Imabari Shopping Street (今治商店街)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The covered shopping arcade spreading out from in front of Imabari Station has long been loved by locals as Imabari's kitchen. Scattered throughout this area are restaurants serving yakibuta tamagogohan (焼き豚玉子飯), known as Imabari's soul food — a rice bowl topped with sweet-and-savory grilled pork and a soft-boiled egg that's unforgettable once you've tried it. Imabari is also known nationwide as one of Japan's top towns for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) consumption, and you can easily enjoy skewers made with local chicken. Restaurants in the area get crowded on the day of the fireworks festival, so it's reassuring to finish your meal before 6:00 p.m.

Tips

Just a short walk from Imabari Station. Restaurants get crowded from evening on the day of the fireworks, so arrive early or use takeout. Imabari's yakitori comes in a wide variety, including beef offal, and is enjoyable for both adults and children. After eating, head to the Port of Imabari breakwater (around Katahara-cho) on foot or by a short bus ride to claim your viewing spot.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. The 4 to 5 p.m. window, before the evening peak, tends to be relatively easy to get a seat.

Access & map

〒794-0000 3-chome Tokiwa-cho, Imabari, Ehime