Shikoku Karst Ōnogahara
Peaceful scenery of pasture area on the largest karst in Japan
Spread out along the border between Ehime and Kochi prefectures is "Shikoku Karst". It is one of the big three karst deposits in Japan with a total length of 25km and an elevation between 1100 and 1400m and its height and width together make it the largest in Japan. Within the region there are grazing cows and, together with the refreshing wind, you can comfortably enjoy your time here. In addition, on the north side of Ōnogahara, a virgin forest of Japanese beech is spread out and a large amount of alpine vegetation grows in abundance here.
| Address | : | Ōnogahara Nomura-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
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Katsuragawa Valley
Grand nature and mystic air heal the visitors.
The name 'Katsuragawa valley' comes from a sad story about a princess from the warring states era. The strange rock formations stretch out with high cliffs on both sides. Your heart will be healed by the natural beauty created by the flow of the area. Also, with a freshly maintained boulevard and camping area, one can enjoy the great outdoors in the magnificent setting of this beautiful valley.
| Address | : | Miyama Nomura-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
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Nomura Agricultural Park "White Farm"
You can taste the freshly-milked flavor.
"White Farm" in Nomura town, which is also a leading dairy farming region in Shikoku, has a special feature that its appearance resembles that of a European style farm. In Nomura milk factory within the park they sell the pride of the farm; specially made ice cream and yoghurt.
| Hours open | : | Restaurant | : | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00~18:00 (last order 17:00) Friday and Saturday 10:00~20:00 (last order 19:30) *times alterable by reservation |
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| Regular holiday | : | Thursday, year-end and new-year | ||
| Address | : | 1-383-16 Nomura Nomura-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture | ||
Otoi Hall
A symbolic building of the town of sumō where famous sumō-wrestlers have visited
Sumō is a popular sport in Nomura-town and, in Otoikaikan, it boasts an official professional sumō wrestling ring based on, and sharing the characteristics of, the national sumō hall in Tokyo. There are ornamental sumō robes and signed sumō hand-prints on display, and every year an exhibition is held for the 160 years' worth of history that Nomura-town boasts. Furthermore, inside the building is a fully operational hot baths facility, with Jet Bath, hot spring bath for walking, sauna and more; this facility is known as "Karoto Onsen".
| Hours open | : | Entry to Otoikaikan: 10:00～22:00 Karoto Onsen: 10:00～21:00 (last entry 20:30) |
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| Regular holiday | : | Thursday, year-end and new-year |
| Address | : | 10-12 Nomura Nomura-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Notes | : | Karoto Onsen and other facilities in Otoikaikan fee charged |
Doi Residence
One of the largest thatched wooden houses in Shikoku
Formerly, on the way connecting Ehime and Kochi prefectures, Sōkawamura-Tenjin district was a prosperous inn town. The traditional building, Doi's residence that remains in this mountain hamlet was, it is said, constructed in 1827. The way of living and methods of construction that have been handed down and their valuable native history, together with being the best example in Shikoku of traditional thatched roof and wood construction, means that many people who come here continue to be deeply moved by this place.
| Address | : | 1290 Sōgawa Nomura-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
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| Notes | : | Accommodation available (fee charged, need reservation in advance) |
Ryūtaku Temple
To listening to the Zen message of a chief priest and to have authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine is a special experience.
Featuring an architectural style faithful to that of the Momoyama period, and 300 year-old Japanese cedar trees towering over-head along both side of the stone paved path to the temple are sight to behold. If reservations are made, you can enjoy the seasonal flavors of this unspoiled woodland area by sampling some of the original and carefully prepared Zen vegetarian cuisine.
| Detail | : | Zen message of a chief priest takes about 15 minutes Meal begins from 12:00 *Those who come only for lunch should reach the temple by 11:30 |
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| Address | : | 753 Uonashi Shirokawa-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Notes | : | Meal fee charged (need reservation) *Both cancellations made at the day reserved and the previous day will incur cancellation fee. |
Terraced rice fields of Tao dō-no-sako
Landscape of satoyama, a upland villages, full of Japanese atmosphere
This place has been chosen amongst the "Top 100 terraced rice fields in Japan" and the "Top 100 villages in Japan". From here, the scenery of Japans upland villages spreads out and times passes slowly here. Furthermore, in the surroundings, there are 59 tea houses which remain to serve food and drink and entertain pilgrims and, together with the terraced rice fields, the mountain village scenery is excellent.
| Address | : | Tao Shirokawa-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
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Gallery Shirokawa
Unique exhibition of paintings using boards of kamaboko, a fish cake, as canvas
You can find Western paintings, Japanese paintings, sculptures and more on display at the Shirokawa gallery. Since 1995, it has hosted an annual exhibition known as the 'The Paintings on kamaboko-board'. As the works displayed can be of anything you wish, each year over 10,000 applications are received. As a result, a great number of people flock to the gallery from all over the country in order to catch a glimpse of these unique paintings.
| Hours open | : | 9:00～17:00 (entry by 16:30) |
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| Address | : | 680 Oriai Shirokawa-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Notes | : | Admission fee charged |
Shirokawa Geological Museum
Approach the mystery of birth of the region through geology
It is widely known that Shirokawa town is, for Japan, a rare site where Paleozoic-Silurian era fossils and rocks are distributed. Hitherto, great numbers of investigation surveys have piled up because of the unique geological features of the so-called Kurose river structural region. Within the Shirokawa Geological Museum, through the medium of the Kurose river structural region, the origins of the Earth are explained in an easy to understand manner.
| Hours open | : | 8:30～17:00 |
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| Regular holiday | : | Tuesday, 31 December and January the first |
| Address | : | 2080 Kubono Shirokawa-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Notes | : | Admission fee charged |
Kur Therme Hōsenbō
Relaxation facility which makes both your body and mind healthier
At Hōsenbō onsen you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing bathing experiences, including large public baths, medicated herbal baths, and baths infused with Japanese citron, open air baths and saunas. Also, if you need somewhere to stay, the adjacent Hōsenbō lodge is available and Kur Therme Hōsenbō, an onsen whose water is said to contain curative powers.
| Hours open | : | HMsenbM Onsen:10:00～22:00 (entry by 21:00) Kur Therme HMsenbM:10:00～21:00 (entry by 20:00) |
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| Regular holiday | : | HMsenbM Onsen : the second and fourth Tuesdays Kur Therme HMsenbM : Tuesday |
| Address | : | 46 Takanoko Shirokawa-town, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Notes | : | Onsen and accommodation fee charged |