Hidden Gem for Autumn Leaves Viewing Away from the Crowds: Top 3 Must-Visit Maple Spots in Ehime, Japan

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

As predictions from various Japanese autumn foliage forecast websites are released, have you started planning your trip to enjoy the fall colors in Japan this year? If you want to avoid the crowds, why not head to Shikoku this year? Ehime Prefecture, known as the Kingdom of Citrus, boasts many famous spots for autumn leaves. Here are three must-visit spots for enjoying the foliage in Ehime. This autumn, take a foliage-viewing and hot spring trip.

▲Foliage spot in Ehime Prefecture: Mendani Valley (Ishizuchi Mountain). (Photo / Provided by Ehime Prefecture International Exchange Division)

1. Mendani Valley (Ishizuchi Mountain)
Mendani Valley is located at the foot of Ishizuchi Mountain, the highest sacred mountain in western Japan at an altitude of 1,982 meters. The valley features crystal-clear streams and is a nationally designated scenic spot renowned across Japan.

The valley has walking trails, and when autumn arrives, the leaves begin to change color from mid-October. The white rocks contrast beautifully with the yellow and red foliage. The best viewing period is early November, attracting many visitors.

Address: Ishizuchi National Park, Kumayama Town, Kamihatchō District, Ehime Prefecture
Transportation: Take a JR bus from JR Matsuyama Station to “Kumachūgakkō-mae,” then transfer to an Iyotetsu bus for about 2 hours and 30 minutes and get off at “Mendani”

▲Foliage spot in Ehime Prefecture: Matsuyama Castle. (Photo / Provided by Ehime Prefecture International Exchange Division)

2. Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle was ranked 3rd in TripAdvisor’s “2017 Top 20 Castles in Japan” list for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.

As one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, it retains one of the 12 remaining original tenshu (main keep) structures in Japan. In early November each year, the surrounding trees begin to change color, and by mid-November, you can enjoy the sight of the white castle framed by autumn foliage. Climbing the tenshu offers a unique view of Matsuyama City.

Business hours: 9:00–17:00 ※ Varies by season
Tenshu admission: Adults (junior high school students and above) 510 yen / Elementary school students 150 yen.
Transportation: Take the Iyotetsu (Matsuyama City Tram) and get off at “Ōtemachi” Station, then walk for 5 minutes

▲Foliage spot in Ehime Prefecture: Gorryukaku. (Photo / Provided by Ehime Prefecture International Exchange Division)

3. Gorryukaku
Uwajima City, located in western Ehime Prefecture, is known as the “Little Kyoto of Iyo” (the former name of Ehime Prefecture) for preserving the atmosphere of a castle town from the Edo period. Covering an area of 3,000 tsubo, Gorryukaku is built next to the famous scenic spot, Gorryu Valley.

Three structures—Gorryo-in, Furoan, and Chijikan—were constructed over ten years by the Meiji-era merchant Kawanouchi Torajirō. The garden ingeniously incorporates the surrounding natural scenery, and its exquisitely designed architecture was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2016. The best time for foliage viewing is expected to be around mid- to late November.

Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (ticket sales until 16:30)
Admission: Adults 500 yen / Junior high school students and below 200 yen. There is also a combined ticket for “Gorryukaku & Uwajima Castle” for 800 yen / Junior high school students and below 300 yen.
Transportation: About a 25-minute walk from JR Iyo-Uwajima Station; or take the Uwajima City 100-yen loop bus from JR Uwajima Station and get off at “Asamoya (ASAMOYA)”