Itinerary - A Tradition-filled Day Out in Uchiko

A 25-minute train journey south of Matsuyama sits Uchiko, a quaint and quiet town made up of old wooden buildings tucked away in the Ehime countryside. Back in its heyday, Uchiko thrived in the production of wax and paper but today is known as a tourist spot for visitors looking to discover the town’s centuries-old trades in the restored merchant houses. Uchiko’s handy location and irresistibly picturesque streets make it the perfect spot for a day out on your trip around Ehime.

After arriving into Uchiko Station make a beeline for the Yokaichi and Gokoku districts a 15-minute walk northeast from the station. These two merged districts are the most iconic street in town exhibiting a half-kilometre stretch of old wooden, merchant houses which have been restored to look as they did in the 18th and 19th centuries. Best visited in the morning to avoid the crowds, visitors can dip in and out of the wooden buildings which have been transformed into shops, restaurants, museums, and preserved warehouses.

A highlight of the traditional Yokaichi and Gokoku quarters and the next place to visit after a browse around the district is the Kamihagatei which lies halfway along the street. The former Kamihaga family residence is now home to a wax museum offering an in-depth look into the history of the wax trade in the region as well as the wax-making process, which the abundance of hazenoki (or Japanese wax trees) in the area are all to thank for. Another unmissable spots along the street is the 200-year-old handmade candle shop, Omori Wa Rosokuya, where you can see the candle-making process before picking up one of the hand-crafted pieces to take home.

While there are plenty of places to eat around Yokaichi and Gokoku, we recommend heading back in the direction of Uchiko Station to grab lunch. To try out the local favourite sea bream, Rinsuke is an unmissable authentic restaurant just five minutes away from the old town. Popular among locals and visitors alike, Rinsuke’s speciality is its deliciously fresh sea bream served raw over rice.

As the sun begins to set, it’s time to head over to Uchiko-za Theatre to catch an esteemed performance of one of the traditional Japanese performing arts. Established as a reward for the town’s success in its wax and paper trading, the theatre continues to put on traditional Japanese performances including kabuki, rakugo comedy storytelling, and puppet shows. The Uchiko-za Theatre is worth a visit, whether for a show or just to look around, for its beautifully crafted wooden theatre and rotating stage.

Uchiko

Ehime Pref

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Kami Haga Residence and Wax Museum

4.5

58 Reviews

Ehime Pref. Kitagunuchikochou Uchiko 2696

0893442771

9:00-16:30

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Omori Japanese Candle shop

4.0

26 Reviews

Ehime Pref. Kitagunuchikochou Uchiko 2214

0893430385

9:00-17:00

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内子の宿 織

内子3013 内子の宿　織 Uchiko

Rinsuke

4.0

22 Reviews

Ehime Pref. Kitagunuchikochou Uchiko 2027

0893442816

11:30-14:00/17:00-20:00

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Uchiko-za Kabuki Theatre

Ehime Pref. Kitagunuchikochou Uchiko 2102

0893442840

9:00-16:30

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