Niihama 新居浜市, Ehime Prefecture

Niihama (Japanese: 新居浜市) is a city on the eastern part of Ehime Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It covers 234 sq km (90 sq mi) and has a population of 126,000 people (2012 estimate).

Facing the Seto Inland Sea to the north, Imabari is surrounded by hills and mountains to the south, east and west. Due to the mountains, the city is isolated from neighboring cities such as Saijo to the west and Shikokuchuo to the east.

Facing the Seto Inland Sea to the north, Niihama is surrounded by hills and mountains to the south, east and west. Due to the mountains, the city is isolated from neighboring cities such as Saijo to the west and Shikokuchuo to the east.

Perhaps the best time to visit Niihama is during the Niihama Taiko Festival, usually on 16-18 October annually. During this festival, huge floats - some weighing as much as two and a half tons or even more - are paraded through the streets. Within the float is a drummer beating a taiko, or big drum. These floats are carried by men and boys to the local shrines to be blessed by the Shinto priests. As with many Japanese festivals, this is accompanied by the drinking of copious amounts of sake.

Among the sights in Niihama includes Zuio-ji Temple, a Zen temple in south Niihama. There are also two waterfalls in the area. The city also has the world's largest planetarium at the Ehime Prefectural Science Museum. The Ootorii of Uchinomiya-jinja Shinto Shrine in Niihama, Japan

Planning your trip to Niihama

Niihama is served by the Yosan Line of Japan Railway between Uwajima and Takamatsu.

Niihama Taiko Festival

Places of Interest in Niihama

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