Toon city, located in the northwestern prefecture of Ehime in Shikoku<\/a><\/strong>, is one of the undiscovered jewels of the prefecture. With incredible hospitality, culinary highlights and impressive nature, we were lucky enough to visit Toon at the end of February. Accompany us on our journey through Ehime Prefecture. Three days. Three cities. And lots of experiences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Going from Tokyo to Shikoku is not what I would call a short trip, especially not if you travel by bus, as we did. Therefore, our first stop after arriving in Toon was the onsen of the Sakuranoyu Kanko Bussan Center<\/strong> to recover from the stress of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The center, which also houses the city\u2019s official tourist information<\/strong><\/a>, has a lot to offer not only for visitors, but also for locals. Entry to the onsen of the Toon Furusato Koryukan<\/strong><\/a> costs just 500 yen for adults<\/strong> and even includes access to the sauna, which is located in the onsen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this is not just an ordinary onsen, because a highlight of the Sakura no Yu is its jacuzzi<\/strong>. This aroused memories of home in me, as it reminded me of German thermal baths, but combined with the pleasant calm of Japanese onsen. And after such a long bus ride, it was a real treat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another highlight of the Sakura no Yu Onsen is the outdoor area with a rotemburo<\/em><\/strong>, an outdoor pool where you can enjoy the hot water, as well as an area with loungers where you can relax from the stress of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And there is one thing I can tell you: after taking a bath at Sakura no Yu in Toon, Ehime, your skin will feel like new! I was completely surprised, when I felt how soft my skin was despite the dry winter air that is common to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After taking a bath in the onsen, it was time to find something to eat for our growling stomachs. Fortunately, there is also a caf\u00e9 inside of the Sakuranoyu Kanko Bussan Center<\/strong>, where we were able to treat ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While my partner ordered grilled horse mackerel with regional rice<\/strong>, I got a tofu salad made with regional products and an apple-vinegar dressing<\/strong>. While we were waiting for our meal, we visited the shop adjacent to the caf\u00e9, where regional products can also be purchased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The selection was large: everything from locally grown vegetables, to the tasty rice and apple vinegar, local handicrafts<\/strong> and Hinamatsuri decoration (\u201cDoll Festival\u201d in Japanese)<\/strong>, can be purchased here at low prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among all these things, mikan (mandarins)<\/strong> were offered, a delicacy from Ehime Prefecture<\/strong> and the basis of our dessert. This consisted of a handmade Mikan Daifuku<\/strong> and I can honestly say it was by far the best daifuku I ever had!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sweet and juicy mandarin wrapped in white anko<\/strong> was the perfect ending for this delicious meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freshly strengthened, we continued with our program, riding bicycles through Toon city to the Po\u00e8me Sweets Park<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passing by small, cozy houses, we went to the Po\u00e8me Sweets Park<\/strong>, the home of a small, delicious pastry that bears the name Po\u00e8me. These little cakes are made with a large amount of eggs and butter, giving them an intense, natural taste.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Po\u00e8me Sweets Park, you can observe the factory where these small delicacies are made. Fun for the whole family! Whether it\u2019s the factory, a warm foot bath which you can take in the small garden of the shop, milking a plastic cow \u2013 a rather fun experience \u2013 or discovering the many lovely details of the shop<\/strong>, you will not get bored here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wonderful employees on hand with help and advice also contribute to this pleasant atmosphere. We immediately felt warmly welcomed as the individual steps for making a Po\u00e8me were explained to us<\/strong>, while the manufactory employees waved to us from behind the glass panes, smiling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only about 4 km separated us from our next destination, the Soukouchi Shrine<\/a> in Toon, <\/strong>which was reportedly built in 803<\/strong>. And when you look at the old, moss-covered Torii gate, you will believe it is really that old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shrine has a slightly mystical appearance, which is why we carefully climbed up the stone stairs. We were welcomed by a calm environment and the scent of colorful plum blossoms<\/strong>, which timidly opened their buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During May and June, you will find a sea of hydrangeas here<\/strong>, which is why the shrine garden is also called \u201cHydrangea Forest\u201d<\/strong>. For me, it is a reason to visit the Soukouchi Shrine again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Right next to the Soukouchi Shrine, surrounded by the healing properties of nature, is Konpiraji Temple<\/strong><\/a>, which we reached via a small stone bridge. The Konpiraji Temple is not technically part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail<\/strong>, but it should be on your list of must-sees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In front of the main building of the temple there are four large cedars around 39 meters tall. They are designated as natural monuments<\/strong> by the city of Toon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A walk around the grounds will also reveal more interesting nooks of the Shikoku temple. The Konpiraji Temple is in no way inferior to the other stations on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail<\/strong>. A small pond with colorful goldfish is a little surprise that you can find here. Walk through the Konpiraji with your eyes open and just let nature influence you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We continued to our next destination by bike, just 3 \u00bd km away. At 96 meters high, the Shirai no Taki <\/a>waterfall was the setting for literary works by Natsume S\u014dseki<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n