English
About Ehime Prefecture
When you think of famous tourist destinations in Japan, what comes to mind?
Popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are classic choices for travelers, including the Japanese themselves. Whether you've visited Japan before or are planning a trip, there's always more to discover about the country's charms.
For those looking to explore further, this time we turn to the charms of Ehime Prefecture.
Located in the Shikoku region, Ehime is a prefecture blessed with abundant nature. It enjoys a mild climate, beautiful coastlines, and mountains, and also features numerous historical buildings, creating a blend of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty.
Access from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and about 50 minutes from Osaka (Itami Airport).
Ehime Prefecture offers numerous tourist destinations where visitors can experience its diverse history, culture, and traditions. The prefecture is also known for specialty foods cultivated in its rich natural environment.
The Charms of Ehime Prefecture
Ehime: The Land of Mikan (Mandarin Orange)! Sweet and Juicy Citrus Fruits
Known as one of Japan's leading citrus producers, Ehime Prefecture offers diverse varieties to enjoy all year long. Numerous premium varieties, like “Iyokan” and “Beni Madonna”, are available, with variations in sweetness and texture.
Thanks to long hours of sunshine, a mild climate, and mineral-rich soil, the prefecture produces delicious and nutritious mandarin orange. Recently, growers have been using data-driven smart agriculture techniques to improve the mandarin orange growing environment and quality.
Explore the unique charms of different citrus varieties to find your personal favorite – it's a rewarding experience! Processed products like juices and jellies can be shipped internationally using Rakuten Global Express.
High-Quality Imabari Towels: A Gentle Touch That Lasts!
Imabari Towel is a premier Japanese towel brand with over 100 years of history in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. These towels are known for their gentle texture and high absorbency, and they also boast excellent durability.
The soft water of the Soja River in Imabari is gentle on yarn and fabric, helping to bring out the natural softness of the cotton. The finishing process protects the cotton's inherent softness, ensuring the towels are safe to use even for babies and those with sensitive skin. Quality inspection involves applying the "5-Second Rule": the test confirms absorbency if a towel sinks within five seconds when placed on water. This combination of artisans' inherited techniques and Ehime's natural environment results in towels renowned worldwide.
Stylish designs have also appeared in recent years, becoming popular choices for gifts. Experience the superb texture of Imabari Towels for yourself.
Explore Imabari Towel products here
Akoya Pearls: Delicate, Lustrous Radiance
Japanese Akoya pearls, known for their delicate radiance, are primarily cultivated in Ehime Prefecture, which consistently ranks among the top producers in Japan. High-quality Akoya pearls emit various colors and lusters depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. Drawn by their beauty, pearl processing companies from across Japan visit Ehime to purchase these pearls. The launch of original brands by local Ehime artisans has further increased the pearls' prominence.
The Uwajima Sea coast, where the pearls are cultivated, offers an ideal farming environment: the waves are calm, making oyster management easier, and nutrient-rich seawater flows into the area. Growers carefully nurture each pearl underwater for over six months until harvest, adapting cultivation locations based on individual growth stages.
Akoya pearls can be worn in various forms, from classic necklaces and rings to items created in collaboration with Ehime's traditional crafts. Consider sharing their beauty as a special gift for someone important.
Explore Akoya pearl products here
Tobe Ware: Beauty Meets Practicality
Tobe ware is traditional white porcelain distinguished by vivid indigo patterns painted on a white background. The town of Tobe in Ehime's Iyo District has been known for Tobe ware for about 240 years.
The traditional production process showcases true craftsmanship. Vessels are shaped on a potter's wheel, carefully trimmed by hand, and bisque-fired. Afterwards, artisans meticulously hand-paint delicate patterns onto each piece. Because each piece is hand-painted, no two patterns are exactly alike, giving every vessel a unique character.
In addition to its beauty, Tobe ware is prized for its durability (due to its thickness, it resists breaking) and its affordability. Many cherish it as practical craftwork that brightens the everyday dining table.
While traditional Tobe ware techniques are still passed down today, many modern designs have also appeared recently. Explore the wide range of Tobe ware to find a piece you love.
Explore Tobe ware products here
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Ordering Your Own Unique Ehime Items
In this colunn, we've introduced the charms of Ehime Prefecture and some of its popular products. The charms of Ehime introduced here are just a small sample. The prefecture has many popular tourist destinations where you can experience history and nature, including Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, Kirosan Observatory Park, Uchiko-za Theater, and Uwajima Castle. Consider planning a trip to experience Ehime's unique culture firsthand.
By using Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Global Express, you can enjoy Ehime's local foods and traditional crafts right in your own home. Explore the many fascinating products available in “Ehime Selection”.
Order unique items from Ehime to add color to your everyday life!
