When visiting Ehime, I highly recommend trying the local fish cakes. Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten makes a variety of fish cakes from fresh fish paste. Once grilled or heated, the fish flavor becomes richer, with a lightly charred exterior and a springy, tender texture. This type of fish cake comes from the food culture of the Seto Inland Sea coast, where fish are abundant. In the past, people ground fresh fish into paste and processed it to make it easier to preserve and to make full use of the catch. Today, it comes in many flavors and is one of Ehime's most representative local foods.
Tanimoto Kamaboko-Ten, Dogo | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.
I had always wanted to see Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, with my own eyes. This time, I finally had the chance to visit with my family, and after experiencing it in person, I truly felt the trip was worthwhile. The train ride from downtown Osaka to Amanohashidate took nearly three hours. Although it was a long journey, the scenery gradually changed from city to countryside, which made us even more excited.
After arriving at Amanohashidate, we took a single-seat chairlift up to the observation deck. As the chairlift slowly climbed, the ground below grew farther away and the view gradually opened up. The gentle breeze on my face felt especially pleasant. When we reached the observation deck and saw the famous view of Amanohashidate before us, everyone couldn't help taking out their cameras. Amanohashidate is a sandbar covered with about 8,000 pine trees that stretches across Miyazu Bay. Viewed from above, it looks like a long green bridge crossing the sea, which is how it got the name “Amanohashidate.”
The biggest surprise during this visit was that it was cherry blossom season. The pink cherry blossoms, lush green pine forest, and blue bay complemented one another, adding a romantic atmosphere to the already distinctive scenery. Near the observation deck, there is also a small amusement park with a nostalgic feel. The rides surrounded by spring cherry blossoms made it seem as though we had stepped into a painting, and it was hard to look away.
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Amanohashidate View Land
Sat atop Mt. Monjuyama, Amanohashidate Viewland offers panaromic views from the south of Amanohashidate. Here you’ll find Matanozokidai, a outlook point nicknamed “Hiryukan” for its views of the Amanohashinodate that looks like a dragon climbing into the heavens.
Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, had long been on my bucket list, so I made a special point of adding it to this Kansai trip and finally checked it off my list. It takes about 2–2.5 hours by train from Kyoto or about 2.5–3 hours from Osaka. Although it’s not a short journey, the beautiful scenery makes it all worthwhile.
I visited during cherry blossom season, and several cherry trees near the observation deck were in beautiful bloom. From the right angle, you can capture the soft pink blossoms together with the winding stretch of Amanohashidate. The bay, pine forest, and cherry blossoms blend together like a landscape painted by nature itself.
Looking down at this scenery from above, I couldn’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature. I never knew such a breathtaking view could be hidden between the mountains and the sea. 🌸✨
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Inuyama Castle Town
This castle town stretches south from Inuyama Castle, a famous castle built in 1537 and designated a National Treasure. Miraculously spared from the ravages of war for more than 480 years, both the castle and castle town still retain the original town layout based on the defensive castle structure known as sogamae. With its old-world atmosphere and manageable size, it is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Walking from Inuyama Station toward Inuyama Castle, you’ll pass through a castle town shopping street full of traditional Japanese charm. The old-fashioned streetscape has been preserved, and each little shop has its own character, so you won’t get bored while strolling and browsing. I also ran into a lot of Taiwanese people along the way. Hearing familiar Chinese instantly made me feel at home 😂 It seems Inuyama Castle really is a popular stop for many people visiting Nagoya. There are also plenty of snacks and souvenirs to buy along the way. It’s very relaxing to pick up a small snack and eat it while walking.
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