After arriving at Matsuyama Airport, drive to Nametoko Gorge, which stretches approximately 12 kilometers from Uwajima to Matsuno in southern Ehime. The gorge is known for its smooth granite riverbeds and lush forest surroundings, which are verdant in the summer and blazing with color in the autumn.

The journey takes about two hours. After lunch in the area, immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of the gorge on a guided nature tour. Tours last approximately three hours, leading to Yukiwano-taki Falls—a waterfall that flows across a giant monolithic slab of granite and is a symbol of Nametoko Gorge.

After the tour, check in to your accommodation in Matsuno for your overnight stay.

Drive to the meeting point to take part in a Nametoko Gorge Canyoning tour. This guided activity will have you slipping and sliding through the emerald-green waters of the gorge, across the smooth natural slides of eroded granite, and down the 40-meter drop of Yukiwano-taki Falls. The tour can be customized to suit your level of experience. Half- and full-day experiences are available, and lunch is included.

After the tour, travel to Uwajima and check in to your accommodation for the night. Be sure to try the local version of Ehime’s famous taimeshi, sea bream rice bowl. Unlike in other regions, the seabream in southern Ehime is not cooked; instead, it is served as sashimi on top of the rice, accompanied by a raw egg.

The ria coastline of Uwajima is one of the primary areas for pearl cultivation in Japan. Visit Doi Pearl to immerse yourself in the pearl culture of the region, supported by the nutrient-rich waters of the Uwakai Sea. There are tours available where you can learn about the pearl cultivation process, discover how to identify high-quality pearls and extract one to take home with you.

From there, drive to Uwa Bunka no Sato to explore Unomachi, a preserved townscape with buildings dating from the mid-Edo period (1603–1867) to the early Showa period (1926–1989). The townscape is designated an “Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.” On the way there, you can stop by the roadside rest stop Donburi Hall, and pick up a packed lunch for later. E-bikes are available for rent at Uwa Bunka no Sato, making it easy to explore the area.

From Unomachi, ride your bike to the Hoketsu Pass, which is located 436 meters above sea level. This scenic spot affords sweeping views of the ria coastline and the Uwakai Sea and makes for a great place to enjoy your packed lunch. On a clear day, you can see the terraced fields in the area such as the ones in Mizugaura, where potatoes are cultivated on the steep hills above the town.

After your lunch break, return to Uwa Bunka no Sato to return your bike, before driving back to Matsuyama Airport for your onward journey.