◇Nature & Climate
Earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters are uncommon in 
Ehime. The mild climate, makes Ehime the perfect environment for 
business and daily life. Ehime's nature is characterized by the scenic 
view of many islands big and small, in the Seto Inland Sea, and the 
'Karst' district which includes Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in 
western Japan. Ski facilities and hot springs are also part of Ehime's
 benefits of its natural environment.

◇Transport 
Advanced means of transportation is available by land, sea and air, 
making access to Ehime Prefecture very convenient. 

・By Land
The opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988, made the travel 
between Shikoku and Honshu Islands more convenient. By train, the
travel from Okayama via Seto Ohashi Bridge to Matsuyama, can be 
made in just approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.

・By Sea
Ehime, a prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea, has made Ehime a 
major port with a complex network of sea routes. Sea routes are 
available to Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and Kyushu, from ports such 
as Matsuyama, Imabari and Yawatahama in Ehime.

・By Air
There are regular flights from Matsuyama Airport to Okinawa, 
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka. There are also regularly 
scheduled international flights to Seoul, Korea and frequent 
chartered flights to Hong Kong are available as well.

◇Symbols of Ehime

・Prefecture Symbol Flag
The design of the prefecture's symbol flag is derived from the 
mandarin orange. The white stands for modesty and pureness, the 
green stands for peace and the yellow stands for happiness.

・Prefecture Emblem
The prefecture's emblem design symbolizes a healthy and bright 
future for the people of Ehime. The red represents the sun, mandarin 
oranges and the continued progress of Ehime. The green represents 
the blessings of bountiful nature such as Mount Ishizuchi, and the 
blue stands for the gracious Seto Inland Sea.

・Prefecture Symbol Flower: Mandarin Orange Flower
Ehime is a leading producer of mandarin oranges. In early summer, 
pretty and fragrant white flowers bloom to decorate the mandarin 
orange orchards. 

・Prefecture Symbol Tree: Pine
The Akamatsu, Kuromatsu, and Goyoumatsu types of pine trees 
are referred to as Ehime's symbol tree. Pine trees dot the view of 
the white and blue beaches of the Seto Inland Sea.

・Prefecture Symbol Bird: Robin
Along with the Japanese nightingale and the ohruri, the robin has long 
been considered one of the most precious birds of Japan. Robins make 
the nature of the Mount Ishizuchi range their habitat. The bird's 
characteristic is its unusual, high chirping sound, hin-kara-kara.

・Prefecture Symbol Animal: Japanese Otter
Japanese otters which live mainly in the southwestern part of Shikoku, 
are designated by the national government as one of the special natural 
monuments. They are nocturnal animals and look much like the ferret 
and the sable.

・Prefecture Symbol Fish: Sea Bream
The fishing industry serves as one of the prefecture's major industry. 
Ehime is the leading supplier of sea bream, which is caught in various 
places around the island. The sea bream is referred to as the king of 
fish, and is often used in traditional local dishes for the celebration 
of different occasions.