Saijō: Railway History, Uchinuki and Matsuri

If you’re looking for hotels in Saijō, railway history around JR Iyo-Saijō Station, Uchinuki water and the Saijō Matsuri offer three distinct themes to help plan your trip. In the city, you’ll find exhibits at the station, waterside paths and annual festivals with their own traditions.

Railway History at Iyo-Saijō Station

The Railway History Park in SAIJO is immediately east of JR Iyo-Saijō Station. It comprises the north and south halls of the Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall, the Shinji Sōgō Memorial Hall and the Tourist Exchange Center. The center is a one-minute walk from the station. The 80-meter-long Poppo Bridge connects the north and south sides of the station; the pedestrian and cycling path also links the south hall with the park’s other three facilities. From the bridge, you can watch Yosan Line trains from above.

The Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall displays the first 0 Series Shinkansen and DF50 No. 1 diesel locomotive. DF50 No. 1 is designated a provisional railway monument. Visitors can sit in its driver’s cab and operate the levers and switches. The large railway diorama depicts characteristic railway landscapes from Shikoku’s four prefectures, focusing on the area around JR Iyo-Saijō Station. Staged presentations with commentary show how this railway landscape changes from morning through daytime to evening.

The south hall has a 235-meter-long track for a miniature steam train. Rides on it or on a mini train are offered during events. The park’s offerings therefore vary: they range from viewing historic vehicles and landscapes to an interactive experience in a driver’s cab, or possible rides during events.

Uchinuki Water and Routes Around the City

At the Saijō Tourist Exchange Center, you can drink fresh spring water from the Uchinuki drinking fountain. Another Uchinuki spring-water fountain is west of Saijō Cultural Hall, near the fountain of the Aquatopia water system. The “Aqua Route” follows the water from Kannon-zui to the moat of the former Jinya compound of the Saijō domain. Wooden signposts mark the route; on a walk, you can watch colorful carp in the water.

The Saijō City Tourist Association offers a leisurely guided walking tour of Uchinuki springs and historic sites in the city. Telephone reservations are required by noon at least two days in advance. Bookings may not be accepted, depending on guide availability. The association also offers a guided cycling tour of springs and historic sites in the city; check the latest operating details before setting out. Bicycle rentals are also available, though availability may vary.

Saijō Matsuri and Its Festival Floats

Saijō Matsuri is the collective name for the annual festivals of the four shrines Kamo, Iwaoka, Isono and Iizumi. The festivals give thanks for a bountiful harvest. More than a hundred festival floats, including danjiri, mikoshi and taiko-dai, are presented by the shrine communities in the city’s neighborhoods; their number is said to possibly be the highest in Japan. The floats, decorated with carved depictions of warriors and floral motifs, parade through the streets. Drums and gongs ring out, accompanied by the singing of Ise Ondo. Many tourists visit the festival each year. As festival details and schedules may change from year to year, check the latest dates before your trip.

Folk Art at Ehime Mingeikan

Ehime Mingeikan is housed in a traditional storehouse-style building on the grounds of the former Jinya compound of the Saijō domain. It displays around 2,000 folk art objects, including everyday items from the Edo period to the present, old ceramics, woodwork and textiles from across Shikoku, and folk art from around the world. The collection thus brings together objects from everyday life and works from different regions and periods.

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

For the broader travel overview: Ehime Prefecture.