πππ Exploring the Hidden Gems of Shikoku: Ehime Prefecture πππ
I'm back from another trip to Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku, and my heart is still there! This year, I've compiled a list of unique spots that are a bit different from last year's. π Mezutsu-ji The seaside platform number 2 is a filming location for the Japanese drama "Tokyo Love Story." It's where Rika and Kazuhiko said their final goodbyes. Tying a handkerchief to the railing of the platform, witnessing the azure sea under the golden sunset is incredibly healing. Walking along the coastal platform to the nearby wooden cafΓ© facing the sea feels just like the filming location of Slam Dunk in Kamakura. Sipping coffee while watching the shimmering sunset over the ocean is truly breathtaking. π Shitamachi Station (JR Shikoku) π The seaside train from "Spirited Away" is at Shitamachi Station on the Iyo-Yuzan Line in Ehime Prefecture. Known as "Japan's closest station to the sea," it's famous for its seaside platform and beautiful sunset views. It's also a pilgrimage site for the movie "Your Name." π Kencho-mae Station In Matsuyama, Ehime, the city's downtown area connects to Dogo Onsen via a tram with a color symbolizing Ehimeβorange-yellow. The station is located on the north side of National Route 11, right next to Ehime Prefectural Office, a historical building nearly a century old. It features symmetrical design with a towering dome in the center, a uniquely beautiful architecture. π Dogo Onsen Honkan The inspiration for Yubaba's bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away," Dogo Onsen Honkan is recorded in the 8th-century historical book "Nihon Shoki" and is Japan's oldest hot spring with a history of 3000 years. β¨οΈ #NationalDayWorthwhileGuide #OffTheBeatenPathTravel These spots are perfect for those looking for a less crowded and more authentic experience in Japan. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty that Ehime Prefecture has to offer! πππ
