Name: Ehime, Japan
Address: XX

Ehime Prefecture occupies the northwestern corner of Shikoku island, facing the Seto Inland Sea. Known for Matsuyama Castle, the oldest operating hot-spring bathhouse at Dogo Onsen, the pilgrimage temples of the Shikoku 88-temple circuit, and the nation's finest mandarin oranges, Ehime blends samurai history with coastal scenery and one of Japan's most genuine onsen cultures.

Cultural orientation

Essential context for travellers.

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Do's and don'ts

Quick guide to local norms.

Do

Bow when greeting — a 15-degree bow for casual greetings, 30-degree for thanks
Use both hands when receiving a business card or gift
Sort recyclables as instructed — Matsuyama has detailed waste separation rules
Carry a small tenugui (hand towel) for public bathrooms that lack hand dryers
Try to say 'Sumimasen' (excuse me) when needing help from locals

Don't

Do not eat or drink while walking on streets — find a bench or designated area
Do not walk into a temple or home with shoes on unless explicitly invited
Do not speak loudly on public transport — mobile phone calls are frowned upon on trains
Do not skip the pre-bath shower at onsen — this is the most important onsen rule
Do not photograph people at temple ceremonies without permission

Etiquette by setting

How to navigate everyday situations.

Useful phrases

A few words go a long way.

Arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you very much

Ah-ree-gah-toe go-zai-mahs

Sumimasen

Excuse me / Sorry

Soo-mee-mah-sen

Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?

Can you speak English?

Eh-go ga ha-na-se-mahs ka

Ikura desu ka?

How much does it cost?

Ee-koo-rah des ka

Koko wa doko desu ka?

Where is this place?

Ko-ko wa do-ko des ka

Onsen wa doko desu ka?

Where is the hot spring?

On-sen wa do-ko des ka

Oishii!

Delicious!

Oh-ee-shee

O-Henro-san

Respectful address for a pilgrimage walker

Oh-hen-ro-san

Religion & spirituality

Understanding faith in Ehime.

Context

Items:

Faith
Buddhism (Shingon sect)
Presence
Dominant religion; 26 of the Shikoku 88-temple circuit temples are in Ehime. The pilgrimage was established by monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in the early 9th century.
Visitor notes
Visitors may join temple morning services (okagemairi) freely at most temples. Light an incense stick (senko) and offer a small coin (¥5 is traditional for good luck).
Faith
Shinto
Presence
Numerous shrines throughout Ehime, including Ōyamazumi Shrine on Ōshima island — the most sacred Shinto shrine in the western Japan archipelago, housing 80% of Japan's national treasure swords.
Visitor notes
Bow twice, clap twice, bow once at the main hall (honden). Washing hands at the temizuya (water basin) before approaching is required.

Cultural orientation

Do's and don'ts

Do

Don't

Etiquette by setting

Useful phrases

Religion & spirituality

Related topics