Seiyo, Ehime


Seiyo is a city located in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
On February 1, 2012, the city has an estimated population of 42,600 and a population density of 83 persons per km². The total area is 514.78 km².
The modern city of Seiyo was established on April 1, 2004, from the merger of the towns of Akehama, Nomura, Shirokawa and Uwa, and the town of Mikame.

Attractions

Kannon Spring Water

In the former town of Uwa there is a natural spring, the water of which is known as Kannon Spring Water. This water was designated as one of Japan's 100 best water sources by the Ministry of the Environment in March 1985. Hiking trails along the spring's mountain rivers are a popular destination in the summertime. The spring is also used for sōmen nagashi, a Japanese cuisine where bundles of cold sōmen noodles are set into a stream of water that flows down a track, with hungry patrons waiting alongside.

Otoi Sumo

The former town of Nomura, now a part of Seiyo, holds an annual sumo competition for children and amateur adults known as the Otoi Sumo Tournament. It is held after the Kyushu basho and usually attracts a few professional sumo wrestlers.

Castle Land

A wealthy eccentric built a castle on the side of a mountain near the Nomura Dam in the former town of Nomura. It was originally a retreat for parties, complete with overnight lodging facilities. It never achieved any measure of popularity, and the owner eventually donated it to the city of Seiyo. It now lies uninhabited and largely unused.

Museums