Agricultural and Fishing Experience in Matsuyama | A Journey to Touch the Origins of Ehime Prefecture's Food Culture

Matsuyama is known as a gourmet city for sea bream rice and fish cake tempura, but the secret to its deliciousness lies in Ehime Prefecture's abundant natural environment. In this region, where the spectacular scenery of the Shimanami Kaido coastal route and Mount Ishizuchiyama spread out, agriculture and fishing have been actively practiced since ancient times. In recent years, with growing interest in "food education" and "farm stays," experience-based tourism where tourists visit production sites has rapidly expanded. In suburban areas located 30 minutes to 1 hour by car from the Dogo Onsen hot spring district, many farm homestays and fishing ports are scattered throughout. The moving experience of hearing directly from local producers and tasting food you've harvested with your own hands is something that can never be obtained at a restaurant.

Agricultural Experience at Farm Homestays Where You Can Live Like a Local

In the rural areas on the outskirts of Matsuyama, you can experience authentic agricultural activities while staying at a farm homestay. You can touch seasonal crops throughout the year and learn from producers' wisdom and ingenuity. Accommodation rates are approximately 8,000-12,000 yen per night including two meals, and plans including experience programs are 12,000-18,000 yen. Reservations typically require a minimum of 2 people and must be made one week in advance. Early morning work experience starting at 5 AM can be attended at no additional charge, allowing you to experience a full day at the farm.

Fishing Experience Tour with Local Fishermen

Ehime Prefecture, facing both the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea, has a thriving fishing industry, and sightseeing tours of bonito pole-and-line fishing and sea bream net fishing are popular. Experience fees are 5,000-8,000 yen per person and include a fisherman's lunch. The experience takes approximately 3-5 hours, and for those concerned about seasickness, there are also sorting work experiences and dried fish-making experiences at the port. Tours are cancelled in rainy or rough weather, so it's reassuring to set aside a backup date. Life jackets are provided free of charge.

Farm Sightseeing Where Uwajima Sea Bream Rice Ingredients Are Grown

Farm sightseeing tours where you can learn how the ingredients for Matsuyama's specialty Uwajima sea bream rice are grown are available for 2,500-4,000 yen per adult. Producers around the Ōdaidō area serve as guides, allowing you to hear directly about their cultivation dedication and challenges. After the tour, a tasting time is provided where you can enjoy Uwajima sea bream rice at the freshness unique to the production area. Tours are held mainly on weekends from April to November and are limited to 15 people per session. In partnership with Kotori, the "From Farm to Restaurant" plan also offers a premium experience where ingredients you harvest yourself are prepared by professional chefs.

Food Education Programs Where Children Are the Stars

Matsuyama's agricultural experience facilities offer comprehensive food education programs for children. From rice planting and harvesting to vegetable sowing and harvesting, children can learn while having fun about how food is made. The program is for ages 5 and up, and parent-child participation is standard. Prices are 4,000-6,000 yen for two parent-child pairs, with an additional 1,500-2,500 yen per extra person. The weekend-only "Little Farmer Classroom" features a different theme each session and is also popular with returning families. A plan that includes cooking experiences where children can make curry or pizza from harvested vegetables is very popular with kids. In summer, hats, long sleeves, and boots are required, and rental boots come in children's sizes.

Reservation Methods and Access Summary

Reservations for agricultural and fishing experiences can be made through each facility's website or the Matsuyama Tourism Association's portal site. Popular weekend plans often fill up a month in advance, so early reservations are recommended. It takes approximately 30 minutes by bus from Matsuyama Airport to the city, and approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by express train Shiokaze from Okayama to reach Matsuyama. From there, access to the experience farms is by car or local bus. Car rental is convenient, and free parking is available around the farms. Basic items to bring include comfortable clothing, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent spray. Boots and rubber gloves are usually available for rent at the farms, but it's reassuring to confirm in advance. Model courses that combine a day trip to Dogo Onsen hot springs are also popular, and a hot spring bath after farm work has an exceptionally pleasant feel.