Events
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Festivals in Ehime
For detailed information on local activities, events, hot spots and festivals, check out イマナ二 ! It’s a super handy site and is frequently updated! There’s always something going on in Ehime, so take a look at your leisure!
Uwajima Gaiya Matsuri
The Uwajima Gaiya Festival(or Ushioni) festival is a 3-day summer festival held in mid-July. In the evening groups will compete by parading down the shopping arcade with their own rendition of the traditional “gaiya” dance. They are accompanied by Ushioni (or “demon cows”) and other floats. The climax of the festival is when various floats and mikoshis arrive in the river surrounded by torch light.
Learn More at: https://gaiya-carnival.com/
Matsuyama Summer Matsuri
Matsuyama Summer FestivalsThe Matsuyama Summer Festival actually consists of several events spread out over the course of a month. Every Saturday through July and most of August there is a night market held in Okaido and Gintengai with festival food and games. The actual festival itself is a two day event in the beginning of August and includes group parade dancing down Okaido. The end of the festival is signaled by a fireworks display from Mitsuhama port.
Learn More: https://www.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp/kanko/kankoguide/matsurievent/matsuri-summer.html
Saijo Autumn Matsuri
The Saijo Matsuri takes place in mid October over a series of two days. It is a festival to celebrate the four shrines of Saijo City. On the first day 77 danjiri (floats) parde through the city from 2am to 6am. The following day, four mikoshi (portable shines) gather at the bank of Kamo River, with some being carried into the water at the climax of the festival.
Learn More: http://www.saijomatsuri.jp/english/
Nihama Taiko Matsuri
The Niihama Taiko festival is a 3 day festival that takes place in mid-October. It is tradtionally a harvest festival to celebrate the year’s good harvest. Each of the 50 neighborhoods in Niihama makes their own float, which is in turn carried by the local townspeople and paraded through the city while consuming copious amounts of alcohol.
Hotaru Matsuri
Ehime is one of the few places to enjoy the company of hotaru, or fireflies. They are mostly found in the mountains where the water is crystal clear and pollution free. They appear for about two weeks during mid-June. During this time, several towns will host local Hotaru festivals. Good places to see them are Ozu, Matsuno, and Hirota Village.
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Beaches
With over 3,000 islands and a wide-swath of coastline included in the prefecture there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy swimming. Popular JET haunts are Futami Beach in Iyo, Kashima Beach in Hojo, Marine Park in Niihama, and various other beaches along the Shimanami Kaido in Imabari.
Hiking
Being a more backwater, inaka prefeture has its advantages. Namely there are endless places of pure, undisturbed nature to hike through. Popular hiking destinations are (though certainly not limited to!) Nametoko Gorge in Matsuno and Mt. Ishizuchi in Saijo.
Kayaking
Everyone knows that Ainan is a very inaka place. But what most people don’t know is it is also one of the few places you can go kayaking!
Skiing
Believe it or not you can actually go skiing in Ehime! The mountains that seperate Ehime from Kochi are powdered in snow every winter. The two major ski spots are Kuma Ski Land in Kumakogen and the ski area in Oda, near Uchiko.
Ehime Marathon
Do you like running? Then you should try a marathon. Held annually at the beginning of February, the Ehime Marathon is held in Matsuyama City and has been completed by Ehime JETs in the past! For more information, visit the Japanese website here. Entry is done by lottery (it`s very popular) and you can register from the end of July.
Nakajima Triathlon
Marathon not enough for you? Never fear, Ehime is also home to one of Japan’s major triathlons, the Nakajima Triathlon held annually at the end of August on the island of Nakajima. The Nakajima Triathlon attracts athletes from all over Japan, and entry is by lottery. It is also one of the most beautiful courses that take you all around the island. Information is only in Japanese, but have a look here.
Hanami – Flower Viewing
Sakura in Ehime blooms around end of March – early April and stays in full bloom for only around two weeks. During that time, the entire Japanese population will find a good sakura spot, spread a blue tarp on the ground, and have a good day of BBQ and sake. Hanami parties are great times to get to know your neighbours, students or your co-workers!