Uchiko Travel Tips

Uchiko (内子), a beautifully preserved town in Ehime Prefecture, invites travelers to step into the rhythms of traditional Japan. Just 40 kilometers southwest of Matsuyama, this former hub of wax and handmade paper production flourished during the Edo and Meiji periods. Today, Uchiko seamlessly blends rural charm with cultural depth, offering a richly sensory journey through its artisanal legacy. At the Kamihaga Residence — once home to a prosperous wax merchant family — visitors can explore exhibits that detail the town’s candle-making heritage. The residence’s refined architecture and authentic furnishings provide a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of Uchiko’s historical elite, offering a tactile connection to a bygone era.

Yokaichi Old Town, with its white-walled townhouses and latticed wooden facades, enchants visitors with a streetscape seemingly frozen in time. Many of these preserved merchant homes now house cafés, craft workshops, and galleries where travelers can interact directly with local artisans. Just a short stroll away, the Uchiko-za Theater — built in 1916 — stands as one of the few remaining Meiji-era kabuki playhouses. Still in operation today, the theater features rotating stage platforms, trap doors, and hidden passageways. Even when performances aren’t scheduled, guests are invited backstage to explore, experiencing firsthand the ingenuity and tradition behind Japan’s enduring theatrical culture.