The four central city(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Shikoku Central City, the top choice for families is Shikoku Central City Hotel, located in the heart of downtown with easy access to Iyo Citrus Garden and Matsuyama Castle. The hotel features a children's playroom, family suites, and daily Japanese breakfasts. It offers free parking and multilingual staff support.

The nearby Minami-umu Shopping Street provides authentic local snacks like Sanuki udon and citrus desserts. For nature lovers, the Kumakawa Highlands are just a 20-minute drive away, perfect for hiking and forest bathing. Rooms with river views offer serene scenery ideal for relaxation. The hotel also partners with local tour guides to provide kid-friendly cultural experiences such as citrus picking and traditional craft workshops.

The best area for sightseeing convenience is the Central Business District, near Shikoku Central City Hall and Ehime Prefectural Museum. This district is well-connected by bus routes to Matsuyama, Imabari, and Dogo Onsen.

Stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ehime, which offers 24-hour convenience services, a café, and easy access to major attractions. From here, you can explore historic sites like Furukawa Temple along the Iyo Railway line or enjoy scenic views from the Kumakawa Highlands. The area also boasts vibrant local cuisine including Iyo beef and Tosa yellowtail dishes. Evening visits to Minami-umu Night Market offer a lively taste of local street food culture.

In Shikoku Central City, one must try the Iyo Citrus Picking Experience, open from November to March at Iyo Citrus Garden, where visitors can harvest fresh Iyo oranges and join workshops making citrus jam. Another highlight is the Minami-umu Traditional Festival held every July, featuring elaborate floats, taiko drum performances, and rituals honoring the Inari Shrine.

Don’t miss the Craft Exhibition at Ehime Prefectural Museum, showcasing intangible cultural heritage like Koga Lacquerware and Uwajima Textiles. For nature enthusiasts, guided Forest Therapy Walks in the Kumakawa Highlands offer immersive experiences with native flora and flowing streams. These activities deeply reflect the region’s agricultural roots and harmonious relationship with nature.

While Shikoku Central City lacks natural hot springs, Dogo Onsen, just 30 minutes away, is the premier destination. Stay at Dogo Onsen Honkan Annex, a century-old building blending Edo-period architecture with modern comfort. Its open-air baths overlook Dogo Mountain, and the rooftop bath offers panoramic views.

The hotel provides foot baths, kimono rentals, and a restaurant serving Dogo Yellowtail Hot Pot and black bean rice. Guests can easily reach it via bus or rental car from the city. Nearby, Dogo Shrine offers spiritual tranquility. This trip combines history, wellness, and tradition—perfect for a full-day retreat.

For photography lovers, stay at Ehime Prefectural Museum Design Inn, an architectural gem with white concrete facades, large glass windows, and minimalist garden spaces. Its modern aesthetic makes it ideal for capturing artistic shots.

The hotel features themed areas like the "Book Garden" and "Light Corridor," perfect for creative compositions. Nearby, Minami-umu Shopping Street offers colorful rooftops and vintage signage—great for street photography. For nature shots, visit the Crimson Forest Trail in Kumakawa Highlands, especially stunning during autumn when trees turn golden red. The contrast between urban design and wild landscapes creates powerful visual narratives.

Enhance your stay by choosing Shikoku Central City Hotel, whose rooftop restaurant, Citrus Feast, specializes in innovative dishes centered around Iyo oranges—try orange-glazed chicken, citrus-infused duck breast, and orange sorbet.

Breakfast includes Sanuki udon and Iyo beef steak, paired with locally brewed fermented drinks. For dinner, head to Minami-umu Night Market to savor grilled Tosa yellowtail skewers and citrus tofu. Some hotels offer "Food Tour Buses" that take guests to hidden gems like the century-old Onoya Store (famous for dried citrus) and Matsuyama Sake Brewery for sake tastings.

These integrated "stay + eat + explore" experiences deepen cultural immersion and create lasting memories.

For couples seeking romance, book the Romantic Suite at Shikoku Central City Hotel, designed with Zen-inspired interiors and private terraces with sky-view skylights. Each suite includes aromatherapy candles, citrus-scented bath sets, and a deep soaking tub.

The hotel offers a "Love Package" with dinner reservations, handmade chocolates, and a handwritten love letter. Pair it with a moonlit walk on the Starlight Trail at Kumakawa Highlands or visit the Ehime Prefectural Museum’s Love-themed Exhibition for art-inspired moments.

Weekend events include "Moonlight Tea Ceremonies" with live acoustic guitar music—ideal for quiet, intimate evenings under the stars.

The Family Fun Wing at Shikoku Central City Hotel features a multi-age playroom, parent-child reading corner, and outdoor sandpit. Free baby cots and kids’ tableware are provided.

Monthly programs include "Little Farmer Days," where children plant Iyo orange saplings and learn about agriculture. Themed events like "Cartoon Character Parade" and "Story Theater for Kids" bring local tales to life through performances. The hotel’s Parent & Child Terrace overlooks the Iyo River, offering safe swings and slides.

Weekend workshops teach families how to make Sanuki udon and citrus pudding together. All facilities meet Japanese safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for parents.

Shikoku Central City enjoys excellent transport links: Shikoku Central Station lies on the Iyo Railway Line, connecting directly to Matsuyama (30 min), Imabari (50 min), and Kochi Prefecture. Local buses cover key attractions like Ehime Prefectural Museum, Minami-umu Shopping Street, and Iyo Citrus Garden.

From Matsuyama Airport or Takamatsu Airport, shuttle buses run to the city center (approx. 1 hour). Most hotels offer free parking and rental car assistance. The city also issues the Shikoku Central City Tourism Pass, providing discounted transit fares and entry to select sites—ideal for efficient, budget-friendly travel planning.

The best times to visit Shikoku Central City are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November). Spring brings blooming Iyo Citrus Gardens and cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque landscape. Join the Spring Citrus Festival for fresh juice tasting and limited-edition desserts.

Autumn transforms the Kumakawa Highlands into a golden sea of fall foliage, perfect for hiking and photography. The season also hosts the Ehime Prefectural Museum Autumn Special Exhibition, highlighting traditional crafts and contemporary art. During winter, the Minami-umu Night Market celebrates with cozy “Warm Hearth Food Festivals,” offering steaming citrus soup and roasted sweet potatoes—ideal for a warm, festive atmosphere.