Sea and Mountains, the Village of Akaishi Goyomatsu That is Full of Nature
Location of Shikokuchuo City
Shikokuchuo City is located at the eastern end of Ehime Prefecture, and as the name Shikokuchuo City suggests, it is almost in the center of Shikoku.
It is bordered by Kagawa Prefecture to the east, Tokushima Prefecture to the southeast, and Kochi Prefecture to the further south, bordered by the Shikoku Mountains, and three other prefectures in Shikoku.
The city is connected to the Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, and Kochi Highways, and is easily accessible to the capitals of all Shikoku prefectures and major Shikoku cities such as Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tokushima, and Kochi in about one hour.
Industry in Shikoku Chuo City
Shikoku Chuo City is one of the leading industrial cities in Ehime and Shikoku, and boasts one of the highest production volumes in Japan in the paper manufacturing and paper processing industries, and ranks first in Japan in terms of the value of shipments of manufactured paper products.
According to the "Industrial Statistics Survey (2018 Industrial Statistics Table by Region, by Municipality)" published every year by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the city has been ranked No. 1 in Japan for 14 consecutive years (* since municipal mergers in 2004) in terms of the value of shipments of manufactured goods in the pulp, paper, and processed paper products manufacturing industry (actual results for 2019).
The headquarters and headquarters of listed companies such as Daio Paper Corporation and Unicharm Corporation are located here, and the white smoke of water vapor rises from the large tall chimneys.
Including other products such as plastic products, the value of industrial manufactured goods shipped is about 600 billion yen.
Nature of Shikoku Chuo City
To the south is the Ho-oh Mountain Range, which runs almost parallel to the coast and includes West Akaishi Mountain, East Akaishi Mountain, Mount Nittatsu, Mount Hanesuru, Mount Akahoshi, and Suiha Peak. To the north, the area is known as a good fishing ground for Japanese anchovies and Spanish mackerel. Facing Hiuchi-nada in the Seto Inland Sea, Shikoku has a narrow plain, so the distance between the sea and mountains is very close.
With the sea and mountains so close together, Shikokuchuo City is full of nature.
Climate of Shikokuchuo City
Shikokuchuo City has a mild and temperate Setouchi-type climate. The wind blowing across Hiuchi-nada hits the H?h? Mountains and tends to rise, causing clouds to form, resulting in about 20% less sunshine hours than in Takamatsu and Matsuyama.
In early spring, gusts of wind from the south called "Yamaji" (one of the three major local winds in Japan) often causes damage to crops and houses.
Data
Population (estimated): 83,062 (as of May 1, 2020)
Area 431.24 km2
Average temperature 16.2℃ (National average is 15.2℃ for the statistical period 1981-2010)
Annual precipitation 1372.2mm (statistical period: 1981-2010, national average is 1737mm)
Shikoku Chuo City Tourist Spots
Foggy Forest
A tourist complex consisting of five facilities: the Shingu main store of the Kirinomori Confectionary Factory, which produces the hard-to-find Kirinomori Daifuku; a restaurant; the Chosui-an tea house; the Koyu-kan hot spring bathing facility; and the Chafe tea house. Next to the cottage, there is a day trip hot spring facility called "Kirinomori Koyu-kan" which is fed by the source of Kirinomori Hot Spring.
4491-1 Matate, Shingu-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture 799-0301 MAP
TEL:0570-07-3111
Suiha Kogen
A plateau of about 100 hectares spreading around Suiha Peak, 892 meters above sea level. Nanohana and cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and cosmos bloom from summer to autumn. In the beautiful scenery and clean air, you can enjoy the view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Mountains. A promenade and observatory are also available.
306-1, Hiranoyama B, Kanasuna-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture
TEL : 0896-28-6187(Shikokuchuo City Office, Tourism and Transportation Section)
Paper Town Museum
This facility is unique to Shikokuchuo City, which is known as one of Japan's leading producers of paper. The museum has a paper reference room, a corner for the display and sale of paper products, a model of the paper production process, a display of Mizuhiki craftwork, and special exhibitions on the theme of paper. Visitors can also try their hand at making postcards by hand (reservation required).
Address: 4069-1, Kawanoe-cho, Shikokuchuo-shi, 799-0101
TEL : 0896-28-6257
https://www.city.shikokuchuo.ehime.jp/shisetsuannai/sangyoukeizai/kms/index.html
Gudei Observatory
Gudei Observatory is one of the most famous night view spots in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, recognized as a "Japan Night View Heritage Site" (2010) and as one of the best 100 night views in Japan (2004).
Location: Samukawa-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, 799-0643
TEL : 0896-28-6187 (Shikokuchuo City Office, Tourism and Transportation Section)
Sankaku Temple
A temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
The temple is the 65th sacred site of the 88 sacred temples in Shikoku and the last one in Ehime Prefecture. The statue of the eleven-faced Kannon, the principal deity of the temple, is designated as a cultural asset by Ehime Prefecture, and is also worshipped as the Kannon for childbirth safety and the Kannon for warding off evil. According to the temple's legend, the temple was founded by Gyoki in the Tenpyo era (730-749) at the request of Emperor Shomu in an attempt to realize the Maitreya Pure Land.
Location: Sankakuji Kou 75, Kanada-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, 799-0124
TEL : 0896-56-3065
Tomigo Valley
A scenic ravine that stretches about 6 km upstream of the D?zan River. The valley is a magnificent natural landscape of cliffs, strange and mysterious rocks, and deep pools, and in the area where the 60-meter-high rock wall called "Koreketake" rises, trees grow in the cracks of the rocks, creating a landscape painting-like scene.
Location: Tsunezan, Tomisato-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, 799-0643
TEL : 0896-28-6187 (Shikokokuchuo City Hall Tourism and Transportation Section)
Nakano Hydrangea Village
Nakano Hydrangea Village is a famous place where about 20,000 hydrangeas bloom on the slope of a mountain. Every year at the end of June, when the hydrangeas are at their best, the Shingu Hydrangea Festival is held, and the area is crowded with tourists selling hydrangea dumplings and holding bazaars.
Address: 3322 Kamiyama, Shingu-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, 799-0302 (near Kamiyama Simple Post Office)
TEL : 0896-28-6187(Shikokuchuo City Office, Tourism and Transportation Section)
Shikokuchuo City Local Products
Akaishi Goyomatsu
The five-leaf pine "Himekomatsu" that grows naturally on Higashi Akaishi Mountain forms a vast virgin forest near the top of the mountain, and is widely known both in Japan and overseas as "Akaishi Goyomatsu". The Akaishi Goyomatsu has been improved over the years by horticulturalists and bonsai growers, and its growth characteristics make it an ideal species for bonsai and garden trees.
The leaves are bright green, and the trunk shows signs of old growth early on, making it ideal for bonsai.
Taro
Taro cultivation has a long history, with records of its production dating back to the Edo period. Taro is sweet, soft, and sticky.
Taro is resistant to strong winds from the south, which are found in Shikokuchuo City, Niihama City, and Saijo City in eastern Ehime Prefecture.
Shingu Tea
Shikokuchuo City Japanese tea grown in Shingu-cho, Shikokuchuo City, using completely pesticide-free organic farming methods.
Shingu-cho is a highland area with morning and evening fog, a large temperature difference between morning and evening, clear water, and fresh air. The soil in Shingu Town contains green mud schist, which enhances the aroma of tea. This gives Shingu tea a rich aroma and nutritious flavor.
There are also many specialty products made from Shingu tea, such as "Kirinomori Daifuku", "Kirinomori Roll", and tea soba noodles.
Handmade Japanese paper
Shikoku Chuo City has prospered as a producer of high-quality paper since the Horeki era (1751-1764). The movie "Calligraphy Girls! The city is also home to a high school and a calligraphy performance that served as a model for the movie "Calligraphy Girls!"
Japanese paper, made by human hands, has a unique warmth and gentleness. As a center of washi production, the technique of handmade washi has been handed down from generation to generation, supported by calligraphers and strong demanders.
Attractions other than just a bonsai production area
Shikoku Chuo City has a variety of attractions. Of course, it is fun just to visit the bonsai production area, but there are also many fun places to visit. Please enjoy the nature of Shikoku Chuo, enjoy bonsai, and enjoy sightseeing.
