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Here are some recommended driving spots in Ehime Prefecture.

Here are some recommended driving spots in Ehime Prefecture.

2025-01-17

Ehime Prefecture is surrounded by mountains and the sea, and there are many driving spots where you can enjoy nature.
Here are some of the best places to drive to, along with nearby facilities.
Please refer to it and enjoy the drive with your family, lover, or even by yourself.

Author of this article

Awajiga Pass (Matsuyama City)



Awajigatou (淡路ヶ峠) is a mountain located in Hatadera-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture.
Everyone who lives in Matsuyama City has seen this mountain, but almost no one knows its name.
This spot is said to have the most spectacular view in Matsuyama City, and shows itself in all seasons, from cherry blossom viewing in the spring to autumn leaf viewing in the fall.
Please note that you can drive to the halfway point, but you must climb a trail to get to the observation deck at the top.

Incidentally, there are plenty of hot spring spots nearby, such as "Soratomori in Higashi-Dougo "and "Himehiko Onsen ".
There is an abundance of cafes, ramen shops, and other restaurants, so stop by and take a look when you drive by.
"Awajiga Pass "is a spectacular spot where you can see not only Matsuyama city but also the Seto Inland Sea if the weather is clear.
We hope you enjoy the drive and the hike.


"Basic Information "
Official name: Awajigatou (Awajiga Pass)
Address: Hatadera-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790-0912
Access: 14 minutes by car from Matsuyama Expressway "Matsuyama IC "

Shikoku Karst (Kuma Kogen)



The Shikoku Karst ", known as the Switzerland of Japan ", is a scenic area that straddles Ehime and Kochi Prefectures.
The karst plateau, which rises from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level, offers spectacular views and alpine flora that change with the seasons.
Prefectural Route 383 runs through this karst plateau.
It is famous as a touring and driving spot, where visitors can enjoy the karst's unique white sheep-like limestone rocks, prairies, and even cattle grazing in good weather.

On a clear day, the view of the endless Shikoku mountain range from the sky is breathtaking.
There are also a variety of cottages and campgrounds, so an overnight stay is also recommended.
The route from Ehime Prefecture is a narrow road to the summit, and if you are not accustomed to driving, it is recommended to go up from the Kochi Prefecture side "Higashitsunoshirokawa Forest Road ".
There are no gas stations, so if you are driving to Shikoku Karst, make sure you have a full tank of gas.

"Basic Information "
Official name: Shikoku Karst
Address: Nishitani, Kuma Kogen-cho, Kamibuyuana-gun, Ehime 791-1802
Access: 90 minutes by car from Matsuyama Expressway "Matsuyama IC "

Menkawa Creek (Kuma Kogen Town)



Omogokei is one of the largest valleys in Shikoku and is located at the foot of Mt.
The emerald green canyon is so clear that the river bottom is visible even from the boardwalk.
On the way to Menkawa-kei, you will pass through "Kuma-Kogen Town "from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, so you can stop at Roadside Stations "Tenku no Sato San San "and "Furu-Iwaya-so "for shopping and enjoying hot springs, and especially in autumn you can enjoy driving while viewing the autumn leaves, which is recommended.
Menkawa-kei is also very crowded with tourists during the autumn foliage season around November.

Located right in front of Menkawa Creek, "Keisentei and Menkawa Tea House "has meals where you can enjoy local foods, and souvenirs can be purchased, so be sure to stop by when you visit.

"Basic Information "
Official name: Omogokei
Address: Wakayama, Kuma Kogen-cho, Kamuyuana-gun, Ehime 791-1710
Access: 1 hour and 16 minutes by car from [Matsuyama Expressway "Matsuyama IC].

Sadamisaki Melody Line (Nishiyo-Uwa-gun)



"The Sadamisaki Melody Line "is located on Route 196 leading to the Sadamisaki Peninsula and is a mysterious road that plays music as you drive along it.
The way it works is that the grooves carved into the road on the "Sadamisaki Melody Line "rub against the tires and cause them to vibrate.
Originally created to prevent traffic accidents, it has become a popular driving spot due to the rarity of music being played from the road.
Nearby is "Roadside Station Iko Kirara-kan ", where you can buy jakoten, local citrus, and specialty products.

Other places to enjoy windmills nearby include "Seto Kaze no Oka Park "and "Roadside Station Seto Agricultural Park ", where you can enjoy a meal while enjoying a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea.
There are abundant places to visit while driving around, so please come and visit.

"Basic Information "
Official name: Cape Sada Melody Line
Address:〒796-0506 Ehime Prefecture, Nishi-Uwa-gun, Ikata-machi, Shiokari
Access: 7 minutes by car from Roadside Station "Iko Kirara-kan "

Terraced fields of Yushimizuhaura (Uwajima City)



"Yusumizugaura no Danbata (Danbata of Yusumizugaura) "is located about 40 minutes by car from Uwajima city.
The road is a pleasant drive along the coastline and is paved and clean, making it comfortable.
These terraced fields, which have been in existence for about 400 years, are built of small stones piled up on the steep slopes of the mountain.
It has been selected as one of the country's important cultural landscapes and one of the best 100 rural villages in Japan, and the view from below looks like a series of stairs leading up to the sky.

In this "terraced field "in Yushimizuhanaura, potatoes are actively cultivated, and an event called "Dan Dan Festival "is held every year in April.
You can also enjoy a meal using potatoes grown in the terraced fields and fresh vegetables and fish from the area at "Restaurant Dadan Teahouse "is also located at the foot of the terraced fields, so be sure to enjoy a meal there when you visit.

Incidentally, there are many sacred spots close to the terraced fields of Youkomizuhanaura, such as "Uwajima Castle ", "Saikaiji Temple ", "Tenmangu Shrine ", and "Uomi-no-oka Observatory ", where all life from the sea is enshrined.
You can visit when everyday life gets hard or when you want to get some power from nature.

"Basic Information "
Official name: Yusumizugaura no Danbata
Address:〒798-0103 2323-3 Yuko, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture
Access: 2 hours and 24 minutes by car from "Uwajima Minami IC "

Shimanami Kaido (Imabari City)

"Shimanami Kaido "is an automobile-only road between Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
As the name suggests, the road runs over the sea, connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy a drive over the ocean with a sense of openness.
The distance is only about 60 km one way, making it ideal for driving, and each island has many sightseeing spots.
I especially recommend "Kumirosan Observatory "on Oshima.
It offers a spectacular view of the Shimanami Kaido.

Other famous Hakata salt "Hakata Shogyo Omishima Plant "is located on Omishima and can be visited.
The soft-serve ice cream made from Hakata salt is also excellent.
There are many places along the Shimanami Kaido where you can enjoy spectacular views and have fun with your children, so please visit.


"Basic Information "
Official name: Seto Expressway
Address: Imabari City - Hiroshima City
Access: Ehime Prefecture "from Imabarikita IC ", Hiroshima City "from Onomichi Ohashi IC "

Yuyake-Koyake Line (Iyo City)



"Yuyake Koyake Line "is a coastal road connecting Futami Town, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, to Nagahama Town, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture.
There are almost no islands on the horizon seen from this road, so the sunset from the shoreline is very beautiful "and the town is also famous as a place where the setting sun stands still ".
On the way to the Yuyake-Koyake line, there is "Roadside Station Futami ", which has a variety of restaurants and other facilities.

Other stops along the way include "Shimonada Station ", famous for being the closest station to the sea in Japan, where you can enjoy a coffee at "Shimonada Coffee "while taking in the view.
Further along is the "Nagahama Bridge ""New Nagahama Bridge ", where it is possible to see the bridge open and close at 1 p.m. on Sundays.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way, and because it is a coastal route, there are no traffic lights, making it an easy driving route.
Recommended for those who love the sea.


"Basic Information "
Official name: Yuyake-Koyake Line
Address: Part of Route 378 on the coastline between Futami Town, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture and Nagahama Town, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture

Besshi Line (Niihama City)



"Besshi Line "is the name of a valley in the upper reaches of the Kokuryo River in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
This driving route offers cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in early spring and summer, and autumnal foliage in fall and winter.
The "Besshi Line ", which shows its seasonal beauty, is a constant source of visitors from within and outside of the prefecture.
On the road, "Roadside Station Myntopia Besshi "is called Machu Picchu of the East "To-naru (東平) ", which is like Machu Picchu.

There are also many other facilities for children to enjoy "Akagane Kids Park "and "Besshi Onsen Tenku no Yu "for men and women of all ages.
Even though it is a mountain road, it is a beautiful two-lane paved road with no traffic lights, making it ideal for driving.
This is a recommended driving spot for those who want to feel the negative ions and enjoy nature.
Please visit us.

"Basic Information "
Official name: Besshi Line
Address: Oonagayama, Niihama, Ehime 792-0846
Access: 3 minutes by car from "Myntopia Besshi "

Shiraino Falls (Toon City)



"Shirainotaki Waterfall "is a waterfall located in Saragamine Mountain Range Prefectural Natural Park in Toon City, Ehime Prefecture.
The waterfall is 96 meters high, and the force of nature can be felt in the powerful fall of the water.
Visitors can also enjoy the mountain scenery that changes with the seasons, especially in winter when the waterfall's waters ice over, creating a fantastic view.
The entire waterfall frozen over is natural ice art. It is a spectacular sight.
"The road to White Boar Falls "is an easy two-lane road, paved and ideal for driving.
Once there, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall.
Please come with comfortable shoes.

Along the way, there is an old-fashioned store called "Shiroinoya Sake Shop "that sells oden.
This oden is famous for its excellent taste. Some people even bring their own pots and come from far away to buy it.
"If you visit White Boar Falls ", be sure to stop by.


"Basic Information "
Official name: Shiraino Falls
Address:〒791-0321 Kawauchi, Higashi-Onaka-shi, Hope
Access: 14 minutes by car from Matsuyama Expressway "Kawauchi IC "

summary

We have introduced some of the best spots for a drive in Ehime Prefecture.
Ehime Prefecture is rich in places where you can enjoy the sea, mountains, and the four seasons.
Please enjoy Ehime by taking a drive while feeling nature and eating delicious local food.

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