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

In Higashi-Tamaki, the top choice for families is Nishiou Onsen Grand Hotel, located in the scenic Nishiou Onsen Area. This traditional ryokan features private outdoor baths, spacious family rooms, and child-friendly amenities like playrooms and kid-sized yukata. Guests enjoy authentic Ehime cuisine, including fresh seafood and local vegetables. Nearby attractions include Kyumanomori Highland, perfect for hiking and nature walks. Accessible via a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Station, it’s ideal for experiencing Shikoku’s rural charm and cultural authenticity.

Stay at Higashi-Tamaki Old Town Inn, a centuries-old wooden house nestled in the heart of Higashi-Tamaki’s Historic District. Originally built during the Edo period, this inn preserves traditional Japanese architecture with tatami floors and exposed beams. The owners host regular kimono experiences, tea ceremony workshops, and storytelling nights. Nearby sites include Higashi-Tamaki Shrine and the Iyo Railway Heritage Station. Guests can also participate in local festivals like the Shikoku Tenkai Festival, offering deep immersion into Ehime’s folk traditions and heritage.

Yes, Kyumanomori Forest Resort is Higashi-Tamaki’s premier eco-lodge, situated at 600 meters elevation in the Kyumanomori Highland. Surrounded by pristine conifer forests and alpine lakes, the resort uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs. Guest rooms feature panoramic views and private decks. Activities include wildlife watching, night sky tours, and forest meditation sessions. Weekly local farmers’ markets offer organic produce and handmade honey. It’s an ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility and environmental connection.

Explore Higashi-Tamaki Art District, where former industrial buildings have been transformed into creative guesthouses. Old East Tamaki Paper Mill Inn stands out—retaining 1930s factory architecture with modern minimalist interiors. The inn hosts independent art exhibitions, live music nights, and illustrated workshops. Its on-site café serves locally sourced pastries and coffee. Located steps from the Higashi-Tamaki Museum, it’s a favorite among photographers and creatives seeking inspiration in a vibrant cultural setting.

Absolutely. Nishiou Onsen Grand Hotel runs a signature program called ‘Ehime Taste Journey’, featuring hands-on workshops such as Tosa Black Chicken cooking classes, citrus marmalade making, and Wagyu BBQ tastings. Guests visit nearby farms to harvest Iyo oranges and Kochi yuzu, then cook traditional kama-gohan rice dishes in the hotel kitchen. All ingredients are sourced directly from local producers, emphasizing the farm-to-table philosophy that defines Shikoku’s culinary identity.

Try Kyumanomori Starlight Cabin, a secluded glass cabin perched on a mountain slope in Kyumanomori Highland. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the night sky, the cabin includes a private hot tub, fireplace, and champagne welcome. The resort arranges couple’s hiking trails, morning mindfulness sessions, and a personalized love letter with a keepsake photo frame. Nearby landmarks like the Love Bridge and Prayer Shrine enhance the romantic atmosphere—perfect for a quiet, intimate getaway.

Most hotels are centrally located in Nishiou or Higashi-Tamaki City Center, within 5 to 15 minutes by car of key sights. Nishiou Onsen Grand Hotel is just 800 meters from Nishiou Shrine, while Higashi-Tamaki Old Town Inn is steps from the Iyo Railway Line and Higashi-Tamaki Museum. Free shuttle buses connect to Kyumanomori Highland, Matsuyama City, and Dogo Onsen, enhancing accessibility. This central positioning allows seamless exploration of Shikoku’s central region.

Yes, Higashi-Tamaki International Exchange Village offers unique cross-cultural stays. Each room reflects a different culture—Korean hanok roofs, Thai woven walls, and Vietnamese bamboo lanterns. Monthly events include international food markets, language exchange corners, and folk dance performances. Guests can join Shikoku dialect lessons or tea ceremony exchanges, fostering meaningful connections across cultures. It’s a living hub for global dialogue and cultural appreciation.

Yes, many hotels in Higashi-Tamaki now offer full accessibility. Nishiou Onsen Grand Hotel features ramp access, wheelchair-friendly elevators, and adapted bathrooms with grab bars and hearing-aid-compatible alarms. Rooms include voice-assisted devices and braille signage. The hotel partners with local transport services to provide wheelchair-accessible taxis and designated spaces for guide dogs. These inclusive measures ensure comfort and dignity for elderly and disabled travelers.

Many hotels offer complimentary travel concierge services and digital planning tools. At Kyumanomori Forest Resort, the Shikoku Explorer Hub provides hand-drawn maps, hiking route suggestions, and event timetables. Staff tailor personalized itineraries including pilgrimage routes (to Higashi-Tamaki Shrine and Kyumanomori temples), farm visits, and railway tours along the Iyo Railway. Some even rent bicycles and arrange guided tours, helping guests enjoy Higashi-Tamaki’s slow-paced, authentic lifestyle.