Saijō: Railways, Water and Matsuri

Saijō combines hands-on railway history with spring water, paths along the water and an impressive festival tradition. You can choose different focuses for your trip: the exhibits at Iyo-Saijō Station, discoveries around the Uchinuki springs or the Saijō Matsuri. This variety makes the city an appealing destination if you want to combine culture with exploring at your own pace.

Railway History at Iyo-Saijō Station

Immediately east of JR Iyo-Saijō Station is the Railway History Park in SAIJO. It comprises the North and South Halls of the Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall, the Shinji Sōgō Memorial Hall and the Tourist Exchange Center. The 80-meter-long Poppo Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle path between the north and south sides of the station. It also connects the South Hall with the park’s three other facilities. From the bridge, you can watch trains on the Yosan Line from above.

The Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall displays the first 0 Series Shinkansen and DF50 No. 1, a diesel locomotive. DF50 No. 1 is designated a provisional railway monument. Visitors can sit in its cab and operate levers and switches—a chance to experience the technology rather than simply view it from the outside.

A large railway diorama depicts characteristic railway landscapes from Shikoku’s four prefectures, with particular attention to the area around JR Iyo-Saijō Station. Narrated demonstrations show how the railway landscape changes from morning through the day and into the evening. The South Hall also has a 235-meter-long track for a miniature steam train. Rides on it or on a mini train are offered during events.

Festival Floats, Music and Folk Art

Saijō Matsuri is the collective name for the annual festivals of the Kamo, Iwaoka, Isono and Iizumi shrines. They give thanks for a bountiful harvest. More than a hundred festival floats—including danjiri, mikoshi and taiko-dai—are presented by shrine communities in the city’s neighborhoods; their number is said to be possibly the highest in Japan. Carved designs depict warriors and flowers. Drums, gongs and the singing of Ise Ondo accompany the processions through the streets. Many tourists visit the festival each year. Details and dates may change from year to year, so check the dates for the relevant year if you are planning your trip around it.

The Ehime Mingeikan also offers a different perspective on culture and everyday life. It is housed in a traditional-style storehouse on the grounds of the former jinya estate of the Saijō domain. Its approximately 2,000 folk-art objects include everyday items from the Edo period to the present day, antique ceramics, woodwork and textiles from various parts of Shikoku, as well as folk art from around the world. The extensive collection brings together local connections with crafts and objects from other regions.

Uchinuki Water and Routes to Explore

You’ll encounter spring water in several places in Saijō. West of Saijō Cultural Hall, near the fountain of the Aquatopia water system, there is a drinking point for Uchinuki spring water. At the Saijō Tourist Exchange Center, you can actually drink freshly sourced spring water at the Uchinuki drinking point. The center is a one-minute walk from JR Iyo-Saijō Station.

The Aqua Route follows the water from Kannon-zui to the moat of the former jinya estate of the Saijō domain. Wooden signposts mark the way; on a walk along the flowing water, you can spot colorful carp. This route focuses on the waterways and their surroundings, while the Railway History Park offers a very different way to experience the city.

The Saijō City Tourist Association offers a leisurely guided walking tour of Uchinuki springs and historic sites in the Saijō urban area. Reservations by phone are required by noon two days in advance; a booking may not be accepted depending on guide availability. The association also offers a guided cycling tour of springs and historic sites in the urban area. Check the latest details before your trip. Bicycle rental is also available; availability may vary.

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, use your planned activities as a guide: Iyo-Saijō is a practical reference point for the railway attractions and the Tourist Exchange Center, while a visit to the Matsuri depends on the dates for the relevant year. First, consider which of these discoveries you’d like to shape your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kumakogen, Futami, Ikata, Uwajima, Imabari, Ōzu, Seiyo, Niihama.

For the regional travel overview: Ehime Prefecture.