Uchiko Town and Ozu City in Ehime is a region full of townscapes with old streets and houses, as well as Japanese traditions. The stream of time in this area seems much slower than other areas, even among the Setouchi area, with its mild climate and these kinds of relaxing towns.

DAY 1：Uchiko Town in Ehime

First, let’s go to Uchiko Town by train. This town has a long tradition of Japanese crafts and culture, and it is the best place for strolling around and enjoying nature and a refined townscape.

DAY 1 Meal：
“Shimohaga-tei” – Soba and tempura lunch

“Shimohaga-tei,” is a restaurant specializing in dishes with soba (buckwheat noodles), local herbs and vegetables. The building was built in the late 19th century and it was a former Japanese sake brewery.
Our recommendation is the “noasobi bento” with soba, a riceball, and local vegetable tempura. We would especially like you to enjoy the texture and aroma of this famous soba made with local buckwheat flour.

DAY 1 SHOPPING：
“GOOD MORNING FARM” – Discover how delicious the vegetables of Uchiko are

Vegetables grown in Uchiko Town are so delicious…! You will know how delicious they are when you taste them, and this shop is a good place to find out, as the store only sells bottled local vegetables, such as pickles, marinade, and so on.
All these preserved products don’t contain any artificial additives. Some pickles with spices would be good nibbles for drinks, or can be eaten as a side dish as it is. Please enjoy various kinds of greens and the different ways of eating them.

DAY 1 STAY：
“Uchikobare” – Staying at an old Japanese house

This renovated guesthouse was formerly a more than 100-year-old Japanese residence. The tatami mat living room along the earthen floor has a kotatsu (Japanese foot warmer with a low table and a quilt) and some mikan oranges (a specialty of Ehime Prefecture) in the late autumn and winter.
This guesthouse can be used as a co-working space between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., so it is possible to come here before check-in time and spend that time as you like.

Here are other recommendations for staying overnight in Uchiko Town.

→Setouchi Cominca Stays ORI – Staying in Luxury

DAY 2 ：Ozu City in Ehime
“Garyu Sanso” – the scenic spot of Ozu, the castle town

A wealthy merchant who was a big success in the Japanese wax trade built this villa so as to spend the remainder of his life in his hometown, and its construction took 10 years to complete.
You will be amazed by these buildings full of traditional Japanese carpenter’s techniques, as well as the beauty of scenery, the combination of the landscape and the garden. The most significant feature of this place is “Furo-an,” a building standing on the cliff along the Hiji River. This villa has a charm which enchants visitors even though it was completed in the late 19th century.

DAY 2 Cafe：
“Murakami-tei” – Take a break at a relaxing Japanese-style cafe

Let’s go back to the castle town and walk the street called, “Ohanahan Street.” You can see the old town layout from the Edo period (1603-1867) as well as old-styled houses on this street. The inns, restaurants, and cafes in this area have been renovated from old houses.
This cafe, “Murakami-tei” was opened in 2020, a renovated residence of a family of wealthy merchants, and the house is about 170 years old.
The recommended sweet here is a pretty unique “zenzai” with homemade sweet bean paste, rice-flour dumplings, coffee jelly, and coconut milk. This delicious bowl of sweets reminds you that traditional Japanese style matches well with some elements of oriental style.

Some other recommendations to check out in Ozu City.

→The Cat Paradise – Aoshima Island (Nagahama, Ozu, Ehime Prefecture)

→1st Class Setouchi Cuisine by a 1st Class Tokyo Chef / Asao Naganuma (Owner & Chef @ Aburaya in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture)

→OzuShiromachi Guesthouse: Your Home Away From Home in Ehime!

→Ozu Castle: Beautifully, Faithfully Restored!

→A Covered Bridge Once Crossed by Sakamoto Ryoma : Miyuki-no-hashi Bridge (Ozu city, Ehime prefecture)

→Autumn Leaves, Waterfalls & Yume Warabe : Shirataki Park (Ozu City/Ehime)