Uchiko

Uchiko is served by the JR Uchiko Line with two stations in the town, Uchiko Station and Iyo-Tachikawa Station. The name of the Uchiko Line was never formally changed so it remains its own line however, in actual usage, the Uchiko Line is part of the JR Yosan Line, which connects Matsuyama to Uwajima via Uchiko and Ozu, so you can take a direct train to Uchiko from any of these cities. The historic district can be reached and explored on foot. For many travelers, the Yokaichi Gokoku Historic District (八日市・護国の町並み) is synonomous with the town. It was the first historic district of Shikoku and 18th in the nation to be registered as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The town prospered during the Edo Period as a wax-making town. Sumac trees were planted throughout the town and it was from the sumac berries that they made vegetable wax. At the time, the town was responsible for 30% of Japan's total wax production....