Imabari & Around/ Matsuyama [Ehime]

Q. Please advise me how Imabari functions. 

A. The city is home to a variety of factories and historic sites which allow you to explore the culture of the area first hand.

Q. How can we get to Imabari?

A. Imabari is easy to reach from anywhere in Ehime 

For more adventurous you can cycle there in a day from Hiroshima Prefecture 

To get to Shikoku from Tokyo, an airplane ride from Haneda takes around an hour. From Matsuyama 

Take the Yosan Limited Express Ishizuchi line to Imabari. It will take 40 minutes. 

Q. What is the capital of Ehime?

A. It’s Matsuyama.

Q. Why is Imabari paradise to cyclists?

A. Imabari is home to the Shimanami Kaido , a series of nine bridges stretching across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to Hiroshima prefecture. The 60-kilometer cycling route takes you through idyllic landscapes with pine and mikan orange lined mountains and the swirling, hypnotic whirlpools of the Kurushima Strait.

Q. What is the famous pirate in the history?

A. It’s Murakami Suigun.

Q. What is the famous food in Imabari?

A. Yakibuta tamago meshi, a succulent seasoned pork dish served with rice cooked with lightly fried eggs is one such dish. Imabari's chicken yakitori is renowned across Japan.

Q. What is the large collection at National Treasure Museum?

A. Japan's largest collection of samurai armor and swords.

Q. What’s special about Imabari’s castle?

A.Imabari's castle has one of just three saltwater moats in Japan with its very own sharks; don't worry, they're quite small.

Q. Please tell me about Imabari towel. 

A. They are well-woven and thick. In Imabari, the towel has become an art form. At the Imabari Towel Museum, you can see how these towels are created. The rhythmic clanking of decades-old machines is a testament to the longevity of this much loved local industry. You can try your hand at making your own, but it's no mean feat.

Q. Are there more attractive places or things to explore around here?

A. Dogo Onsen, more islands to visit around.