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¥176,000 (including tax)
Price
Limited to 4 guests
Group Size
3 days / 2 nights
Duration
Southern Ehime, Shikoku |
Seiyo · Ainan · Uwajima
Seiyo · Ainan · Uwajima
Southern Ehime, Shikoku | Seiyo · Ainan · Uwajima
Where
October 21–23, 2026
When
Join Kristina for a 3-day small-group journey through Seiyo, Ainan and Uwajima in Southern Ehime, with local food, traditional crafts, rural villages and Uwa seascapes.
Seiyo, Ainan & Uwajima
3-Day Tour Around
Southern Ehime
Southern Ehime
Join Kristina for a 3-day small-group journey through Seiyo, Ainan and Uwajima in Southern Ehime, with local food, traditional crafts, rural villages and Uwa seascapes.
Seiyo, Ainan & Uwajima
3-Day Tour Around
Southern Ehime
Southern Ehime
The Last Family Preserving a 400-year-old Papermaking Tradition
¥176,000 (including tax)
Price
Limited to 4 guests
Group Size
3 days / 2 nights
Duration
Southern Ehime, Shikoku
Seiyo · Ainan · Uwajima
Seiyo · Ainan · Uwajima
Where
October 21–23, 2026
When
-Local travel-
-Craft workshops-
-Rural farmland & seascapes-
-Meals & stays included-
This tour is a rare chance to experience firsthand the local traditions being kept alive by the communities of Southern Ehime.
Over three days, we’ll travel from the inland farming communities of Seiyo to the coastal towns of Ainan and Uwajima where we’ll meet local families, share meals and learn about rare crafts.
Over three days, we’ll travel from the inland farming communities of Seiyo to the coastal towns of Ainan and Uwajima where we’ll meet local families, share meals and learn about rare crafts.
-Local travel-
-Craft workshops-
-Rural farmland & seascapes-
-Meals & stays included-
This tour is a rare chance to experience firsthand the local traditions being kept alive by the communities of Southern Ehime.
Over three days, we’ll travel from the inland farming communities of Seiyo to the coastal towns of Ainan and Uwajima where we’ll meet local families, share meals and learn about rare crafts.
Over three days, we’ll travel from the inland farming communities of Seiyo to the coastal towns of Ainan and Uwajima where we’ll meet local families, share meals and learn about rare crafts.
This is a place where mountains, farmland, villages, and the sea come together, and where generations of people have adapted their lives to the landscape.
They created communities in narrow spaces between steep mountains and the coast, built stone walls to protect their homes from strong winds, and turned hillsides into terraced fields for growing crops and citrus fruit.
Even in Japan, landscapes like these are rare.
— Kristina Minami
They created communities in narrow spaces between steep mountains and the coast, built stone walls to protect their homes from strong winds, and turned hillsides into terraced fields for growing crops and citrus fruit.
Even in Japan, landscapes like these are rare.
— Kristina Minami
| DAY 1 Craft and Culture in Rural Seiyo Our journey begins in the mountains of Seiyo, where 300-year-old cedars surround a historic Zen temple. Here we’ll enjoy seasonal shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist meal, made by a restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide. Next, we’ll meet the family preserving a nearly 400-year-old papermaking technique found only in this region. They join two wet sheets to create strong paper, continuing a tradition now kept alive by just one family in Nomura. We’ll end the day in historic Unomachi, walking its old streets and learning how people once lived in inland Southern Ehime. |
| DAY 2 From the Rice Fields to the Uwa Sea Day 2 takes us from Seiyo’s rice fields to the Uwa Sea. We’ll meet a local rice farmer and shimenawa craftsman, and learn how rice straw is turned into sacred ropes, folk art, and family traditions. In Ainan, we’ll cook with local grandmothers, making sea bream dishes, tai gyoza—dumplings filled with local sea bream, dashi broth, and local mochi. We’ll end the day at Cape Komo, where high cliffs meet the open sea at the southernmost edge of Ehime. With coffee or tea in hand, we’ll slow down and take in the view at one of the places where “The Edge of Shikoku” feels most real. |
| DAY 3 Life on the Edge On our final day, we’ll see how people have adapted to life between the mountains and the sea. We’ll walk through a stone-walled village, where local families built high walls to protect their homes from typhoons and strong seasonal winds. In Uwajima, we’ll visit Yusu Mizugaura, where generations of farmers have turned steep slopes above the Uwa Sea into terraced fields. From here, mountain, field, village, and sea come together in a single view. Our journey ends at Matsuyama Airport, where it’s easy to catch a flight back to Tokyo or Osaka, or choose to keep exploring more of Shikoku and rural Japan if you wish. |
DAY 1
Craft and Culture
in Rural Seiyo
Our journey begins in the mountains of Seiyo, where 300-year-old cedars surround a historic Zen temple. Here we’ll enjoy seasonal shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist meal, made by a restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Next, we’ll meet the family preserving a nearly 400-year-old papermaking technique found only in this region. They join two wet sheets to create strong paper, continuing a tradition now kept alive by just one family in Nomura.
We’ll end the day in historic Unomachi, walking its old streets and learning how people once lived in inland Southern Ehime.
Next, we’ll meet the family preserving a nearly 400-year-old papermaking technique found only in this region. They join two wet sheets to create strong paper, continuing a tradition now kept alive by just one family in Nomura.
We’ll end the day in historic Unomachi, walking its old streets and learning how people once lived in inland Southern Ehime.
DAY 2
From the Rice Fields to
the Uwa Sea
Day 2 takes us from Seiyo’s rice fields to the Uwa Sea. We’ll meet a local rice farmer and shimenawa craftsman, and learn how rice straw is turned into sacred ropes, folk art, and family traditions.
In Ainan, we’ll cook with local grandmothers, making sea bream dishes, tai gyoza—dumplings filled with local sea bream, dashi broth, and local mochi.
We’ll end the day at Cape Komo, where high cliffs meet the open sea at the southernmost edge of Ehime. With coffee or tea in hand, we’ll slow down and take in the view at one of the places where “The Edge of Shikoku” feels most real.
In Ainan, we’ll cook with local grandmothers, making sea bream dishes, tai gyoza—dumplings filled with local sea bream, dashi broth, and local mochi.
We’ll end the day at Cape Komo, where high cliffs meet the open sea at the southernmost edge of Ehime. With coffee or tea in hand, we’ll slow down and take in the view at one of the places where “The Edge of Shikoku” feels most real.
DAY 3
Life on the Edge
On our final day, we’ll see how people have adapted to life between the mountains and the sea.
We’ll walk through a stone-walled village, where local families built high walls to protect their homes from typhoons and strong seasonal winds. In Uwajima, we’ll visit Yusu Mizugaura, where generations of farmers have turned steep slopes above the Uwa Sea into terraced fields. From here, mountain, field, village, and sea come together in a single view.
Our journey ends at Matsuyama Airport, where it’s easy to catch a flight back to Tokyo or Osaka, or choose to keep exploring more of Shikoku and rural Japan if you wish.
We’ll walk through a stone-walled village, where local families built high walls to protect their homes from typhoons and strong seasonal winds. In Uwajima, we’ll visit Yusu Mizugaura, where generations of farmers have turned steep slopes above the Uwa Sea into terraced fields. From here, mountain, field, village, and sea come together in a single view.
Our journey ends at Matsuyama Airport, where it’s easy to catch a flight back to Tokyo or Osaka, or choose to keep exploring more of Shikoku and rural Japan if you wish.
Travel to the Southwestern Edge of Shikoku with Kristina and Sachi
This isn’t your typical sightseeing route.
I first visited Southern Ehime several years ago, and the landscape left a lasting impression on me. Since then, the Inner Japan team and I have returned many times, met local families and artisans, experienced these places for ourselves, and worked with the community to create a journey shaped by the places and stories that meant the most to us.
For these three days, I’ll be your host as we travel together in a small group of up to four guests. Along the way, farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and local residents will join us.
— Kristina Minami
I first visited Southern Ehime several years ago, and the landscape left a lasting impression on me. Since then, the Inner Japan team and I have returned many times, met local families and artisans, experienced these places for ourselves, and worked with the community to create a journey shaped by the places and stories that meant the most to us.
For these three days, I’ll be your host as we travel together in a small group of up to four guests. Along the way, farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and local residents will join us.
— Kristina Minami
Travel to the Southwestern Edge of Shikoku with Kristina and Sachi
This isn’t your typical sightseeing route.
I first visited Southern Ehime several years ago, and the landscape left a lasting impression on me. Since then, the Inner Japan team and I have returned many times, met local families and artisans, experienced these places for ourselves, and worked with the community to create a journey shaped by the places and stories that meant the most to us.
For these three days, I’ll be your host as we travel together in a small group of up to four guests. Along the way, farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and local residents will join us.
— Kristina Minami
I first visited Southern Ehime several years ago, and the landscape left a lasting impression on me. Since then, the Inner Japan team and I have returned many times, met local families and artisans, experienced these places for ourselves, and worked with the community to create a journey shaped by the places and stories that meant the most to us.
For these three days, I’ll be your host as we travel together in a small group of up to four guests. Along the way, farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and local residents will join us.
— Kristina Minami
This is a place where mountains, farmland, villages, and the sea come together, and where generations of people have adapted their lives to the landscape.
They created communities in narrow spaces between steep mountains and the coast, built stone walls to protect their homes from strong winds, and turned hillsides into terraced fields for growing crops and citrus fruit.
Even in Japan, landscapes like these are rare.
— Kristina Minami
The Last Family Preserving a 400-year-old Papermaking Tradition
Regular services connect Matsuyama with Hiroshima and Kure, making this a scenic and convenient option for travelers coming from the Chugoku region.
By Ferry
Matsuyama Airport has direct flights from major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.
By Plane
From Okayama, take the JR Limited Express Shiokaze to Matsuyama Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
By Train
For this tour, we will arrange pickup from Matsuyama Airport,
so meet us there and we will take care of the rest.
Getting to Matsuyama
& Tour Pickup
& Tour Pickup
Southern Ehime feels remote, but reaching the tour is surprisingly easy. We’ll meet at Matsuyama Airport on October 21, with direct domestic flights from major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, as well as international connections on selected routes. From the airport, all transportation during the 3-day journey is arranged for you.
Meet in Matsuyama,
we’ll take care of the rest
TRANSPORTATION
We’ll stay in small, locally run accommodation where the experience feels closer to being welcomed into the community than checking into a standard hotel. Each guest will have their own private room or sleeping space, while bathrooms and some common facilities may be shared. Expect warm hospitality, local meals, and simple, comfortable stays with plenty of character.
Stay Close to Local Life
Accommodation
Our journey ends at Matsuyama Airport, making it easy to continue exploring Ehime, travel elsewhere in Shikoku, or connect to your next destination in Japan. Depending on the timing of your stay, local autumn festivals may also be taking place. We’ll be happy to share recommendations and help you plan a little more time in the region.
There’s so much more to explore in Ehime beyond this tour. If you’re planning to spend a few extra days traveling independently, take a look at my other Ehime articles below for more places, ideas, and inspiration.
There’s so much more to explore in Ehime beyond this tour. If you’re planning to spend a few extra days traveling independently, take a look at my other Ehime articles below for more places, ideas, and inspiration.
Stay a Little Longer
End of Tour
If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing by email at info@inner-japan.com.
Cancellation fees will apply according to the date on which the tour operator receives your cancellation request in Japan Standard Time (JST).
Cancellation fees will apply according to the date on which the tour operator receives your cancellation request in Japan Standard Time (JST).
Regarding Cancellations
Cancellation Policy
On or before September 30, 2026
No cancellation fee
October 1–13, 2026
20% of the tour price
October 14–19, 2026
30% of the tour price
October 20, 2026
40% of the tour price
October 21, 2026, until 11:00AM
50% of the tour price
After the tour has begun or in the event of a no-show
100% of the tour price
- For group bookings, cancellation fees will be calculated based on the tour price of each participant who cancels.
- If you are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible. Subject to prior approval by the tour operator, you may be able to transfer your booking to another person. An administrative fee may apply.
- Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to and from the meeting and ending points. We are unable to reimburse independently booked flights, trains, accommodation, or other travel expenses resulting from a participant’s cancellation or changes to the tour schedule.
- If the tour is cancelled by the organizer before departure, all tour payments received will be refunded in full. However, the organizer cannot reimburse independently arranged travel expenses.
- The itinerary may be changed due to weather, transportation conditions, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond the organizer’s control. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.
About the Tour
This journey is best for travelers who enjoy meeting local people, traditional crafts, rural landscapes, trying local foods, and slower travel.
It’s designed for people who want to experience a side of Japan that feels personal and difficult to access independently, rather than follow a checklist of famous attractions.
It’s designed for people who want to experience a side of Japan that feels personal and difficult to access independently, rather than follow a checklist of famous attractions.
For now, yes.
This is a special 3-day journey hosted by Kristina, created specifically for October 21–23, 2026. We may offer it again in the future, but there are currently no repeat dates planned.
The group is intentionally small, with a maximum of 4 guests.
This is a special 3-day journey hosted by Kristina, created specifically for October 21–23, 2026. We may offer it again in the future, but there are currently no repeat dates planned.
The group is intentionally small, with a maximum of 4 guests.
Almost everything during the three-day journey is included:
- transportation within Ehime
- two nights of accommodation
- meals included in the itinerary
- workshops and cultural experiences
- local hosts and guides
- Kristina as your host
- Inner Japan support throughout the journey
It is a small-group hosted journey limited to 4 guests, designed to feel intimate and personal.
Unfortunately, this particular journey cannot accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets.
Local food is a central part of the experience, and several activities are built around seafood and meat traditions.
We can accommodate many food allergies and other dietary restrictions, so please let us know before booking and we’ll confirm what is possible.
Local food is a central part of the experience, and several activities are built around seafood and meat traditions.
We can accommodate many food allergies and other dietary restrictions, so please let us know before booking and we’ll confirm what is possible.
No. Each guest will have their own sleeping space.
Some of our stays are traditional Japanese houses or small locally run inns rather than standard hotels, so bathrooms and common areas may be shared.
Some of our stays are traditional Japanese houses or small locally run inns rather than standard hotels, so bathrooms and common areas may be shared.
No.
All transportation during the three-day journey is arranged for you.
All transportation during the three-day journey is arranged for you.
Not at all.
Kristina will host the journey in English and support communication throughout the trip. Our Japanese driver-guide also speaks English, and we’ll help bridge conversations with the local people we meet along the way.
Kristina will host the journey in English and support communication throughout the trip. Our Japanese driver-guide also speaks English, and we’ll help bridge conversations with the local people we meet along the way.
This is a relaxed cultural journey rather than a hiking tour, but expect some walking on hills, stone paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces in rural villages.
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Alongside a maximum of 4 guests, the core team includes Kristina as your host, Sachi from Inner Japan for on-the-ground support, and our local driver-guide.
Along the way, we’ll also spend time with local farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and residents.
Along the way, we’ll also spend time with local farmers, craftspeople, cooks, and residents.
Before the Tour
Start by answering the questions in the booking form linked below.
Once we receive your response, we’ll contact you directly, confirm availability, and help organize the details.
With only 4 guest places available, your spot is confirmed once the booking process and payment are complete.
Once we receive your response, we’ll contact you directly, confirm availability, and help organize the details.
With only 4 guest places available, your spot is confirmed once the booking process and payment are complete.
Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you everything you need to prepare for the journey.
This will include the meeting details, recommended flights and arrival times, accommodation information, a packing guide, dietary and allergy confirmation, and practical information about the places we’ll be visiting.
We’ll also stay in touch before the trip, so you won’t have to figure out the logistics on your own.
This will include the meeting details, recommended flights and arrival times, accommodation information, a packing guide, dietary and allergy confirmation, and practical information about the places we’ll be visiting.
We’ll also stay in touch before the trip, so you won’t have to figure out the logistics on your own.
Because this journey involves local families, craftspeople, accommodation providers, and experiences arranged specifically for our small group, cancellations close to departure can have a significant impact.
Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are subject to cancellation fees. View our Cancellation Policy here.
Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are subject to cancellation fees. View our Cancellation Policy here.
We’ll meet at Matsuyama Airport, where the journey begins.
Matsuyama has direct domestic flights from Tokyo and Osaka, and from the airport we’ll travel south together by private vehicle.
Matsuyama has direct domestic flights from Tokyo and Osaka, and from the airport we’ll travel south together by private vehicle.
Yes.
Guests arrange and pay for their own transportation to Matsuyama Airport.
We’ll share recommended arrival and departure times before you book your flights, so you can choose connections that work smoothly with the journey.
Guests arrange and pay for their own transportation to Matsuyama Airport.
We’ll share recommended arrival and departure times before you book your flights, so you can choose connections that work smoothly with the journey.
Possibly.
If you’re already staying somewhere in Ehime, let us know and we’ll do our best to arrange a suitable meeting point within the prefecture.
If you’re already staying somewhere in Ehime, let us know and we’ll do our best to arrange a suitable meeting point within the prefecture.
October is generally a comfortable time to travel in Southern Ehime, but we’ll move between inland valleys, mountain areas, and the coast, so conditions can vary throughout the day.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, layers, a light rain jacket, a small day bag, and clothing you don’t mind wearing around farms, kitchens, and craft spaces.
A full packing guide will be shared before the journey.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, layers, a light rain jacket, a small day bag, and clothing you don’t mind wearing around farms, kitchens, and craft spaces.
A full packing guide will be shared before the journey.
You can bring your luggage with you in our private vehicle throughout the journey.
For comfort and vehicle space, we recommend one medium-size suitcase or smaller per guest, plus a small day bag.
For comfort and vehicle space, we recommend one medium-size suitcase or smaller per guest, plus a small day bag.
About Ehime
Southern Ehime, also known as Nanyo, is the southwestern part of Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku.
This journey travels through Seiyo, Ainan, and Uwajima, from inland farming communities to the Uwa Sea coast.
This journey travels through Seiyo, Ainan, and Uwajima, from inland farming communities to the Uwa Sea coast.
October is a lovely time to travel in Southern Ehime, with generally milder weather and a seasonal atmosphere across the farming communities.
Temperatures can vary between inland valleys, mountains, and the coast, so layers are useful.
Temperatures can vary between inland valleys, mountains, and the coast, so layers are useful.
Southern Ehime is known for the Uwa Sea, fishing and aquaculture, agriculture, historic towns, traditional crafts, terraced landscapes, and small mountain and coastal communities.
This journey brings those elements together through the people who live there today.
This journey brings those elements together through the people who live there today.
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