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Enjoy the Inland
Sea of Japan: Setonaikai
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| Recommended spots > Matsuyama
Area |
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Matsuyama is
the largest City on Shikoku Island, which forms the southern
coast of the Seto Inland Sea. Matsuyama can be reached by plane,
express train from Okayama (3 hours), highway bus or ferry from
Osaka or Hiroshima.
Matsuyama is a pleasant city with plenty to see, accomodating
the castle located on a hill in the city centre, some of the
temples that form the pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku and
many smaller attractions. Matsuyama is famous for its hot spring,
called Dogo Onsen. You will find many ryokan in the hot spring
area and many hotels in the city center.
A group of islands close to Takahama Port offer relaxation and
nature for those tired of city life and sightseeing.
Links:
Matsuyama City offers convenient guidebooks in English, German,
Korean and Chinese in PDF-format:
http://www.city-matsuyama.net/book/e/index.htm
Matsuyama City English HP:
http://www.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp/lang/en/index.html
Setouchi Goodwill Guides:
http://home.e-catv.ne.jp/tour-ehime/
1: Gogoshima Island
Less than an hour from the city center, it's a different world:
mandarin orchards, beaches, small roads, hiking.
2: Nogutsuna Island
Maybe the nicest, definitely the sleepiest island of the Nakajima
Island group! |
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Access:
Takahama Port
can be reached on the Iyotetsu line from Matsuyama City Station
or Otemachi Stop close to Matsuyama JR Station in about 20
min. (trains run every 20 min.). Also, it takes only about
10 min. walk or 3 min. by bus from Matsuyama Kanko-ko Port
 ,
were the boats from Osaka, Kyushu and Hiroshima arrive.
From Takahama Port: there are two ports on Gogoshima, Tomari
and Yura  (15
min., about 1 boat/hour); Yura is more convenient.
Ferry Schedule:
http://www005.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kofujikisen/index.htm |
 Only
2 km from Takahama Port, this is the nearest island to Matsuyama.
Frequent ferries will take you there in no time. There are two
distinct mountains on the island: Kofuji (Little Fuji,  ,
283m) and Takado-sani j.
The latter is easier to climb. Turn left from the ferry landing
in Yura, and then take a right at the end of the village. The
sign for the viewing platform on Takado-san, 
will show you the way to the top of the hill, from were you
can enjoy the view of the surrounding islands.
As for beaches, you should cross to the gback sideh of the island:
either to Washigasu 
or to Kitaura  ,
both about 30 min. walk from Yura Port. To Washigasu, follow
the coast to the left from Yura. Walk away from the coast at
the shrine in Funagoshi - in summer, ferries stop here sometimes.
Cross over the hill and follow the coast to the right. At Washigasu
beach there are changing rooms and shades in summer; however,
you do have to pay to use them. Unfortunately, being located
inside the bay, there is a lot of seaweed around.
For Kitaura, cross over the hill directly from Yura; the beach
is at the far end of the village. There are many other small
beaches on Gogoshima that you can explore if you bring a bicycle
or like walking! |
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Access:
From Takahama Port (s. Gogoshima): 3 ferries/ day (60 min.);
3 high-speed boats/ day (28 min.) Take the boat to Nakajima,
Eastern Line. Be careful, not all boats stop at Nogutsuna.
 In
2005, the town of Nakajima, which consists of several small
islands, merged with Matsuyama City. Although all the islands
offer beaches, mikan (mandarin oranges), relaxation and fresh
fish, Nogutsuna, the smallest of the inhabited six islands,
is maybe the most relaxed.
Nogutsuna is a small sleepy island with about 150 houses.
Many islanders are involved in mikan production or fishing.
The small elementary school right at the port has been welcoming
students from urban areas in a gSeaside Study h system since
1988; students stay with families on the island for one year.
 The
small mountain behind the school, Sara-yama  ,
is only 73m high, but offers good views. Nukaba Beach 
is behind the village on the East coast; you will not only
find a fine sandy beach and clear water, but also showers
and restrooms. |
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