Imabari Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Imabari with this comprehensive travel guide that covers must-visit attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Imabari

Imabari is a charming city situated in the Ehime Prefecture of Shikoku island in Japan. It is known for its scenic views, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore some of Imabari’s top attractions, outdoor adventures, local culture and customs, food and drink scene, and more to help you plan your perfect trip to Imabari.

List of Places to Visit in Imabari

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Imabari is home to several significant historical landmarks and museums, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Some of these attractions include:

  • Imabari Castle: Imabari Castle is a beautiful castle dating back to the 17th century. It is one of the three major water castles in Japan and is also known as “The Castle in the Sea.” Visitors can tour the castle and enjoy stunning views of the surroundings.
  • Imabari City Museum of History and Folklore: This museum displays a collection of artifacts and exhibits of Imabari’s history and folklore. It is a great place to learn about the city’s cultural heritage.
  • Mikame Shrine: The Mikame Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Imabari, with a history that dates back over 1300 years. It is famous for its intricate and beautiful architecture.

Natural Attractions of Imabari: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Imabari is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Japan. Visitors can take advantage of several outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and scenic drives. Some of the natural attractions include:

  • Shimanami Kaido: Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycling route that connects Imabari to Onomichi over six islands and bridges. The route stretches for 60 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the islands and the sea.
  • Kurushima Strait: Kurushima Strait is the world’s busiest tidal current, with over 1.4 million tons of water passing through it each second. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride or take a stroll along the observation deck to enjoy the stunning views.
  • Mt. Kiro Observatory: Mt. Kiro is one of the highest peaks in Imabari, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills. The Mt. Kiro Observatory offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Imabari

Imabari offers several hiking and biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the city’s natural beauty at their own pace. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Shimanami Kaido: As mentioned earlier, Shimanami Kaido is a 60-kilometer-long cycling route that offers breathtaking views of the sea and the six islands connected by it.
  • Mt. Kiro Hiking Trail: The hiking trail starts from the base of Mt. Kiro and stretches for 4.5 kilometers. It leads visitors through beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and sea.
  • Hakatajima Island Biking Route: Hakatajima Island is a charming island located off the coast of Imabari. The island has a 10-kilometer-long cycling route that takes visitors through the island’s beautiful scenery, including beaches, forests, and shrines.

Best Things to Do in Imabari: Activities and Tours

Imabari offers several activities and tours that visitors can enjoy to experience the city’s culture and natural beauty. Some of the best things to do in Imabari include:

  • Take a bath at a hot spring: Imabari is home to several hot springs, offering visitors a chance to relax and unwind. Some of the popular hot springs include Matsuyama Onsen, Omogo Onsen, and Shimanami Onsen.
  • Visit local factories: Imabari is famous for its textile, paper, and sake production. Visitors can visit local factories to see how these products are made and even try their hand at some of the processes.
  • Attend Matsuyama Castle Festival: Matsuyama Castle Festival is an annual event celebrating traditional Japanese culture. The festival includes parades, performances, and fireworks and is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Imabari

If you have a week to spend in Imabari, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
1 Visit Imabari Castle and the City Museum of History and Folklore
2 Hike the Mt. Kiro Trail and visit the Mt. Kiro Observatory
3 Cycle the Shimanami Kaido route
4 Take a boat ride in Kurushima Strait and visit Omogo Valley
5 Attend Matsuyama Castle Festival
6 Explore Hakatajima Island and its cycling route
7 Visit local factories and hot springs

Food and Drink Scene of Imabari

No trip to Imabari is complete without indulging in its delicious local cuisine and beverages. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Taimeshi: Taimeshi is a local specialty of Imabari, which is made with sea bream and rice. The dish is cooked in an earthenware pot, and the ingredients are mixed and served together.
  • Shoyu-ramen: Shoyu-ramen is a local Imabari-style ramen that is made with a soy sauce base. The dish is served with thin noodles, chashu (braised pork), menma (bamboo shoots), and green onions.
  • Kaisendon: Kaisendon is a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood, including tuna, salmon, and squid. Imabari is home to several fishing ports, making the dish a must-try for seafood lovers.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Imabari is known for its sake production, and visitors can enjoy several local brands, including Hakusen, Murashige, and Tai Chikurin.
  • Mikan juice: Mikan is a local fruit of Imabari, and its juice is a popular local drink. It is made by squeezing fresh mikan and mixing it with water and sugar.

Where to Stay in Imabari: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Imabari offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the popular options include:

  • Imabari Kokusai Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city. It has comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and friendly staff.
  • Guesthouse Imabarijam: Guesthouse Imabarijam is a budget-friendly guesthouse located near Imabari Station. It offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Imabari Backpackers: Imabari Backpackers is a hostel located near Imabari Station. It is a great option for budget travelers and offers clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Imabari: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Imabari is known for its high-quality local products, including textiles, paper products, and sake. Some of the popular souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Imabari Towels: Imabari towels are known for their high quality and are a popular souvenir to bring back from Imabari. They are soft, absorbent, and durable, making them perfect for daily use.
  • Sake from Local Breweries: Imabari is home to several sake breweries, and visitors can purchase local brands, including Hakusen, Murashige, and Tai Chikurin, as souvenirs.
  • Washi Paper Products: Washi paper is a traditional Japanese paper, and Imabari is known for its high-quality washi paper products. Visitors can buy notebooks, postcards, and other paper products made with washi paper as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Imabari

Imabari has several unique customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of. Some of these include:

  • Taking off shoes before entering a house: It is customary in Japan to take off shoes before entering a house. Visitors should follow this custom when visiting local homes, temples, and other buildings.
  • Giving and receiving gifts: Giving and receiving gifts is an important tradition in Japan. Visitors should bring small gifts, such as souvenirs or snacks, when visiting locals or attending events.
  • Respecting local customs and traditions: Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, including taking off shoes in designated areas, using chopsticks correctly, and bowing when greeting people.

Best Time to Visit Imabari

The best time to visit Imabari is from March to May and from September to November. These months offer mild weather, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds. Cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season in November are also popular times to visit Imabari.

Do’s and Don’ts of Imabari

Do:

  • Do take off your shoes when entering a house or temple.
  • Do bring small gifts, such as souvenirs or snacks, when visiting locals or attending events.
  • Do respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public spaces.
  • Don’t talk loudly in public spaces.
  • Don’t forget to carry cash, as some shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Imabari

Imabari is a safe city with a low crime rate. Visitors should, however, take usual precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings, avoiding unlit areas at night, and following traffic rules.

Health in Imabari

Imabari offers excellent healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Visitors should have travel insurance and carry a copy of their medical records with them in case of emergencies.

Getting to Imabari: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Imabari by air, train or bus.

Airports Near Imabari

The nearest airport to Imabari is Matsuyama Airport, which offers domestic flights from major Japanese cities and international flights from Shanghai and Seoul.

Bus Stations Near Imabari

Imabari Bus Terminal is the main bus station in the city, with regular bus services connecting Imabari to other cities in Japan.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Imabari by train, with Imabari Station being the main railway station in the city.

How to Get Around in Imabari

Imabari offers excellent public transportation options including buses and trains. Visitors can also rent a bicycle to explore the city at their own pace. Taxis are also available, but they are relatively expensive.

Where to Go Next from Imabari: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Imabari is located in the Ehime prefecture of Shikoku island, offering several nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Some of the popular nearby destinations include:

  • Matsuyama: Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture and is famous for its hot springs, historic castle, and traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Onomichi: Onomichi is a charming port town famous for its temples, shrines, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the city on foot, bike or take a boat ride.
  • Kurashiki: Kurashiki is a historic city in Okayama Prefecture known for its well-preserved Edo period architecture, museums, and galleries.

Conclusion

Imabari is a beautiful city boasting of scenic views, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to Imabari, including must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, local customs, and more. Ensure you have travel insurance, respect local cultures and enjoy your visit to Imabari.

Imabari Castle Imabari Castle Nankobo Nankobo Bridge over Ikuchijima Bridge over Ikuchijima