Things To Do
in Uwajima
Uwajima, located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, is a charming coastal city known for its historic castle and traditional culture. The city is famous for Uwajima Taiko, a style of drumming that originated in the region. Visitors can also explore the picturesque Uwajima Ushi-Oni, a bull-demon statue that is a symbol of the city.
Uwajima is a peaceful destination with beautiful scenery, including lush mountains and scenic coastlines.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the historic Uwajima Castle. Take in the stunning views of the city and learn about its significance.
Head to the Uwajima City Historical Museum to delve deeper into the region's past. The exhibits will provide insights into local traditions and customs.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local izakaya, sampling Uwajima's famous seafood dishes. Savor the flavors while mingling with locals.
Visit the stunning Tahara Park to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in season. Take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the serene surroundings.
Explore the picturesque Misono Island via a short boat ride. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views and take some great photos.
Return to Uwajima city and dine at a restaurant overlooking the water. Celebrate the day's experiences with some local sake.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance, including traditional festivals and architecture.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including coastal views and surrounding mountains.
- Known for delicious local cuisine, particularly seafood and Uwajima's famous citrus fruits.
- Friendly and welcoming community that offers a laid-back lifestyle.
- Access to hot springs and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities, which may lead to economic challenges.
- Less access to international amenities and services due to its smaller size.
- Transportation options may be limited, making travel to nearby cities less convenient.
- Risk of natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, being located in a coastal region.
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers, which may hinder full cultural immersion.
Best Activities in Uwajima
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic ride around the historic Uwajima Castle and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Discover a variety of plants and flowers while strolling through the serene Uwajima Botanical Garden.
Embark on a rewarding hike to Taga Shrine, nestled in the mountains surrounding Uwajima, and experience breathtaking views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Uwajima with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Uwajima
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding sea
Features beautiful traditional Japanese garden with scenic views
Provides stunning views of the Uwajima skyline and the Uwa Sea
Food in Uwajima
Uwajima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Uwajima Taimeshi is a flavorful dish consisting of red sea bream (tai) and rice cooked together. The seafood is sourced directly from local waters, providing a wonderfully fresh and savory experience. For an authentic taste, visit the local seafood markets or specialty restaurants like Kaikyo Yokocho.
Must-Try!
Uwajima Jakoten is a beloved local delicacy made from fish paste and yamaimo (Japanese yam). It's deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy yet tender texture. To savor this dish, head to street food stalls at Uwajima Taimeshi Yokocho or Tsukiji Market Uwajima.
Satsuma-age, a type of fish cake, is a popular snack in Uwajima. Created using a blend of fish paste and various seasonings, it's deep-fried and offers a delectable flavor. Look for it at local izakayas or specialty food shops in the city.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Uwajima better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Uwajima Taimeshi Yokocho is a vibrant market where visitors can sample a diverse array of local specialties, including Uwajima Taimeshi and Jakoten. The lively atmosphere and abundance of street food stalls make it an ideal spot to immerse in Uwajima's culinary culture.
Tsukiji Market Uwajima is a bustling marketplace where a multitude of fresh seafood and street food vendors gather. Here, one can indulge in a wide range of seafood-based treats, from sashimi to grilled fish skewers, providing an authentic taste of Uwajima's coastal flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Uwajima, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and behavior.
It's important to observe and follow local customs, such as bowing when greeting others and removing shoes before entering homes or certain establishments.
When dining in Uwajima, it's important to observe local dining etiquette, such as saying 'itadakimasu' before meals and not leaving food uneaten on the plate.
Safety
Tipping in Uwajima
Ensure a smooth experience
In Uwajima, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments. In fact, tipping may be seen as rude or awkward in Japanese culture.
In Uwajima, Japan, cash is the primary method of payment, and credit cards are not as widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It's important to carry sufficient cash for transactions, as many places may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Uwajima to see the cherry blossoms in bloom and enjoy mild temperatures.
Expect hot and humid weather, but this is the best time to experience traditional festivals and fireworks.
Ideal for sightseeing with pleasant weather, colorful autumn foliage, and various cultural events.
A quieter time to visit with cooler temperatures, but still a good time to explore historic sites and enjoy seasonal cuisine.
Uwajima at Night
Hiking in Uwajima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot with scenic views and diverse flora and fauna, located just a short drive from Uwajima.
A serene hiking route that leads to Kanchiin Temple, offering picturesque landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.
A moderate trail known for its beautiful views of the landscape and a variety of hiking options for different skill levels.
Although primarily a cycling route, there are sections suitable for hiking with breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Offering several trails through forests and mountains, these hikes provide opportunities to explore the local wildlife and nature.
Aiports
How to reach Uwajima by plane.
Kochi Airport serves the city of Kochi and the surrounding region. It is about 90 kilometers east of Uwajima.
Matsuyama Airport is located approximately 120 kilometers north of Uwajima, serving the city of Matsuyama on Shikoku island.
Okayama Airport is situated around 160 kilometers northwest of Uwajima, serving Okayama and surrounding areas.
Hiroshima Airport is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Uwajima and serves the Hiroshima area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Uwajima, comprising the majority of the population.
A small community of ethnic Koreans, some of whom have historical roots in Japan.
A small number of Chinese residents, often involved in business or cultural exchanges.
A diverse group of expatriates and short-term residents from various countries, contributing to the local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Uwajima, with many local teams and schools participating in regional tournaments.
Soccer has a strong following in Uwajima, with youth leagues and community teams engaging many local players.
Basketball is popular, especially among schools, and Uwajima has several courts and teams competing in various leagues.
Sumo wrestling, while more traditional, has a cultural significance in Uwajima and attracts spectators during local tournaments.
Various martial arts, including judo and kendo, are practiced widely in Uwajima, reflective of Japanese cultural heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uwajima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Uwajima cuisine is largely seafood-based, some establishments offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Visitors with dietary restrictions can explore izakayas and select restaurants for vegetable-based dishes and tofu-centric meals.
Individuals seeking gluten-free options in Uwajima can opt for dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and vegetable-based sushi rolls. It's advisable to communicate specific dietary needs to restaurant staff to ensure an enjoyable and accommodating dining experience.