Most Scenic Road Trips in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan

Matsuyama, Japan, Matsuyama, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

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.