Advanced - Challenging -
Uwajima - Shimanto Dandan Kaido
(Mima to Towa)
【38.1km】Streak through Uwajima mountains to Shimanto riverside
Uwajima - Shimanto Dandan Kaido
(Mima to Towa)
【38.1km】Streak through Uwajima mountains to Shimanto riverside
This route starts by heading east from the mountainous area in the north of Uwajima and then follows the Shimanto Dandan Kaido from the middle section that follows the source of the Shimanto River. There are two routes available, of which we will introduce the beginner’s route at a length of 38.1 kilometers. The route provides views of vast nature and beautiful idyllic country life.
The starting point, the Mima Road Station, is just 750 meters from JR Muden Station on the Yodo Line. The route climbs mountain paths accompanied by the fragrance of the dense forest in the first half, and then parallels the Shimanto River from the central section down a long gradual slope. The clarity of the waters at the source of the Shimanto River are sure to leave an impression on you. In hotter weather you might even want to refresh yourself in the river, but be aware that the current can be rapid in some places, so caution is required.
Seen on the map, the route may seem challenging due to its path through the deep mountains. However, whatever happens along the route, you can always stop mid journey and take the train the rest of the way, as a bicycle friendly train is currently operating on a trial basis along the JR Yodo Line. JR Matsumaru Station also features its own hot spring, making this a fun route for beginners.
- distance38.1km
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level
#Intermediate
#Intermediate
Spots
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start
Roadside Station Mima
Fresh local vegitables and rice can be found at this roadside station, Mima. Pick up some local souvenirs here, or eat at the delicious buffet style restaurant Aze-michi no Hana, which features dishes made with local vegetables. Bentos are also available for those who want to get something to go.
Address：180-1 Muden, Mima-cho, Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
15.0km
Eel Rice Box of Suehiro
Suhe-hiro is a restaurant that serves wild eel taken from one of the clearest streams in all of Japan, Shimanto River. Compared to farmed eels, wild eels have a firmer texture and are more moist. In addition, eel doesn't have as much of a raw scent as other kinds of fish. Even if you are not usually a fan of seafood, you might enjoy this particular dish.
Address：488 Matsumaru, Matsuno-cho, Kitauwa-gun, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
15.0km
Roadside Station Niji-no-Mori Park Matsuno
While most road stations are just places to eat, rest, and buy local goods and souvenirs, Niji-no-mori Matsuno offers a different experience. Here you can find aquariums where fish from Shimanto River, otters, and even penguins are raised and cared for in captivity. Fresh tomato picking is available to visitors to try, in addition to a variety of other fun and relaxing activities.
Address：Matsumaru District, Matsuno-cho, Kitauwa-gun / Tomioka District View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
15.0km
Mori-no-Kuni Glass Workshop Kazane
With a collection of glass art from all over the world as well as a glass blowing workshop, Kazane is a great place to enjoy both looking and doing. Visitors can also see the production of glass made from recycled materials, a fascinating process.
Address：1510-1 Nobinono, Matsuno-cho, Kitauwa-gun, Ehime Prefecture（Roadside Station Nijinomori Park Matsunouchi） View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
15.0km
Mori-no-kuni Poppo Hot Spring
This natural hot spring bath house, complete with outdoor bath, can be found on the second floor of JR Matsumaru Station. With unique baths such as the wooden Meiji-no-yu and the Nametoko-no-yu which is modelled after the Nametoko Canyon, this is a great place to relax both mind and body. There is also a free foot bath, perfect for a short break from walking around.
Address：1661-13 Matsumaru, Matsuno-cho, Kitauwa-gun, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
16.0km
Ruins of Kawagomori Castle
On this hill, surrounded by three tributaries of the Shimanto River, there once stood the largest mountain-top castle in Ehime prefecture. Learning about how castle designers used geographic features to their advantage back then will surely capture your curiosity.
Address：Matsumaru Tomioka District, Matsuno-cho, Kitauwa District, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
37.6km
Hage Low-Water Bridge
There are numerous low-water bridges spanning the Shimanto River that have become popular tourist attractions. The lesser-known Hage low-water bridge, however, still has relatively few visitors, making it a nice place to go to avoid the crowds. You can take a seat on the bridge and enjoy the sounds of the river flowing below, a tranquil experience that is sure to calm the soul.
Address：Nishitosahage, Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
25km
Shimanto Minecart (Yodo Line Brothers)
This bright yellow trolley runs through the vivid green and blue scenery of Shimanto River. These former freight cars were repurposed as passenger cars, giving them a resutic, warm feeling. The open-air style train provides a refreshing breeze to passengers, and the scent of Shimanto River will fill you will a sense of appreciation for nature.
Service section：Uwajima Station-Kubokawa Station View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
26km
Kaiyodo Hobby Train "Swarming Kappa" (Yodo Line Brothers)
With its eccentric appearance, this trolley was designed by a world-famous maker of characters figurines, Kaiyodo. The design has been updated several times, and as of 2019, the third generation trolly is now in active duty. This iteration takes as its theme the word Kappa, a Japanese mythical creature said to live in rivers. The train is filled with Kappa designs, on both the inside and the outside.
Service section：Uwajima Station-Kubokawa Station View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
27km
Railway Hobby Train (Yodo Line Brothers)
This trolley resembles the Series 0, the first train to run on Japan's famous highspeed railway, the Shinkansen. Because of this stark resembancel, this trolly has been given the nickname of "The Slowest Shinkansen in Japan". As for the interior, you can find actual seats that were used around the time of the Series 0, and miniature models that depict the history of railway development in Japan.
Service section：Uwajima Station-Kubokawa Station View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
0km
Quaterme Hosenbou
This health resort adopts a theraputic treatment method called balneotherapy. The balneo-pool consists of 14 elements such as lanes for walking, jet streams, and outdoor bubble baths. A relaxing bath surranded by the nature of Oku-Iyo will surely give you a feeling of deep refreshment. At the cafeteria, local Shirokawa bacon bowls come highly recommended.
Address：46 Takanoko, Shirokawa-cho, Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
Goal
Roadside Station Shimanto Towa
Road station Shimanto-Towa appears along National Highway 381 as it reaches eastward. Located next to the Shimanto River, the road station restaurant faces the river, giving it a refreshing and cool atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy dining with terrace-style seating, or having an ice cream or a drink on the riverside.
Address： 62-9 Towakawaguchi, Shimanto, Takaoka District, Kochi Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website
Access
start
Roadside Station Mima
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- By car
Approximately 70 minutes ride from Matsuyama IC - By train
Take a ride from JR Matsuyama Station to JR Uwajima Station (ride of about 70 minutes), then transfer to the Yodo Line. Step off at JR Suden Station, and there will be another 10 minutes walk from station. - By bus
Approximately 100 minutes ride from Matsuyama Airport with direct access
- By car
Goal
Roadside Station Shinan-Towa
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- By train
Approximately 11 minutes ride by bicycle from JR Tokawa Station
※On weekends and holidays, you can board on the train with your bicycle for the Yosan-sen Cycle Train will be in service (Service available until 2020/2/29, please check operating date to be sure)
- By train
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