An unusual way to explore railway history is through the Railway History Park, located just east of JR Iyo-Saijō Station. The park includes the north and south halls of the Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall, the Shinji Sōgō Memorial Hall and the Tourist Exchange Center. Exhibitions, technology and the station setting come together at this named cultural site.

Railway history to see and experience

The Shikoku Railway Cultural Hall displays the first 0 Series Shinkansen and DF50 No. 1 diesel locomotive. This locomotive is designated as a provisional railway monument. At the DF50, you can do more than just look: visitors can sit in the cab and operate the levers and switches. The large railway diorama takes you through characteristic railway landscapes of Shikoku’s four prefectures, focusing on the area around JR Iyo-Saijō Station. Narrated demonstrations portray how this railway landscape changes from morning through the day to evening.

The connection between the halls is also part of the experience. The 80-meter-long Poppo Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling route between the north and south sides of the station. It connects the south hall with the other three facilities in the Railway History Park. From the bridge, you can watch trains on the Yosan Line from above. The south hall also has a 235-meter-long track for a mini steam train. Rides on it or on a mini train are offered during events, so take the event schedule into account when planning.

Saijō Matsuri: Processions and shrine festivals

Saijō Matsuri is the collective name for the annual festivals of Kamo, Iwaoka, Isono and Iizumi shrines. They give thanks for a bountiful harvest. During the processions, carved festival floats are pulled through the streets, including floats featuring warriors and flowers. Drums, gongs and the singing of Ise Ondo are also part of the festivities. Numerous tourists visit the Matsuri every year.

More than a hundred festival floats—including danjiri, mikoshi and taiko-dai—are presented by shrine communities in the city’s neighborhoods. Their number is said to possibly be the highest in Japan. If you want to time your trip to coincide with the festival, check the dates: details and schedules can vary from year to year.

Uchinuki water and a quieter view of the city

Alongside railways, water takes center stage on the “Aqua Route.” The route follows the water from Kannon-zui to the moat of the former jinya compound of the Saijō domain. Wooden signposts mark the way, and you can watch colorful carp as you walk beside the flowing water. The Aqua Route thus combines a waterside walk with the historic moat of the former jinya compound of the Saijō domain.

A drinking fountain for Uchinuki spring water is located west of Saijō Cultural Hall, near the fountain of the Aquatopia water system. Visitors can also drink fresh Uchinuki spring water at the Saijō Tourist Exchange Center, a one-minute walk from JR Iyo-Saijō Station. The Saijō City Tourist Association also offers a guided, leisurely walking tour to Uchinuki springs and historic sites in Saijō municipality. Reservations must be made by phone no later than noon two days in advance; a booking may not be accepted depending on guide availability.

Folk art and guided explorations

The Ehime Mingeikan complements the railway and water themes with folk art. It is housed in a building of traditional warehouse design on the grounds of the former jinya compound of the Saijō domain. Around 2,000 items are on display: everyday objects from the Edo period to the present, old ceramics, woodwork and textiles from various parts of Shikoku, and folk art from around the world.

For an exploration on two wheels, the Tourist Association of Saijō municipality offers a guided cycling tour to Uchinuki springs and historic sites. Confirm the practical details before your trip. The association also offers bicycle rentals; availability may vary, and no specific rental location is given. When planning your trip, you can choose between railway exhibits, festival culture, waterways and guided explorations without needing to combine these different offerings into a fixed itinerary.

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

For the broader travel overview: Ehime Prefecture.