Shikoku Seiyo Geopark 四国西予ジオパーク

A geopark with a varied ecosystem

To the west of Shikoku Island, Seiyo Geopark is one of Japan's 34 recognized geoparks. It conceals well-hidden treasures, small villages and splendid landscapes, between sea and mountains...

plan géoparc

Geopark map

Seiyo geopark

Suzaki Kaigan Coast

The vertical rocks of the coast of Suzaki Kaigan

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The lush Mitaki Gorge

To the east of the geopark, inland, a river has created over the centuries, by erosion, a narrow valley through the forest . The Mitaki Gorge is a veritable green paradise, a real corner of totally unspoilt nature, home to lush and sometimes almost tropical vegetation. Many waterfalls punctuate the course, along the river, through the ferns, for a refreshing walk.

At the entrance to the valley is a Geological Museum for those wishing to learn more about the ancient rocks of the region.

 

Mitaki Keikoku Gorge

The tropical gorge of Mitaki Keikoku

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The Unomachi district in Seiyo

The geopark also includes unique villages , rich in heritage. Little frequented by tourists, the small town of Seiyo nevertheless has many interests, starting with its charming historic district, Unomachi . This old traditional district is home to houses from the Edo period (1603 - 1868). Nakanocho Street, in particular, is lined with traditional houses typical of this era, with white walls and wooden screens. The city is also home to the Meiseki Buddhist temple , an important stop on the Shikoku pilgrimage.

 

Unomachi

Unomachi Architecture

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Unomachi

Unomachi at night...

Seiyo geopark

The Sazae-ga-Oka, a view apart

This rocky mountain , covered with greenery, dominates the surrounding land. After the ascent, the view is superb : on one side you can observe the village of Izumi , installed below, and on the other, you can see Sanbe Bay in the distance. From the top of its 360 meters, the Sazae-ga-oka makes it possible to appreciate the adaptation of the local populations to the rocky slopes of the terrain. The place will also delight ornithology enthusiasts: a nearby cliff is a nesting site for falcons, which hunt nearby. The flora is not to be outdone, with particularly rare local plants : ferns, rhododendrons and keibiran which bloom in summer.

 

Mont Takeshi

Mount Takeshi

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Izumi

View of Izumi Village

Seiyo geopark

Mont Sazae

The view from Mount Sazae

Seiyo geopark

 

Karihama Terraces

To the south of the geopark, the village of Karihama is home to unique terraced cultivations , installed by the Uwakai Sea. Here, the green hills seem to fall directly into the sea... Citrus fruits are grown there, especially mandarins . The mild climate, the sea breeze as well as the constant sunshine thanks to the organization on the terrace allow the mikan , this sweet and seedless mandarin, to grow in complete peace of mind. The limestone, very present in the soil of these hills, gives a particular flavor to these fruits. It is even possible to participate in a mandarin harvest in November!

 

Terraced fields at Karihama

Terrace cultivation in Karihama

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Address, timetable & access

Our tours in Matsuyama

  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : Visits & meals, English-speaking tour leader, Hotel temple, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
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