A few years ago, around this same season, I visited Tamura Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture to pay my respects. This shrine was not only the highest-ranking shrine in old Sanuki Province, it is also the place of worship for Hotei among the Sanuki Seven Lucky Gods, often drawing many people who come to pray for improved fortune. Beside the temizuya, a stack of special “mizu-uranai” fortune papers sat waiting. I was told that if you place the paper in water, the fortune slowly appears—mysterious and richly ceremonial. The most striking sight was the vermilion, continuous torii pathway. In the center of the path stood a huge Sanuki lion head. Its gold-and-red lion face, solemn and ornate, symbolizes the local lion dance and vividly expresses the region’s character. Since it was the year’s end, local people gathered old amulets and dolls in one spot to be taken to the shrine for a doll memorial ritual. That careful farewell to old items and the feelings they carried made the visit more than a tour of historic sites; it let me feel the local warmth and the community’s respect for tradition.

Today I returned to Shōdoshima and visited Kankakei, famous for its magnificent scenery. After taking the ropeway to the summit station, I walked toward the observation deck that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. The maple leaves had mostly withered and begun to fall there, but the real surprise came on the hike down the mountain. Along that winding trail, both sides still displayed layers of brilliantly red maple trees, letting you fully immerse yourself in the autumnal beauty. On the way down, we came across a signature piece from the 2022 art festival — the "Sphere of the Sky." Against the clear blue sky, the delicately perforated sphere stood out and blended perfectly with the surrounding nature, exuding remarkable artistic flair. On the return trip, we paused briefly at Shodoshima Olive Park. I ordered a coffee and watched the Seto Inland Sea sparkle in the distance, enjoying a moment of idle reflection. At that moment, a small detail caught my eye: the mailbox there was painted a fresh olive green. Framed by the sea and sky, that unique color popped, adding a distinct, refreshing touch to the trip. I hadn’t expected that visiting Shōdoshima again would not only let me relive past joys but also bring these unexpected delights and beauties, leaving many new and lasting memories.

The Setouchi Triennale had already ended in early November, but my first visit to the western islands of Awashima, Ibukijima, and Hondo Island still felt refreshingly new. Of the three islands, Ibukijima left the deepest impression on me. Ibukijima is best known for the tiny dried fish that form the soul of Sanuki udon broth. However, more moving than any local specialty are the artworks displayed in the island’s unique Idebeya (communal birthing house) ruins—most notably Tree of Ibuki. The Idebeya once served a function somewhat like Taiwan’s postpartum care centers. It is said that when a woman went into labor and the men of the household were out fishing, no one could stay home to care for her. So the community set up a space where expectant mothers could gather safely and focus on welcoming new life. The theme of Tree of Ibuki symbolizes a mother’s womb and a rebirth, a shedding of the old self. The idea is profound, and standing inside the installation, looking out through kaleidoscopic mirrors, the layered views are intoxicating, as if you have entered another soft, tranquil world.

The appearance of the Otorii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine lives on in the hearts of visitors as a gate to connect with the world of God.

Shimonada Station at sunset At Shimonada Station, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. In late March, the sun sets over the Seto Inland Sea in front of the station. Am I the only one who feels that there is something sacred about the roof of the platform and the telegraph pole that stand out black in contrast?

Twilight Rest At Shimonada Station, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. In late March, the sun sets over the Seto Inland Sea in front of the station

Setouchi Superb View Station, Shimonada

HELLO TO EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Matsuyama Tourism Convention Association. In this social media Account, we will introduce the charms of Four Seasons in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, the latest Tourist Information, Events, and highlights. We will also deliver tips for traveling to the fullest of Matsuyama City, a city full of history and culture, and small topics unique to the Locals. We hope that not only those who are visiting Matsuyama City for the first time, but also repeat visitors who have visited many times will Fun the charm of Matsuyama City. About Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama City is located in the northwestern part of Ehime Prefecture and faces the Seto Inland Sea, the largest city in Shikoku with a population of about 490,000 (as of April 2025), and is blessed with a warm and comfortable climate throughout the year. It is a lively city steeped in history and culture. The city is full of attractions such as Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and Matsuyama Castle, one of the 12 existing castle keeps. Matsuyama City is also known as the "Village of Haiku Town," which produced famous haiku poets such as Masaoka Shiki and Takahama Kyoshi, and is dotted with Spots where you can experience literature. There is a streetcar in the city, and the Access to the Sightseeing spot is comfortable. The sea, mountains, and islands are rich in Nature, and you can Fun an active trip or a leisurely Healing trip. We look forward to seeing you there! 【Access to Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 Matsuyama City is the gateway to Shikoku, and it is only 20 minutes by car from Matsuyama Airports to the downtown, making it easy to access. Use direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, etc., and you can get there very smoothly by plane. Use the JR Yosan Line by rail and ferries and high-speed boats from Hiroshima and Kure by sea, so you can comfortably access by air, land, and sea by various means. Retro streetcar and "Botchan Train" are also operating in the city's Transportation, and the Transportation itself is one of the pleasures of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat trip. [Historical background of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture] The history of Matsuyama City began with Matsuyama Castle, which was built by Kato Yoshiaki, a warlord of the Sengoku period. After that, it developed as a castle town, and flourished as a political, economic, and cultural center during the Edo period. Matsuyama City is also widely known as the setting for Author Natsume Soseki's novel Botchan. In modern times, it produced many great figures such as Masaoka Shiki and the Akiyama brothers, and the world view of the Ryotaro Shiba historical novel "Clouds Above The Hill" is still alive and well in every corner of the city. While cherishing the footprints of history, Matsuyama City is home to a culture that continues to the present day. Please enjoy walking around the city and experience the depth of its history. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 ・Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama Castle is a symbol of the city. The Castle Keep overlooks the city and the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the 12 surviving Castle Keeps and is recommended for history buffs. ・Dogo Onsen It is the oldest hot spring in Japan with a history of 3000 years. The Dogo Onsen Main Building has a retro atmosphere, and you can feel the romance of history while bathing. ・Botchan Train The retro frame is a popular Sightseeing Train. Use as a means of transportation around the downtown, but just Boarding can be an exciting and special experience. ・Bansuiso It is a French-style Western-style building designated as an important cultural property. It is the oldest reinforced concrete building in Matsuyama, and you can experience a page of history. 【Introduction to Roadside Stations in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 ・ Roadside Station Kazahaya no Township Fuwari It is a spot where you can get Fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, Local vegetables, and Gourmet food. Drive along the way and enjoy the unique taste of Matsuyama. 【Specialty Gourmet Introduction of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 ・Sea bream rice (Matsuyama style) The harmony between the aroma of grilled sea bream and plump cooked rice is an irresistible Gastronomical delicacies. Please enjoy it as a memory of your trip. ・Jakoten It is a healthy and tasty deep-fried dish made from whole small fish Landings in the Local. One of a kind is also appreciated as a souvenir. ・Iyokan sweets Sweets made with the citrus "Iyokan", which represents Matsuyama City, have an exquisite refreshing aroma and sweetness. We also have a wide variety of cakes, jellies, and more. 【Events and Festivals in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 In Matsuyama City, lively events are held in every four seasons. ・Matsuyama Baseball Dance Festival (Held in in August) One of the four major festivals in Shikoku where all the citizens come out and get excited, "Baseball Dance Festival". Baseball Dance Festival and Baseball Samba groups parade through the city. Before and after, the "Matsuyama Port Festival (Fireworks Festival)" is held in at Mitsuhama Port, and it is crowded with hundreds of thousands of people every year. ・Camellia Festival (Held in in February) Local Nicknamed "Tsubaki-san", it is crowded with Prayer visitors who wish for Prosperity in business and Family Safety. many stalls are lined up, and you can Fun in a lively atmosphere. ・Dogo Onsen Festival (Held in in March) It is a festival that heralds the arrival of Spring in Dogo and gives thanks for the blessings of Hot spring. Various Events such as Mochi Throwing and Dogo Onsen Odori are held. Please experience the seasonal atmosphere unique to Matsuyama City. 【Tourist Information of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture】 Matsuyama City is a city with a good balance of history, Hot springs, culture, Nature, Gourmet food, and all the charms. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will Broadcasting attractive Information so that you will like Matsuyama City even more! Please follow us!

Night Drum (Niihama Drum Festival) It is a type of festival float that is offered to the portable shrine at the time of the festival portable shrine and at the time of the passing, it participates in the procession and solemnly offers, and is Dedication to the Ujigami（clan deity） in gratitude for the autumn of the Harvest Festival. It is often found in shipping hubs along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. Among the Drum Stands, they are said to be nearly 3 tons in size, and the appearance of the Niihama Drum Stand, which is presented by more than 150 men and dances in the clear autumn sky, is nicknamed the "Oto's Festival" because of its gorgeousness and grandeur. The photo is not of a blue sky, but of a drum stand illuminated by lights in the pitch black darkness. The gold and silver threads shine and the tassels sway violently, which is truly gorgeous and magnificent.

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Jigozen Coast 👈 One piece 📸 at dawn before the earth The oyster shelf and the Seto Inland Sea are picturesque.

At dusk on a 🌅 summer day I was very fascinated by the evening sky, wondering if there was such a beautiful scenery in my casual daily life The sky, sunset and sea were ☺️ very beautiful

Gulf art in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture The bay has become art here, and I was impressed when I came. It was also an Instagrammable spot, and there were quite a few young photographers who were all photographed in fashionable clothes It's not fun to shoot normally, so everyone was laughing at my family's style, so the atmosphere of the place was relaxed and it was 😌 fun

Eku Town, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. In winter, the Seto Inland Sea is very beautiful with sunlight shining on the surface of the sea.

The 1000-year-old olive in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, is not well known here, and the location and a large 1000-year-old olive standing on the hill were very impressive

Teshima, Kagawa Prefecture Passing through the island with a rental cycle, there is a famous Teshima Museum of Art below this, and there are almost no cars on the island, so the bicycle was 😀 comfortable

In addition to the famous Kusama-sama red pumpkin in Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, 😀 I love Yu and Naoshima Pavilion are also nearby.

Island trip ⛴️ starting from Uno Port, Okayama Prefecture The islands are dotted with popular islands at the Setouchi Art Festival, and art remains even on other days.

The townscape of Mitarai, which is an important cultural property in Toyomachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is retro and fun 😌 just to stroll around, it is also a filming location for commercials and movies, there is a sea nearby, and the shaved ice shop was 😋 delicious

The Hill of Future Hearts in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture I like the retro townscape of Onomichi City and the Shimanami Highway, and it is 😌 a recommended spot to stop by when you come to Onomichi

The Hill of Future Hearts in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The art sculpted in marble over the years has reached the 😌 future Forever and Forever

The Hill of Future Hearts in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture It is a 😌 recommended spot that you will visit many times in the past and never get tired of it no matter how many times you come

Filming permitted ⭕ Bellavista Spa & Marina Onomichi in Fukuyama, Hiroshima The hotel here was great. It was located between Tomonoura and Onomichi, and the location was good and the view from the hotel was 😯 great I would like to stay again on a sunny day

Ushimado Shrine in Ushimado, Okayama Prefecture At the entrance, the coast spreads out, It was beautiful and mysterious with a long staircase to reach the shrine, and there was 😌 a green tunnel and a torii gate on the way

Ushimado Shrine in Ushimado, Okayama Prefecture It is also a location for dramas, and the sea is beautiful and it feels like a cow window.

Was going to go fishing. The fish didn't catch, but a big crab was caught.

I was going fishing. But as soon as we arrived at the port, the fisherman threw this big fish over and told us to take it home and cook it...

It is a fireworks festival that was previously held in the Kojima district of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The fireworks festival of Japanese night events is making a comeback in many places, and it seems to be entertaining summer nights. We hope to revive the fireworks festival in the Kojima area.

It's time to splash in the water! @香川县赞岐市的津田海水浴场

The Seto Inland Sea as seen from the town of Anji, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It was also the location for the movie "Crying Love in the Center of the World" 2004.