20 Museums in Ehime worth your time

A museum showcasing Tobe-yaki pottery, offering a glimpse into its history and artistry.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Tobe-yaki pottery.
• Opened in April 1989.
• Houses historical materials and works related to Tobe-yaki.

What to see

• Exhibition room on the first floor.
• Special exhibition room on the second floor.
• Kiln introduction corner on the second floor.

When to go

• Tobe-yaki Hina Matsuri: early February to early March.
• Tobe-yaki Festival: third Saturday and Sunday of April.
• Tobe-yaki New Works Exhibition: April.
• Tobe-yaki Madonna Exhibition: mid-July to mid-August.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Tobe-yaki Traditional Industry Hall bus stop.

Official site

www.town.tobe.ehime.jp

Read more about Tobe-yaki Pottery Traditional Industry Hall

Explore Sumitomo Chemical's history in a historic bank building, showcasing industrial heritage and local development.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Sumitomo Chemical's history.
• Housed in a building constructed in 1901.
• Originally the Sumitomo Bank Niihama Branch until 1958.
• Registered as a tangible cultural property in 2001.

What to see

• Six sections detailing historical timeline and technology transfer.
• Photographs of post-war Niihama on the second floor.
• An outdoor display of a traction train used until 1964.
• The 'Sobiraki no Kihi' monument, built in 1890.

When to go

• Admission is free with a prior reservation.

Getting there

• Adjacent to the Sumitomo Chemical Ehime Plant.

Read more about Sumitomo Chemical Historical Museum

A small gallery with a diverse collection, including notable Western sculptures and Japanese art.

What it is

• An art gallery established in 1997.
• Founded by Seki printing company.
• Houses a collection of 500 works.

What to see

• Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, and prints.
• Rodin's Room displays works by Auguste Rodin.
• Rodin's marble sculpture "Fauna."
• Rodin's terracotta "Venus or Flora."
• Bourdelle's bronze statue "Beethoven on a Rock."
• Ryohei Koiso's Western painting "Girl."

When to go

• Exhibits are changed four times a year.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Minamimachi Station.

Address

〒790-0848　愛媛県松山市道後喜多町4-42 Map

Official site

www.seki.co.jp

Read more about Seki Art Gallery

This roadside station and museum offers local goods, food, and views of two seas.

What it is

• A roadside station in Ikata Town, Ehime Prefecture.
• Opened as Sadamisaki Hanto Museum on August 5, 2023.
• Consolidates folk materials and artworks.
• Includes a cafe, museum shop, restaurant, and store.

What to see

• Museum exhibits of folk materials and artworks.
• Observation deck overlooks the Seto Inland Sea.
• Observation deck overlooks the Uwa Sea.

When to go

• Closed during the New Year holidays.

Getting there

• Located on National Route 197.
• Accessible via Ehime Prefectural Road 254.

Address

〒796-0506　愛媛県西宇和郡伊方町塩成乙293 Map

Official site

sadamisakihanto-museum.jp

Read more about Roadside station Sadamisaki Hanto Museum

Explore the natural history and climbing heritage of the Ishizuchi Mountains at this museum.

What it is

• A town-run museum in Kumakogen Town.
• Completed in 1991.
• Dedicated to the Ishizuchi Mountain Range.
• Near the entrance of Omogo Gorge.

What to see

• Exhibits on flora and fauna of the mountains.
• Displays of rocks and nature of the range.
• Exhibits on the climbing history of the mountains.

When to go

• Three special exhibitions held annually.
• Seasonal nature observation meetings.
• Insect classes are organized.

Getting there

• Near the starting point of Ishizuchi Skyline.

Address

〒791-1710　愛媛県上浮穴郡久万高原町若山650-1 Map

Official site

www.kumakogen.jp

Read more about Omogo Mountain Museum

Akagane Museum is a modern cultural hub showcasing local history and art, conveniently located near the station.

What it is

• A comprehensive cultural facility in Niihama City.
• Opened on July 18, 2015.
• Named 'Akagane' meaning copper.
• Houses a multi-purpose hall and an art museum.

What to see

• Building exterior walls use copper plates.
• One basement floor and three above-ground floors.
• The Taikodai Museum is located inside.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from JR Niihama Station.
• About 15-minute drive from Niihama Interchange.

Address

〒792-0812 愛媛県新居浜市坂井町2丁目8番1号 Map

Official site

akaganemuseum.jp

Read more about Akagane Museum

Modern art museum in Matsuyama with Japanese and Western art, easily accessible by tram or train.

What it is

• Opened in 1998, succeeding a 1970 prefectural art museum.
• Dedicated to Japanese and Western art.
• Houses Japanese paintings and Japanese Western-style paintings.

What to see

• Main building with exhibition rooms, auditorium, and library.
• South building has a prefectural gallery and art studio.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Minami-Horibata tram stop.
• 5-minute walk from Iyotetsu Matsuyama City Station.

Read more about Museum of Art, Ehime

This museum showcases Japanese art from Heian to modern, including local cultural properties.

What it is

• A museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Opened in April 1968.
• Originally named Kono Shinichi Memorial Cultural Center.
• Houses a collection of over 10,000 items.

What to see

• Art spanning from the Heian period to the present.
• Imabari City designated cultural properties.
• The important art object Kinyo Wakashu.
• Exhibition halls, conference rooms, and a tea room.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Imabari Station.
• 10-minute drive from Imabari Interchange.

Address

〒794-0042 愛媛県今治市旭町1-4-8 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Kōno Museum of Art, Imabari

This museum on Oshima island preserves the history of the Murakami pirate clan.

What it is

• A museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Preserves materials of the Noshima Murakami clan.
• Opened in 2004 as Imabari City Murakami Suigun Museum.
• Renamed Murakami Kaizoku Museum in April 2020.

What to see

• Restored Murakami Suigun ships are displayed outdoors.
• Third-floor observation room offers Seto Inland Sea views.
• Museum shop, cafeteria, and library on the first floor.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.

Address

愛媛県今治市宮窪町宮窪1285番地 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Murakami Kaizoku Museum

Explore the unique architectural works of Toyo Ito at this museum on Omishima Island.

What it is

• An architectural museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the works of architect Toyo Ito.
• Opened on July 30, 2011.
• Construction funded by donations.

What to see

• Two buildings: Steel Hat and Silver Hut.
• Steel Hat exhibits Toyo Ito's architectural works.
• Silver Hut recreates Toyo Ito's former residence.
• The buildings themselves are exhibits.
• Silver Hut includes a workshop space.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Tokoro Museum bus stop.

Address

〒794-1308 愛媛県今治市大三島町浦戸2418 Map

Official site

www.tima-imabari.jp

Read more about Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture

A literary museum in Matsuyama dedicated to haiku poet Masaoka Shiki, offering unique exhibits.

What it is

• A literary museum commemorating haiku poet Masaoka Shiki.
• Designated an Ehime Prefecture historic site in 1948.
• The current building is the third generation structure.

What to see

• Displays of manuscripts, photos, and documents.
• A statue of Shiki's 'Departure' at the entrance.
• A bust of Natsume Soseki on the premises.
• A 'Botchan Train' passenger car is present.
• A haiku post and a monument to Shiki and baseball.
• Shiki's hair stupa near the adjacent cemetery entrance.

Official site

shikido.ehime.jp

Read more about Shikidō

This museum showcases Ken Iwata's mother and child sculptures in a building he designed.

What it is

• An art museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Opened on August 20, 2011.
• An annex of the Imabari City Omishima Museum of Art.
• Dedicated to the theme of "mother and child."

What to see

• 44 sculptures by Ken Iwata.
• Works like "Boy, Where Are You?".
• Works like "Mother and Child with Paper Airplane."
• Building designed by Toyo Ito.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed from December 27 to December 31.

Address

〒794-1309 愛媛県今治市大三島町宗方5208-2 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum, Imabari City

Explore a historic residence and garden, designated as National Important Cultural Property and Scenic Beauty.

What it is

• A museum established by Niihama City.
• Consists of an exhibition hall and the former Hirose Residence.
• The former Hirose Residence was completed in 1889.
• The exhibition hall was completed in 1997.

What to see

• The former Hirose Residence, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Residence incorporates Western architectural techniques.
• Seven buildings comprise the former Hirose Family Residence.
• The former Hirose Garden, a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Read more about Hirose Memorial Museum

Ehime Bunkakan is the oldest art museum in Ehime, showcasing ancient East Asian ceramics and artifacts.

What it is

• An art museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Oldest art museum in Ehime Prefecture.
• Founded by Kenichi Ninomiya.
• Dedicated to Ninomiya's collection of ancient ceramics.

What to see

• Approximately 1,500 items are exhibited.
• Japanese, Chinese, and Korean ceramics.
• Tea utensils, swords, and lacquerware.
• Tang Sancai pottery.
• Polychrome pottery dogs.
• White porcelain jars with bird designs.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.

Address

〒794-0037　愛媛県今治市黄金町2-6-2 Map

Official site

ehimebunkakan.jp

Read more about Ehime Bunkakan

This observatory offers panoramic views of the Kurushima Strait and its impressive bridge.

What it is

• An observation deck in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Faces the Kurushima Strait.
• Displays materials and models about the strait and bridge.
• Exhibits explanations of Japan Heritage 'Murakami Kaizoku'.

What to see

• Views of Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and Iyo-Oshima.
• A monument for 'Kurushima Strait'.
• A statue titled 'To the Sea'.
• A monument for Ochi Ihei.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from the 'Observatory Entrance' bus stop.

Official site

gogo-shimanami.jp

Read more about Kurushima Strait Observatory

See historic trains and railway artifacts at this unique cultural center.

What it is

• A railway preservation and exhibition facility.
• Constructed by the Japan National Trust.
• Managed and operated by Saijo City.
• Features two exhibition facilities: North and South Halls.

What to see

• North Hall: two preserved vehicles and railway artifacts.
• South Hall: a C57 steam locomotive and other vehicles.

Getting there

• North Hall: 1-minute walk from Iyo-Saijo Station.
• South Hall: 2-minute walk from Iyo-Saijo Station.

Official site

s-trp.jp

Read more about Shikoku Railway Cultural Center

A calligraphy art museum dedicated to Santō Murakami, showcasing his works and collection.

What it is

• A calligraphy art museum.
• Opened in 1982.
• Dedicated to Santō Murakami.
• Expanded in 1990 with a multi-purpose hall.

What to see

• Works from leading calligraphers.
• Murakami Santō's collection of old ink and inkstones.
• About 3,800 items in the total collection.
• About 850 items are Murakami Santō's works.
• Murakami Santō's relocated atelier.
• A museum shop.

Getting there

• Two-minute drive from Ōmishima Interchange.

Address

〒794-1402 今治市上浦町井口7505 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Santō Murakami Memorial Museum of Calligraphy

Kuma Museum of Art: a small town museum showcasing diverse Japanese art, worth visiting for its rotating exhibits.

What it is

• Opened in March 1989.
• Founded by the former Kuma Town.
• Received a collection donation from Eiji Ibe.
• Exhibits modern Japanese Western-style paintings.

What to see

• About 750 items in the collection.
• About 70 pieces exhibited every three months.
• Japanese paintings and calligraphies.
• Ceramics, including Tobe ware.
• Modern and contemporary sculptures.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kuma Junior High School bus stop.

Address

〒791-1205　愛媛県上浮穴郡久万高原町菅生2番耕地1442-7 Map

Official site

www.kumakogen.jp

Read more about Kuma Museum of Art

See Western and Japanese modern art, including famous works, in a museum founded by donation.

What it is

• A modern art museum in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Also known as Tokusei Memorial Museum.
• Founded by a donation from Tokusei Tadaune.
• Opened in December 1986.

What to see

• Exhibits Western paintings and sculptures.
• Works by Japanese painters like Kuroda Seiki.
• Works by international painters like Pablo Picasso.
• Hiroshige Utagawa's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.
• Kuroda Seiki's 'Snow Garden'.
• Salvador Dalí's 'Surrealist Eye'.

Address

〒794-0102　愛媛県今治市玉川町大野甲86-4 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Tamagawa Museum of Modern Art, Imabari

Explore a 4th-century keyhole tomb and its artifacts at this historical museum.

What it is

• A municipal history museum opened in 1996.
• Dedicated to the Myokenyama Kofun, a national historic site.

What to see

• Models of stone chambers in the first exhibition room.
• Exhibits explaining the Kofun period in the second room.
• Archaeological materials from the Myokenyama Kofun.
• Iron products, bronze products, and pottery artifacts.
• View the 1st pit-style stone chamber through a facility.
• The 55.2-meter-long keyhole-shaped tomb itself.

Address

〒799-2205　愛媛県今治市大西町宮脇乙579-1 Map

Official site

www.city.imabari.ehime.jp

Read more about Ōnishi Fujiyama Historical Museum