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Beyond Matsuyama, to meet the sea and greenery.

Leaving the everyday behind, into the scenery. Three selected trips to Uwajima for "scenic beauty and healing."

Rocking on a boat, walking along the garden path, and gazing at the sea from the highlands of the peninsula. A journey wrapped in healing, including the time spent heading to the destination.

I want to immerse myself in a different scenery than usual. Here are three spots in Uwajima that are perfect for that feeling of scenic beauty and healing.

Table of Contents

  1. Yura Shrine 
  2. Tenshaen
  3. Yukushi Mizunihara's Terraced Fields

Yura Shrine

A quiet sacred realm awaits at the end of the boat.

From the seaside of Tsushima Town in Uwajima City, I board a small boat. As I leave the land, the scent of the wind changes, and the sounds of everyday life gradually fade away.

What comes into view as the boat moves forward is Yura Shrine, standing at the water's edge, embraced by the green of the mountains. It cannot be accessed from the road; only those who cross the sea can reach this place.


Beyond the stone torii gate lies the calm Uwajima Sea. The water's surface sparkles in the sunlight, and the clear sea, so transparent that the stones beneath my feet are visible, changes its expression from blue to green.

As I disembark and proceed to the shrine grounds, the sounds I hear are the waves and the wind rustling through the trees. The time spent in quietude, different from bustling tourist spots, becomes a special experience, including the boat journey to get here.


Travel Tips

There are no regular boats heading to Yura Shrine. Please make a reservation for a ferry in advance with a provider such as the Saiyu Fishing Center. It is recommended to consult early once your schedule is set, as there may be times when service is unavailable due to busy seasons or sea conditions.

When boarding, choose shoes that are slip-resistant even when wet, and follow the guidance of the boat operators. It is also reassuring to confirm the return pickup time and contact methods in case of bad weather before boarding.

Here is the official site of the Saiyu Fishing Center


Tenshaen

Walking slowly through the seasons reflected on the water's surface.

Located in the center of Uwajima City, once you pass through the gate, the air quietly shifts at "Tenshaen." This is a pond-style strolling garden built by the 7th lord of the Uwajima domain, Date Munenori, as a place of retirement.

The name of the garden is derived from a line of Chinese poetry written by Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain, in his later years. This place, which also served as a stage for national affairs during the late Edo period, now features a calm water surface and seasonal plants.

Walking along the paths that circle the pond, various types of bamboo planted in reference to the Date family's crest "Sparrow on Bamboo," trees swaying in the wind, and stone lanterns covered in moss appear one after another.

Travel Tips

A stroll through the garden is estimated to take about 30 minutes to an hour. Since the blooming status of flowers varies by year, if you are aiming to see the Shirotama wisteria or iris, be sure to check the official information before visiting.

If you plan to visit Uwajima Castle, the Date Museum, and Tenshaen, you can also use a common ticket for all three facilities. Since their opening hours and closed days differ, please check your schedule for the day before purchasing.

For more information about Tenshaen, click here


One of the iconic views of Tenshaen is the arched wisteria trellis over the pond. In spring, the Shirotama wisteria colors the garden, in early summer, the irises bloom, and in autumn, the deepening greens and autumn leaves are reflected on the water's surface.

Even when the flowers are not in full bloom, the charm of the garden does not diminish. Listening to the sound of leaves rustling, watching the koi swimming in the pond, and walking while searching for sunny spots. This is a garden you want to visit not only to learn about history but also to spend time without thinking.

Yukushi Mizunihara's Terraced Fields

Beyond the stone walls, life continues with the sea.

 From Uwajima city center, follow the intricate coastline to the Miura Peninsula. As you proceed, gazing at the Uwa Sea beyond the car window, you'll see the terraced stone walls covering the mountain slopes.
This is Yukushi Mizunihara's terraced fields, described as "cultivating to reach the heavens."

To grow crops in land with little flat ground, people have stacked stones on steep slopes, creating fields step by step. This is not a rice terrace with water fields, but a "step field" where potatoes and other crops are grown. The landscape, where the sea, stone walls, and agricultural activities are integrated, has been designated as an important cultural landscape of the country.

Looking up from below, the impressive view of stone walls stacked towards the sky. If you climb the slope and look back, the Uwajima Sea spreads out beyond the step fields, with aquaculture rafts and islands floating on the calm sea.

However, this place was not created just for viewing. Potatoes and other crops are still being grown, and local people continue to maintain the active fields. Within this beautiful landscape, the lives of the people who have protected the stone walls and worked on the steep slopes are alive.

The landscape where the sea, mountains, nature, and human activity intersect. Standing on a hill and gazing out, you realize that the scenery before you has been passed down through a long passage of time. Looking up from below, the stone walls rise powerfully towards the sky. Climbing the slope and looking back, the Uwajima Sea spreads beyond the terraced fields, with fish farming rafts and islands floating on the calm sea.


Travel Tips

The paths of the step fields have steep slopes and narrow areas. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring drinks during hot periods for your walk. The fields are private property and a place for agricultural work. Do not enter areas with crops, and prioritize the passage of those working and vehicles.

At the "Dandan Chaya" at the foot of the hill, you can enjoy meals made with local vegetables and fish on business days. Since the business conditions vary depending on the reservation status on weekdays, it is recommended to check in advance if you plan to have a meal.

For more about the Yusui Mizunoura step fields, click here


 Map

Read the previous article

I didn't know about this Uwajima! A journey through history and newness


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