Uchiko

Uchiko (内子) is a small town located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings, historical landmarks, and traditional crafts.

One of the most famous attractions in Uchiko is the Uchiko-za theater, which was built in 1916 and is one of the few remaining traditional kabuki theaters in Japan. Visitors can watch traditional kabuki performances and learn about the history of the theater and its role in Japanese culture.

Uchiko is also known for its traditional Japanese paper, called “washi.” The town has a long history of papermaking, and visitors can tour local papermaking workshops and learn about the traditional techniques used to create washi.

The Yokaichi and Gokoku districts of Uchiko are designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, showcasing well-preserved merchant houses from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These houses offer a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of wealthy Japanese merchants during this period. The Uchiko Stone-Paved Street district is another area with well-preserved historic buildings.

In addition to its historical landmarks and traditional crafts, Uchiko is famous for its local cuisine, which includes dishes such as udon noodles, soba noodles, and mikan (Japanese mandarin oranges). Visitors can enjoy these specialties and purchase local products at the Roadside Station “Uchiko Fresh Park Karari.”

Attractions in Uchiko

Uchiko-za Theater Uchiko-za (内子座) is a historic theater located in the town of Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The theater was built in 1916 during the Taisho period and...

Getting there

By Air

1. About 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Matsuyama Airport
2. About 15 minutes by shuttle bus from Matsuyama Airport to Matsuyama Station
3. About 25 minutes by Limited Express Uwakai from Matsuyama Station to Uchiko Station

By Train

• From Matsuyama Station to Uchiko Station:
• About 25 minutes by Limited Express
• About 55 minutes by local train

By Highway Bus

• About 6 hours from Osaka (Umeda) to Uchiko (Orange Liner Ehime)

From Uchiko Station to Tourist Areas

• About 10 minutes on foot from the station to the historic district (Yokomachi)
• About 15 minutes on foot to Uchiko-za Theater