Traveling
in Ehime
Living in Ehime is great and offers many different kinds of experiences, but every once in a while we get bitten by the wanderlust bug and have the urge to see what else is out there beyond the green-mikan filled hills of the prefecture. Given that Japan has quite a few national holidays it’s fairly easy to get away and explore, whether that be domestically in Japan or somewhere farther across international borders. To help plan your next adventure, we’ve put together some helpful guides and resources.
Travel Insurance
One of the benefits of participating in the JET Programme is access to the JET Programme Accident Insurance (JPAI), a supplemental insurance policy provided by CLAIR.
JPAI offers additional coverage for JET participants who become ill or injured during their time on the programme, including certain situations while traveling both within and outside Japan.
What Does JPAI Cover?
In addition to supporting eligible medical expenses, JPAI may provide coverage for:
Illnesses and injuries sustained during your time on the JET Programme
Medical treatment received while traveling abroad
Medical treatment during temporary visits to your home country
Disability resulting from illness or injury
Accidental death
Death resulting from illness
Coverage limits, exclusions, and claim requirements vary depending on the situation. Always review the official policy before relying on coverage.
Official JPAI Information
http://jetprogramme.org/en/jpai-outline/
Should I Buy Additional Travel Insurance?
For many trips, the answer is yes.
JPAI primarily focuses on medical and accident-related coverage. It may not cover common travel disruptions such as:
Flight cancellations
Lost or delayed luggage
Theft or damage of personal belongings
Adventure sports and high-risk activities
Emergency evacuation costs beyond policy limits
Additional travel insurance can often be purchased through:
- Travel agencies
- Airlines
- Credit card providers
- Independent insurance companies
If you’re planning a major international trip, additional travel insurance can provide extra peace of mind.
Japan’s suberb transportation network means that it is easy to travel virtually anywhere in the country! However, it always helps to plan ahead so we’ve put together some information about the different ways to get to where you want to go.
Tour Companies
Tour Companies & Organized Travel
Looking to explore beyond Japan? Organized tours can be a great way to travel, especially if you’re visiting a destination for the first time or prefer having transportation, accommodations, and activities arranged for you.
The companies below have been recommended by current and former JETs and offer a variety of travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking adventures to premium guided experiences.
Please note: Most tour prices cover in-country costs such as accommodations, transportation, guides, and activities. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are typically not included unless otherwise stated.
Intrepid Travel
Best for: Small-group adventures, cultural experiences, and independent-minded travelers.
Intrepid is a longtime favorite among JETs. Based in Australia, they offer tours all over the world with a focus on local experiences and responsible travel.
Travel styles include:
Basix (budget-friendly)
Original (balanced comfort and value)
Premium (higher-end accommodations and experiences)
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/
G Adventures
Best for: Flexible travel styles and worldwide destinations.
Founded in Canada, G Adventures offers everything from classic sightseeing tours to adventure travel and National Geographic Journeys. They are particularly popular among solo travelers looking to join small groups.
Travel styles include:
Classic
Active
National Geographic Journeys
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Family Adventures
World Expeditions
Best for: Trekking, hiking, and active adventures.
World Expeditions specializes in outdoor travel and is well known for its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Popular options include:
Multi-day treks
Hiking holidays
Cycling tours
Adventure expeditions
Bike Asia
Best for: Cycling enthusiasts.
If you’d rather explore on two wheels, Bike Asia offers guided cycling tours throughout Asia, combining cultural experiences with active travel.
JTB
Best for: Domestic travel within Japan.
JTB is Japan’s largest travel agency and can be found throughout the country. They offer a wide range of package tours, transportation bookings, accommodation reservations, and seasonal travel plans.
One advantage of using JTB is that local branches can help arrange tours departing from other cities, even if the tour doesn’t originate in Ehime.
Note: Most services and booking information are available primarily in Japanese.
Yomiuri Travel
Best for: Affordable bus tours and day trips.
Yomiuri Travel is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for short guided trips around Japan.
They frequently offer:
Day trips
Overnight tours
Seasonal sightseeing tours
Festival excursions
Popular destinations often include:
Kochi Yosakoi Festival
Tokushima Awa Odori
Kobe Luminarie
Seasonal flower and illumination events
https://www.yomiuri-ryokou.co.jp/
Hato Bus
Best for: Sightseeing tours in Tokyo and major cities.
One of Japan’s most recognizable tour companies, Hato Bus operates guided bus tours throughout Tokyo and other regions. Many tours are available in English and other languages.
Popular options include:
Tokyo city tours
Mt. Fuji excursions
Seasonal sightseeing tours
Day trips from Tokyo
Which Tour Company Is Right For You?
Budget-Friendly & Social
Intrepid Travel
G Adventures
Active & Adventure Travel
World Expeditions
Bike Asia
Travel Within Japan
JTB
Yomiuri Travel
Hato Bus
First-Time International Travelers
Intrepid Travel
G Adventures
Mikan Tip 
Traveling solo? Small-group tours can be a great way to meet other travelers while taking the stress out of planning transportation, accommodations, and activities. Many JETs have used these companies for trips throughout Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Visa Info
Getting Tourist Visas
If you are traveling to a country that is not your home country, it is important to check whether you require a tourist visa or not. Tourist visas are generally valid for a two week to one month stay, depending on the county of course. The visa process can be as easy as walking straight through customs, to prolonged advanced applications. Check with your home embassy and plan accordingly.
Tourist Visa Links
In order to make it easier to find information about Tourist Visas, we’ve collected a list of links. This list is not comprehensive and focuses primarily on countries in Asia, the ones a lot of Ehime-ites have visited in the past. We highly encourage you to double check these visa requirements from your home country embassies before finalising flight and accommodation reservations. If you have other additions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
- Thailand – http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php
- Taiwan – http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1443&ctNode=779&mp=2
- South Korea – http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.jsp#
- Singapore – https://www.ica.gov.sg/services_centre.aspx?pageid=232
- India – https://www.tripsavvy.com/india-e-tourist-visa-information-1539765
- Philippines – https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/consular/visa/important-visa-information/
- Vietnam – https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/
- Cambodia – http://www.tourismcambodia.org/getting_to_cambodia/#comp
- China – https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/introduction1.htm
Special Re-entry Permit System
Foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and resident card who will be reentering Japan within 1 year of their departure to continue their activities in Japan will, in principle, not be required to apply for a re-entry permit (this is called a special re-entry permit). When you leave Japan, you must fill out an ED card and tick the column indicating your intention of departure by the Special Re-entry Permit System. See Immigration Bureau of Japan website for more information.
Matsuyama Immigration Office
Matsuyama Joint Government Building 1F
188-6 Miyata-cho, Matsuyama-shi
Ehime-ken, 8790-0066
[Office Hours]
Monday – Friday (9:00am-12noon / 1pm – 4pm) closed public holidays
[Phone Numbers]
089-932-0895
By train
Make use of one of the best railway networks in the world! Although trains are generally more expensive for trips around and out of Shikoku, they can also offer you more flexibility.
By ferry
Ferries aren’t just for traveling between the islands in Ehime. Overnight and other long-distance ferries are inexpensive ways to get to Honshu or Kyushu