Imabari: Cycling Route, Castle and Towel Culture

Imabari can be explored from several different angles: as a place with an access point to the Shimanami Kaido, a distinctive castle and a history that comes into focus in the years 1199 to 1201. There is also an official shop for the Imabari Towel brand. These themes bring different accents to your trip. Consider whether cycling, the castle and cultural history, or the towel brand should be the defining feature of your stay.

Cycling on the Shimanami Kaido

The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is an access point in Imabari to the Shimanami Kaido and the national Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road. This provides a specific point of reference for travellers who want to make cycling the focus of their stay. The named long-distance cycling route gives this travel idea a clear direction: you can include Imabari in your holiday plans with the Shimanami Kaido in mind. This active focus differs from a stay centred on the castle, history or the Imabari Towel brand.

Imabari Castle and its distinctive design

Imabari Castle is a coastal flatland castle whose moat is fed by seawater. This striking feature is part of its architectural identity. The five-storey, six-level castle tower serves as an observation tower and exhibition space. It therefore combines two functions: a view from an observation tower and a space for exhibitions. Visitors interested in castles will find not only its architectural form but also this combination of views and exhibitions a distinctive feature. The castle thus offers a different way to experience Imabari from the long-distance cycling route: instead of a cycling trip, the focus here is on a structure with its own distinctive form and function.

Nankobo and the town’s history

Nankobo was one of eight monasteries relocated between 1199 and 1201 to serve as bettoji of the Betsugu-Oyama Shrine. The relocation and the later role are connected: Nankobo became part of this group of monasteries and served as a bettoji for the Betsugu-Oyama Shrine. This makes its history a distinct topic alongside the castle’s architecture. If you are interested in religious history, Nankobo lets you include the historical connection to a shrine in your understanding of Imabari. This gives you different cultural perspectives to choose from when planning your trip: the design of a castle or the traditional role of a monastery.

Imabari Towel: Shop and LAB

TEXPORT Imabari is home to “Imabari Towel Hon-ten,” the official Imabari Towel shop, which carries a wide range of products from the Imabari Towel brand. At the adjoining Imabari Towel LAB, visitors can experience the core values cited by the brand: safety, protection and high quality. The shop and LAB offer different ways to engage with the topic: the shop focuses on the brand’s products, while the LAB focuses on its stated values. For travellers who are interested in the brand and its products as well as cycling or cultural history, this is another way to get to know Imabari.

Shape your stay around your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Imabari, it can be helpful to first decide what kind of trip you want. Should cycling be the main focus of your stay, or are you more interested in the castle and history? Imabari Towel is another distinct theme. If you are travelling with family or friends, you can weigh up these interests together and decide which ones will appeal most to everyone.

If you would like to discover other places: Ikata, Matsuyama, Niihama, Ōzu, Saijō, Seiyo, Shikokuchuo and Kumakogen.

For the regional travel overview: Ehime Prefecture.