Ehime Courses
Ehime Prefecture
The Shikoku no Michi in Ehime Prefecture is a walking trail that brings you to the Seto Inland Sea where you can enjoy views of islands of various sizes, the Uwa Sea which has complex coastlines, and the beautiful nature of Shikoku Karst. It gives you the chance to explore the history and culture of Shikoku’s Pilgrimage Trail, old roads, and its shrines and temples. The entire trail comprises 33 different routes with a total length of 360km.
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Uma Plain: Road at the Base of the Mountain
This route runs along the foothills of the Uma Plain, passes the Shin-Hasedera Temple which is considered to be one of Shikoku's eight scenic spots, and heads towards the 65th temple, Sankakuji.
Distance16.4kmTime required6hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsShin-Hasedera Temple (Wooden Buddha) Kounyouji Temple Mishima Park
Spots to photograph Shin-Hasedera Rest Area -
16Road to Mt. Narabara
This 9.4 km route heads to Mt. Narabara (1,041 m above sea level) which has been venerated since ancient times and is one of the 100 Famous Mountains in Shikoku.
Distance9.4kmTime required3.5hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsNarabara Shrine
Spots to photograph Narabara Shrine [Signpost] -
11Pilgrimage Road over the Kumago Pass
This is a short route that is very popular among foreigners as it is a very rewarding walk and it has retained its past charm.
Distance4.9kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsSenbonkogen Camping Ground
Spots to photograph Takano Rest Area -
10Mountain Village Pilgrimage Road
This is a unique pilgrimage route called "Uchimodori" that heads to the Iwayaji Temple (temple No. 45) and is one of the Shikoku Routes that represents Ehime Prefecture.
Distance10.5kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsIwayaji Temple (No. 45) Tochi no Jurin
Spots to photograph Furuiwaya [Explanation Board] -
6Uwa Basin Four Seasons Road
This 10.3 km route heading north to the Tosakatoge Pass goes through the unique landscape of rice fields in Uwa Basin, which is one of the main grain-producing regions in the Prefecture.
Distance10.3kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsTorisaka Rest Area, Tosakatoge Pass
Spots to photograph Torisaka Former Border Checkpoint House -
20Road to Yokomine Temple: Shikoku’s Most Difficult Path
At 750 meters above sea level, Yokomineji Temple is a chokepoint known as Henro Korogashi (or pilgrim walking). Hearsay is, rhododendrons (red flowers) will welcome you upon reaching the temple safely.
Distance9.5kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsYokomineji Temple No. 60
Spots to photograph Yokomineji Temple (Sanmon) -
21The Road to Kouonji Temple, Temple No. 61
The gracefully panoramic road descending along the ridge from Yokomineji Temple situated at 750 meters above sea level has diverse facets. The route will take you to the 61st Kouonji Temple, which is famous for its prayers for safe childbirth.
Distance11.6kmTime required4.5hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsYokomineji Temple No. 60, Kouonji Temple No. 61, Hojuji Temple No. 62
Spots to photograph Rest Station in Kouonji Temple (arbor) -
12Road Going Down the Old Misaka Pass
Misaka Pass was once considered the most challenging road from Matsuyama to Kochi. It still bears the traces of those days, reminding us of the hardships faced by people.
Distance9.5kmTime required3.5hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsAmikakeishidaishi, Joruriji Temple No. 46, Yasakaji Temple No. 47
Spots to photograph Amikakeishidaishi [Explanation] -
24Road Along the Old National Highway
This route was once called Sanuki Kaido (Sanuki Highway), and used to be crowded with numerous pedestrian travelers. It’s just like a walk down the memory lane.
Distance10.1kmTime required2.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsChitaruji Temple, Seifukuji Temple, Enmeiji Temple, Murayama Shrine
Spots to photograph Enmeiji Temple Rest Station -
23Green Road of the City of Water
This course stretches from the Kamo River through the mountain base and the countryside of Hachidoyama. In autumn, the smell of osmanthus at Oshimori Temple will soothe your tired body.
Distance7.3kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsOshimori Temple
Spots to photograph Isono (Melody) Bridge -
17Road to Sakureizan Senyuji Temple
Starting from the Nibukawa Valley with its beautiful autumn leaves, pass through the Nibukawa hot spring village distinguished for its beauty, and head for Senyuji Temple with a wonderful view.
Distance16.5kmTime required5.5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsNibukawa Hot Spring, Senyuji Temple (Pilgrimage Site 59)
Spots to photograph Nibukawa Hot Spring Resting Area -
8Yokaichi Historical Road
Let's take a leisurely walk while experiencing the history of Yokaichi Townscape, which is rich in history and still shows traces of Uchiko's glory with Japanese wax.
Distance7.3kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsUchiko-za The Japanese Wax Museum, Ikoi no Oka, Mito Moritoge, Kite Museum
Spots to photograph Yokaichi/Gokoku Townscape [The Japanese Wax Museum] -
7Road along the Hiji River
Come and experience a leisurely walk following the murmuring of the Hiji River that flows by Suigo Ozu while enjoying the view of Garyu Sanso, also known as Ozu's Katsura Imperial Villa, and Ozu Castle.
Distance13.4kmTime required3.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsGaryusanso Hijikawa Lake, Cherry Blosson in Ozu Castle, Toyogahashi Dashi Palace
Spots to photograph Hijikawa Resting Area [Information Board] -
支3Shikoku Karst Route No. 3
You can enjoy and immerse yourself in the region's lush nature and beech forests on this route. However, keep in mind that there are no shops or vending machines along the route to get food.
Distance21kmTime required8hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsHighland Park Mikawa in Kumakogen, Odamiyama
Spots to photograph Odamiyama rest area -
19Sazanami Tansho Route
This Shikoku nature trail in Ehime Prefecture is a rare route that follows the coastline, giving you a chance to walk through one of the most charming stretches of sandy beach dotted with green pine trees.
Distance8.8kmTime required2.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsOld pine tree at Shishimagahara, Kyukamura Setouchi-Toyo
Spots to photograph Odamiyama rest area “Kinuboshiiwa” -
18Kokubu and Karakohama Trail
This route will walk you through the scenic rural landscape from Senyuji, the 58th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage located at an altitude of about 300 m, all the way to Karakohama through the 59th temple in the pilgrimage, Kokubunji.
Distance8.1kmTime required2.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsSenyuji, the 58th temple in the pilgrimage, and Kokubunji, the 59th temple in the pilgrimage
Spots to photograph Information board in Kokubunji -
22Heritage and Historic Trail
Allowing you to feel a sense of history, this old trail runs along the mountain, from old Komatsucho to Kamogawa.
Distance7.8kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsIshizuchi Shrine, Kichijoji (Temple No. 63 in the Shikoku Pilgrimage)
Spots to photograph Old estate of Kondo Tokuzan -
27Road to Umpen Temple
The mountain trail lined with thick and luxuriously growing cedars and cypresses makes you forget about time.This makes the feeling of having finally arrived at the Umpen temple on the summit all the more wonderful.
Distance4.0kmTime required1.3hoursDifficulty ★★☆Highlights
Spots to photograph Prefectural border [Information board] -
支6Shikoku Karst Route No. 6
Prefectural border course that alternates between Ehime and Kochi Prefectures.Jiyoshi Pass is the prefectural border between Ehime and Kochi with a height of 1,084 m above sea level.The view from this pass is spectacular.
Distance7.4kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsJiyoshi Pass,Godankogen
Spots to photograph Mezurudaira Rest Area [Information board] -
支5Shikoku Karst Route No. 5
Green of the grasslands and white of the limestones.Genjigadaba with a beautiful contrast unique to a karst terrain.Enjoy the highland atmosphere to your heart's content.
Distance7.9kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsJiyoshi Pass
Spots to photograph Jiyoshi Pass [Signpost] -
1The Old Sukumokaido Road
The route to Matsuo Pass is now overgrown with forest, but it was once a thoroughfare that connected Minamiuwa and Tosa. Take a break at Nanreku, at the end of the route.
Distance17.6kmTime required6.5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsMatsuo Pass Rest Spot, Hook Labels at the Kasayama Shrine Gate, Kanjizai Temple (amulet temple no. 40), Nanreku Misho Garden
Spots to photograph Matsuo Pass Rest Spot[Information] -
5The Pilgrimage Road to the Home of Uwa Culture
This course will take you across the boarder of Uwajima City and Seiyo City, through the Hanagatouge Pass and the townscape of Unomachi to the JR Kamiuwa Station. Stroll around the Kaimei School and the old town.
Distance11.3kmTime required3.3hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsMeisekiji Temple (amulet temple No. 43), the town of Unomachi (including the Kaimei School)
Spots to photograph Kaimei School -
3The Road to the Two Mima Basin Temples
The cosmos bloom here in autumn, and talking a relaxed stroll down the pastoral road will open into the multitude of beautiful island sights of the Uwakai Sea. Enjoy your relaxing trip to its fullest.
Distance9kmTime required2.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsRyukoji Temple (amulet temple No. 41), Butsumokuji Temple (amulet temple No. 42)
Spots to photograph Amulet temple No. 42, Butsumokuji Temple[Temple Gate] -
2The Old Pilgrimage Road/Kashiwazakagoe Road
Odaishi-sama’s holy water, loved by the poet, Ujo Noguchi.
Let the sunlight of Uwajimawan Bay as you traverse this trail, filled with culture and history, for an outstanding experience.
Distance9.8kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsMatsuo Pass Rest Spot, Hook Labels at the Kasayama Shrine Gate, Kanjizai Temple (amulet temple no. 40), Nanreku Misho Garden
Spots to photograph Yanagimizu’s Daishi Hall [Kashiwazaka Rest Spot]