Uchiko Town Complete Travel Guide
Uchiko Town is a former merchant town in central Ehime that grew wealthy from wax and washi paper production, and its preserved Yokaichi-Gokoku district still lines about 600 meters of street with white-walled, lattice-windowed houses from the late Edo to Meiji periods.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Walk the roughly 600-meter Yokaichi-Gokoku preserved street lined with white-walled merchant houses and lattice windows.
- Visit the Kamihaga Residence to see how the town's wax (mokuro) merchants lived and worked.
- Look for the Uchiko-za theater building; check locally first, since it has been closed for renovation since 2024.
- Rent a bicycle near Uchiko Station to cover the town and nearby countryside at an easy pace.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: walking the historic street itself is free; individual museum houses charge separate small entry fees, and some sell combination tickets covering two or three buildings. Confirm which houses are open before visiting, since the Uchiko-za theater has been closed for multi-year earthquake-resistance construction since September 2024.
How to Get There
From Matsuyama Station, take the JR Yosan Line limited express to JR Uchiko Station, about 25 to 40 minutes depending on train type. The preserved district is about a 15-minute walk from the station, or a short taxi or bicycle ride.
Nearby Attractions
Uchiko is an easy day trip from Matsuyama; combine it with Matsuyama Castle or Dogo Onsen if you have more time in Ehime.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.