Iyo(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Iyo City, the top choice for sea views is Iyo Nada Resort Hotel, located directly on the Uwakai Sea coastline. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic vistas of the shimmering ocean, especially breathtaking at sunrise. The hotel blends modern comfort with traditional Shinto-inspired architecture, featuring tatami rooms and private outdoor baths. Nearby, Iyo Onsen Ryokan offers a serene retreat with open-air hot springs overlooking the sea, perfect for relaxation. Both properties provide easy access to Oyama Shrine and Iyo City Museum, ideal for travelers seeking culture and nature in one stay.

The best area for cultural immersion is Oyama District, home to Oyama Shrine, a centuries-old Shinto site nestled beside ancient cedar trees. This historic neighborhood preserves Edo-period townhouses and cobblestone alleys, where you can visit the Iyo City Cultural Center for exhibitions on regional crafts like Iyo Washi papermaking. Local residents often host tea ceremonies in old homes, offering guests a chance to taste Ehime matcha while learning about Zen aesthetics. Walking tours led by elders reveal stories of the former Iyo Railway Station, now transformed into a living museum of rural Japan’s past.

Yes, Iyo City offers several unique culinary experiences. Try Iyo Yellowtail Sashimi, caught fresh daily from Uwakai Sea, known for its buttery texture and sweet flavor. Another must-try is Ehime Orange Marmalade Sandwich, served at Oyama Town Café, made with locally grown Ehime Mandarins. Don’t miss Iyo-Yaki Tofu, a grilled tofu dish with miso broth, traditionally prepared in family-run kitchens. For a hands-on experience, join a Citrus Wine Brewing Workshop at a local farm, where you’ll learn to ferment mandarin juice into aromatic sake, taking home a bottle as a souvenir.

Photographers should visit Iyo Port's Sunset Promenade, where golden light reflects off the Uwakai Sea and illuminates the old railway bridge ruins. The Oyama Shrine’s vermilion torii gate, framed by towering cedars, creates a striking contrast against the sky. At night, the Oyama Town Lantern Festival lights up the stone-paved streets, casting warm glows on century-old wooden houses. For dramatic shots, hike to Tengu Rock Trail, which offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the sea and mountains—ideal for capturing the Milky Way above Uwakai Sea during winter stargazing events.

Absolutely. Iyo City Children’s Paradise Hotel features a dedicated kids’ zone with indoor playrooms, a mini-farm, and a garden where children can pick Ehime oranges. Daily activities include orange farming workshops and firefly watching tours in the nearby wetlands. The hotel also provides child-friendly amenities like safety rails, baby cots, and themed breakfasts. Nearby attractions such as Iyo City Zoo and Oyama River Waterwalk Path are safe and engaging for young explorers. Families can enjoy a relaxed pace with cultural immersion through storytelling sessions and traditional craft classes.

Don’t miss the Iyo Citrus Blossom Festival in spring, when thousands of orange trees bloom across Oyama Orchard, creating a fragrant pink-white landscape. Summer brings the Uwakai Fireboat Festival, where hundreds of lanterns float on the sea, lit by fishermen in honor of harvest blessings. In autumn, the Iyo Autumn Festival at Oyama Shrine features taiko drumming and lion dances. Winter hosts the Iyo Light Festival, transforming Oyama District into a glowing wonderland with illuminated lanterns and paper art displays. These events reflect deep community spirit and are perfect for immersive travel.

For an authentic ryokan experience, stay at Iyo Yū no Hana Ryokan, a 100-year-old family-run inn near Iyo Port. It features traditional tatami rooms, yukata robes, and private outdoor onsen with sea views. Meals are served in-room, showcasing fresh Uwakai seafood and Ehime citrus desserts. Another excellent option is Mori no Yu Ryokan, tucked in the forest with zero-carbon design, offering forest bathing and meditation sessions. Both properties emphasize quiet elegance and hospitality, allowing guests to fully embrace the Japanese concept of omotenashi—heartfelt service.

Tourists can use the Iyo City Tourist Bus, which connects major sites including Oyama Shrine, Iyo Port, and Iyo City Museum. The JR Yosan Line links Iyo City to Matsuyama (40 min) and Imabari (25 min), making day trips easy. For exploring rural areas, rent a bicycle from Iyo Port Bike Rental or drive along National Route 56, passing scenic rice terraces and coastal villages. Ferry services from Iyo Port run to Oshima Island and Kikai Island, ideal for island-hopping adventures. Public transport is reliable, and many attractions are within walking distance from central accommodations.

Adventure seekers should explore the Tengu Rock Trail in southern Iyo City—a challenging but rewarding hike ending at a cliffside viewpoint overlooking Uwakai Sea and Hinoyama Mountain. Along the way, discover the Tengu Shrine, a small cave temple said to be inhabited by mountain spirits. Another hidden gem is Former Iyo Railway Warehouse Art Village, a converted train depot now housing rotating exhibitions of railway-themed art and local crafts. Early morning visits to Iyo Port Fish Market allow you to chat with fishermen and buy freshly caught yellowtail and sea urchin, offering a real taste of local life beyond tourist zones.

Yes, Mori no Yu Ryokan stands out as a wellness-focused retreat, set in a quiet forest with sustainable design and zero-emission heating. Guests enjoy forest bathing sessions, guided meditation, and natural herbal steam baths using local herbs. The onsen uses mineral-rich water from underground springs, known for skin-healing properties. Nearby, Iyo Nada Resort Spa offers a full-service wellness center with Ayu massage therapy, citrus aromatherapy, and yoga on the rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. Both hotels prioritize mental and physical restoration, making them ideal for rejuvenation.