Welcome to Uchiko
In the center of Ehime lies Uchiko, the heart and pulse of Shikoku Island’s northwestern prefecture. With a population of just over 15,000 people and an area of almost 300 square kilometers, Uchiko is a town where anyone can find their own piece of paradise. That’s because this picturesque mountain oasis is absolutely filled with local history, culture, cuisine, and unique events. There is also a variety of accommodations around the town, but if you want the most authentic experience that the town has to offer, nothing beats an Uchiko Inn.
Concept
The Uchiko Inns (Uchiko-no-Yado) are located in the town’s historic preservation district, but they are not museums that require white-glove treatment. They are instead intimate, comfy homes surrounded by ordinary houses and the extraordinary people of Uchiko, a town that is full of life and history.
The seven Uchiko Inns occupy renovated buildings that were formerly private residences, row houses, or storerooms—some older than a hundred years, and each one a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. While the unique charm and elegance of Uchiko’s historic architecture has been painstakingly preserved, every building features familiar amenities and luxurious touches—from climate control to soothing baths and calming interiors.
The Uchiko Inns have been crafted as works of art, appealing to travelers of every kind. Rented out exclusively to a single group at a time, each inn offers privacy and comfort as a home away from home. At the Uchiko Inns, guests will experience more than just an overnight stay—they will also have the chance to become part of this fascinating town.
Facilities
Tsumugi
Maximum capacity: 4 (adults only)
Tsumugi: Originally built in 1926 as a luxury villa, Tsumugi is the epitome of simplicity and tranquility—inherent in its Japanese interior design. Minimalist, open spaces are enhanced with artistic fittings and intricate woodwork in a harmonious balance of modern functionality and timeless elegance. In this setting, the antique furniture blends perfectly with the stylish curated art, creating a space full of possibilities.
Hitoe
Maximum capacity: 3
Hitoe: An oasis of serenity enriched by natural materials and soft light, Hitoe is perfect for the occasional escape from the outside world or retreat into one’s own private universe. A highlight of this accommodation is the library corner where Hitoe guests can read, write, listen to music, or simply contemplate life in peaceful seclusion. The sunken bath and cozy attic bedroom make this Uchiko marvel stand out.
Ori
Maximum capacity: 6
Ori: With its playful design that encourages exploration and stokes the creative spirit, Ori is like a beautiful dream where anything’s possible. Dating back to the early 20th century, the restored house blends traditional architecture with whimsical touches like a hammock, a secret hideaway between floors, and a detached bathroom overlooking a small, pleasant garden. With its sizable space, multiple facilities, and a full kitchen, Ori is a wonderful accommodation for larger groups or families with children.
Futae
Maximum capacity:5
Futae: As two separate buildings that were joined together, Futae leans into its history with an interior design that spans two worlds. A playful mix of modern comforts and traditional Japanese paper, unadorned wood, and tatami mats, Futae is an imaginative place—surprising visitors with its skillful use of space and presenting them with an optical illusion as they move between floors.
Hisa
Maximum capacity:6
Hisa: Dating back to the late Edo period (1603–1867), this earthen-walled building that looks much like a storehouse has the feel of home with its heated conversation pit, tatami-mat rooms, and spacious veranda. “Cozy” is the first word that comes to mind when you arrive at the spacious Hisa, where guests will find themselves in the quiet comfort of one of Uchiko’s premier accommodations.
Kasuri
Maximum capacity: 3 (adults only)
Maximum capacity: 4 (adults only)
Kasuri: East and West meet at Kasuri, where early 20th-century Japan lives on in one stunning retro-modern accommodation. Suspended in time—when the country was rediscovering its identity in a rapidly changing world—Kasuri combines refined elegance with a homey atmosphere, and its every detail catches the eye and captures the imagination.
Kura
Maximum capacity: 3 per maisonette
Kura: Originally a merchant storehouse from the late Meiji period (1868–1912), Kura was built on the success of a thriving kimono business. Now reborn as a pair of maisonette-style guesthouses, each with its own garden, Kura transports guests across time to a world of comfort. Sunlight streaming through the large windows with garden views beyond brings nature directly into the house. Spacious bedrooms with their exposed wooden beams give the second floor the feel of a mountain lodge.
Breakfast
※Reservation required
Guests of any Uchiko Inn can enjoy breakfast (reservation required) at CAFE & Dining TASUKI at the Uchiko Inn front desk. Served from 7:30 a.m., the meal is nutritious and made with local ingredients, which helps you recharge for a day of exploration around Uchiko. The breakfast includes rice, miso soup, ten side dishes, and fresh coffee—all served in Tasuki’s warm, elegant atmosphere. A western-style breakfast is served on the second day for guests staying two nights in a row, but can be requested on the first day for visitors who prefer it to the Japanese option.
Amenities
The Ori and the Hisa come equipped with kitchens that include cooking utensils, tableware, a microwave oven, a toaster, and an induction stovetop for preparing meals that can then be enjoyed in an adjacent dining nook. Besides homemade food, the provision of a CD and DVD player, along with professional-quality speakers, makes Ori and Hisa feel like a home away from home.
Guests of the other inns won’t be short of in-house entertainment either thanks to free Wi-Fi and a TV, for those who like a bigger screen for viewing. (Both amenities are also available at Ori and Hisa.) Every Uchiko Inn is equipped with a refrigerator, electric kettle, and tea and coffee sets—perfect for those who want to spend a night or morning at “home.”
Each Uchiko Inn boasts a luxurious bathroom, supplied with shampoo, conditioner, body soap, towels, hairbrushes, dryers, shaving razors, slippers, and nightwear.
Prices per night per group differ depending on the accommodation.
Get the best rate guaranteed lowest price available by booking directly from our website.
Prices & Check-In and Checkout
Prices per night per group differ depending on the accommodation.
Get the best rate guaranteed lowest price available by booking directly from our website or by phone.
Uchiko Inns Front Desk
※Please contact us if you will arrive after 6:00 PM.
Access
Uchiko is easily accessible from Matsuyama Airport. Take the Iyotetsu limousine bus to Matsuyama Station (15 minutes), then take the Uwakai limited express to Uchiko Station (25 minutes). Also, a Konan Tourist Bus goes directly from the airport to Uchiko (50 minutes). Contact the Uchiko Inn office beforehand to be picked up from Uchiko Station. The free service will also drop you off at the station after your stay.