.
- Forested Valleys: The drive passes through forested valleys and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting.
9. Komatsu Bay Drive
A scenic drive along the coast with views of Komatsu Bay and its beautiful sunset.
- Scenic Coastline: The road follows the picturesque coastline of Komatsu Bay.
- Fishing Villages: The drive passes through several fishing villages offering fresh seafood.
- Sunset Viewing: Komatsu Bay is famous for its stunning sunsets, making it an ideal place to end the day.
10. Iyo Kaido (Iyo Road)
A scenic drive through the rolling hills of Iyo with views of traditional Japanese villages.
- Traditional Villages: The route passes through several traditional Japanese villages.
- Rolling Hills: The drive offers beautiful views of the rolling hills and valleys.
- Local Cuisine: Try local specialties such as Iyo Natto and Iyokuni Beef at roadside inns.
11. Katsuo no Oka (Tuna Mountain)
A scenic drive to a mountain offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and tuna farms.
- Marine Life: The mountain is surrounded by tuna farms, offering a chance to learn about tuna fishing.
- Scenic Viewpoints: There are numerous scenic viewpoints along the route offering panoramic views.
- Farm-to-Table Experiences: Visit tuna farms and restaurants serving fresh, sustainably caught tuna.
12. Tengu no Oka (Tengu Mountain)
A scenic drive to a mountain with a shrine dedicated to the mythical Tengu creatures.
- Mythology: The shrine is dedicated to the Tengu, mythical mountain spirits.
- Scenic Viewpoints: There are numerous scenic viewpoints along the route offering panoramic views.
- Hiking Trails: The mountain is popular for hiking and offers trails of varying difficulty levels.
13. Uwa no Kuni Drive
A scenic drive through a coastal region with views of the Seto Inland Sea and its numerous islands.
- Scenic Coastline: The road follows the picturesque coastline of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Island Hopping: There are opportunities for island hopping along this route.
- Fresh Seafood: The road passes through several fishing villages, offering fresh seafood.
14. Iyo-Taketa Onsen Way
A scenic drive through the countryside with stops at traditional Japanese hot spring towns.
- Historical Significance: The route passes through several towns with a rich history dating back over 1200 years.
- Hot Springs Experience: The route is dotted with traditional Japanese hot spring inns called 'ryokans'.
- Scenic Countryside: The drive offers beautiful views of the countryside and mountain ranges.
15. Nyugawa Gorge Drive
A scenic drive through a deep gorge with breathtaking views of the Nyugawa River.
- River Scenery: The route offers stunning views of the Nyugawa River and its surrounding cliffs.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: There are scenic hiking trails along the gorge offering breathtaking views.
- Waterfalls: The drive passes by several waterfalls, including the majestic Nyugawa Falls.