【I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human】 Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
The TV anime “I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human” (commonly known as “Watatabu”), which began broadcasting in October 2025, has captivated many fans as a fantasy mystery with yuri elements. The story is set in the Chuyo region, including Iyo City and Masaki Town in Ehime Prefecture, which is also the hometown of the original author, Sai Nawakawa.
This article provides a thorough explanation of pilgrimage sites appearing in the anime and original manga. We introduce attractive locations in Ehime Prefecture while offering detailed information useful for actual location scouting and comparisons with depictions in the work.
About “I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human”
“I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human” is a manga work by Sai Nawakawa that has been serialized in “Dengeki Maoh” since 2020. It depicts the relationship between a monster that eats people called “hito denashi” and a human girl, and is characterized by a unique worldview that fuses mystery elements with yuri elements.
The story, which unfolds centered on the main characters Hinako and Shiori, faithfully reproduces real streetscapes and landscapes centered on Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. Collaboration with the local “Iyo Iro Festival” and the installation of life-sized panels have also garnered attention as community-wide initiatives.
The Heart of Pilgrimage: About Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
Located near the center of Ehime Prefecture, Iyo City is a town blessed with a warm climate and rich nature facing the Seto Inland Sea. Despite being a local city with a population of about 30,000, it boasts picturesque scenery where you can enjoy both mountains and sea.
The seaside and cityscapes depicted in the work are Iyo City itself. Since the original author is from the area, the carefully reproduced background depictions down to the smallest details have become a major charm of the work. The “Iyo Iro Festival Fireworks Display,” held annually, boasts one of the highest number of fireworks launches in Ehime Prefecture and appears as an important scene in the work.
Major Pilgrimage Spots in the Iyo City Area
Iyo City Station
Iyo City Station on the Yosan Line appears multiple times in the work as the nearest station to “Shiomi High School.” The view from the platform and the exterior of the station building are spots with very high reproduction accuracy in the anime.
Scenes where Hinako and Shiori use the station for commuting and where everyday conversations take place are important parts of the story. The surrounding streetscape is also faithfully depicted in the work, making it an ideal starting point for pilgrimage exploration.
Access Information:
- Direct access from JR Yosan Line “Iyo City Station”
- About 20 minutes by regular train from Matsuyama Station
Iyo Agricultural High School
Ehime Prefectural Iyo Agricultural High School is the model for “Shiomi High School” in the work. The exterior of the school building, the school gate, and surrounding scenery appear in the work, with many school life scenes set in this location.
Since it is an actual school facility, entry onto the grounds is not permitted, but photography of the exterior and surrounding school routes are possible for location scouting. Be mindful of not disturbing students and maintain proper manners when visiting.
Notes:
- Entry onto school grounds is prohibited
- Be considerate of noise during class hours
- Photography should respect students’ privacy
Futami Seaside Park (Futami Seaside Park)
“Futami Seaside Park,” which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, appears in impressive seaside scenes in the work. Known as a famous sunset viewing spot, the beautiful gradient of orange-tinted sea and sky allows you to experience the fantastical atmosphere of the work.
The park features a well-maintained promenade and benches where you can leisurely enjoy the scenery. This is a place where important scenes from the story appear, such as when Hinako and Shiori have meaningful conversations.
Facility Information:
- Address: Takagishi, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Parking: Available (free)
- Best sunset viewing times: 16:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Michi no Eki Futami
“Michi no Eki Futami” (Futami Roadside Station) has been an official collaboration spot with a life-sized panel of Shiori installed since June 1, 2024. It’s a roadside station facing the Seto Inland Sea where you can purchase local specialty products and fresh seafood.
The coastal scenery that appears in the work can be enjoyed while taking a break or having a meal at this convenient facility. It’s an ideal place to stop by during pilgrimage exploration.
Facility Information:
- Operating Hours: 9:00–18:00 (varies by facility)
- Closed: Second Wednesday of the month (if a holiday, the following day)
- Life-sized Panel: Shiori, school uniform version
Otata Beach
“Otata Beach” located on the coastline of Iyo City is an important location for seaside scenes depicted in the work. Characterized by calm waves and beautiful sandy beaches, you can enjoy the quiet scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
This is a pilgrimage site where scenes of Hinako and Shiori gazing at the sea and important conversations that mark turning points in the story appear. You can immerse yourself in the work’s atmosphere while feeling the sea breeze.
Access:
- About 15 minutes by car from Iyo City Station
- Parking space available
Goshiki-hime Seaside Park
“Goshiki-hime Seaside Park,” named after the Goshiki-hime legend, is a place of relaxation where a beautiful coastline and verdant park are integrated as one. In the work, it appears as a seaside landscape and becomes the background that brightens the characters’ daily lives.
The park features playground equipment and lawn areas, making it popular with families. You can spend time leisurely gazing at the sea, making it ideal for refreshing during pilgrimage exploration.
Goshiki-hime Shrine
“Goshiki-hime Shrine,” which gathers local religious faith, appears in the work as a shrine scene. Located near the sea, it’s a spot where you can feel the history and culture of the region.
The quiet shrine grounds overlap with the mystical atmosphere of the work, becoming a place where you can experience the work’s worldview. When visiting, be sure to follow shrine etiquette.
Manan Port Old Lighthouse
The “Manan Port Old Lighthouse” appears in an impressive lighthouse scene in the work. The white lighthouse standing by the sea is depicted as a key location in the story, making it one of the pilgrimage sites that fans cannot miss.
Though no longer in use, the old lighthouse retains the atmosphere of the work. It’s a photography spot you can enjoy alongside the beautiful coastal scenery.
Nada Town Pocket Park
“Nada Town Pocket Park,” a small park in Nada Town, Iyo City, appears in scenes where Hinako and Shiori stop by. It’s a quiet park in a residential area that serves as a place of relaxation for local residents.
Though small in scale, it’s popular among fans who enjoy detailed pilgrimage exploration as a spot where they can recreate the work’s everyday scenes.
Goshiki-hime Street
“Goshiki-hime Street,” a shopping street in Iyo City, appears in the work as a cityscape scene. The street lined with local shops retains old-fashioned charm while supporting community life and is an important place.
It’s a pilgrimage spot where you can experience the everyday urban scenery that appears in the work, and we recommend including it in your pilgrimage route.
Iyo City Hall
“Iyo City Hall” has had a life-sized panel of Hinako (school uniform version) installed since June 1, 2024. As an official collaboration spot, it’s perfect for commemorative photos during pilgrimage exploration.
At City Hall, you may also be able to obtain information related to the work, so stopping by at the beginning of your pilgrimage is also recommended.
Facility Information:
- Address: 820 Yonemina, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Office Hours: 8:30–17:15 (closed on weekends and holidays)
- Life-sized Panel: Hinako, school uniform version
Pilgrimage Spots in the Masaki Town Area
Shiomi Bridge (Shiomi-bashi)
The “Shiomi Bridge” spanning the river flowing through Masaki Town appears in the original volume 1 cover and an important scene in chapter 1 where Hinako and Shiori meet. It has become a pilgrimage site visited by many fans as a symbolic location of the work.
The view from the bridge and the design of the railing are faithfully depicted in fine detail in the work, and the high degree of reproduction is astounding. The atmosphere was retained and used in the anime teaser PV.
Access:
- About 15 minutes on foot from “Koizumi Station” on the Iyo Railway Gunchu Line
- No parking (use nearby coin parking)
Masaki Fishing Port
“Masaki Fishing Port” appears in the work as a seaside and port scene. The scenery of fishing boats moored and roads along the sea are depicted in the work with the calm atmosphere characteristic of a Seto Inland Sea fishing port.
In the early morning, you can see fishing boats coming and going, and you can catch a glimpse of local fishing activities. It’s a pilgrimage spot where you can feel the life of the region that became the stage for the work.
Shioya Beach
“Shioya Beach” in Masaki Town is a quiet beach with beautiful coastlines. In the work, it appears as the background for seaside scenes, and is used in scenes where characters gaze at the sea.
There is a promenade where you can stroll while hearing the sound of waves. The scenery at dusk is particularly beautiful, making it an ideal time to experience the work’s atmosphere.
Pilgrimage Spots in the Matsuyama City Area
Dogo Hot Spring / Dogo Yunomachi Jyugomannkoku MASARU
At “Dogo Yunomachi Jyugomannkoku MASARU” in the Dogo Hot Spring area, Ehime’s representative tourist destination, a three-person ensemble panel (casual wear version) of Hinako, Shiori, and Mihu is installed.
The Dogo Hot Spring Main Hall and shopping streets are nearby, allowing you to enjoy tourism in Ehime combined with pilgrimage exploration. The hot spring town atmosphere also appears in the work, so we recommend leisurely strolling through it.
Facility Information:
- Address: Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Life-sized Panel: 3-person ensemble, casual wear version
- Nearby Attractions: Dogo Hot Spring Main Hall, Dogo Shopping Street
Tejukuri Koryu Ichiba Machiya
“Tejukuri Koryu Ichiba Machiya” has a life-sized panel of Mihu (school uniform version) installed. Local specialty products and handmade items are sold here, making it ideal for souvenir shopping.
As a facility where you can experience local culture and traditional crafts, it’s a place where you can discover the charm of Ehime combined with location scouting.
Tobe Zoo
Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo is the model for the zoo scenes appearing in the work. Boasting one of the largest scales in Western Japan, approximately 170 species and 823 animals are raised here.
There are episodes where characters visit the zoo, and various locations within the park appear in the work. It’s a spot where you can enjoy the zoo itself combined with pilgrimage exploration.
Facility Information:
- Address: 240 Uehara-cho, Tobe-cho, Iyo District, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00–17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, Seniors (65+) 200 yen, Elementary and middle school students 100 yen
Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
1-Day Course: Iyo City Center Route
Morning:
- Start from Iyo City Station (9:00)
- Around Iyo Agricultural High School (9:30)
- Goshiki-hime Street (10:30)
- Goshiki-hime Shrine (11:00)
- Commemorative photo at Iyo City Hall (11:30)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and rest at Michi no Eki Futami (12:00)
- Futami Seaside Park (13:30)
- Otata Beach (14:30)
- Manan Port Old Lighthouse (15:30)
- Watch the sunset at Goshiki-hime Seaside Park (16:30)
This route is convenient by car, but it’s also possible to go around by rental bike.
2-Day Course: Complete Tour Route
Day 1: Iyo City and Masaki Town
- Morning: Around Iyo City Station, school, and city spots
- Afternoon: Shiomi Bridge in Masaki Town, Masaki Fishing Port, Shioya Beach
- Evening: Watch the sunset at Futami Seaside Park
Day 2: Matsuyama City and Tobe Town
- Morning: Tobe Zoo
- Afternoon: Dogo Hot Spring area, life-sized panel exploration
- Evening: Hot spring bath at Dogo, shopping street stroll
This course allows you to visit all major pilgrimage sites while also enjoying tourism in Ehime.
Transportation Access and Transportation Methods
By Train
From Matsuyama Airport:
- Limousine bus to Matsuyama City Station or Matsuyama Station (approximately 15–20 minutes)
- JR Yosan Line to Iyo City Station (approximately 20 minutes from Matsuyama Station)
By JR:
- Limited express “Shiokaze” from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station (approximately 2 hours 50 minutes)
- Limited express “Ishizuchi” from Takamatsu Station to Matsuyama Station (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes)
Rental Car
If you want to efficiently explore pilgrimage sites, renting a car is most recommended. Multiple rental car companies are located near Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Station.
Major Rental Car Companies:
- Toyota Rentacar Matsuyama Airport Shop
- Nippon Rentacar Matsuyama Airport Office
- Orix Rentacar Matsuyama Station Front Shop
Rental Bicycle
If staying within Iyo City, moving by rental bicycle is also possible. With an electric-assist bicycle, you can easily navigate uphill slopes.
Rental Bicycle Information:
- Rental service available from Iyo City Tourism Association
- Price: 500 yen per day and up
- Advance reservation recommended
Accommodation Information and Recommended Hotels
Dogo Hot Spring Area
If you want to enjoy both pilgrimage exploration and hot springs, staying in the Dogo Hot Spring area is recommended.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Dogo Onsen Funaya: Historic inn, imperial guests have stayed here
- Dogo-kan: Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa
- Dogo Prince Hotel: Hot spring accommodation at reasonable prices
Matsuyama City Center
For sightseeing or business hotels, Matsuyama City center is convenient.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Mystays Premier Matsuyama City Station: Convenient location near station
- ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Matsuyama: Luxury hotel
- Hotel Mystays Matsuyama: Excellent cost-performance ratio
Around Iyo City
For those wishing to stay near the pilgrimage sites.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Lodges and guest houses in Iyo City
- Accommodation facilities near Michi no Eki Futami
Precautions and Etiquette for Pilgrimage
Basic Manners
- No trespassing on private property
- Do not enter school grounds or private residences
- Limit photography to public roads
- Consideration for noise
- Act quietly in residential areas
- Avoid visiting in early morning or late evening
- Always take trash with you
- Preserve the area’s beauty
- Never litter
- Observe traffic rules
- No illegal parking
- Pedestrian priority
- Consideration for local residents
- Greet others
- Never engage in disruptive behavior
Photography Precautions
- Be mindful of people passing through appearing in photos
- When using a tripod, position it so as not to disturb others
- Avoid monopolizing spaces for long periods
- Refrain from photography in dangerous locations
Precautions Around Schools
Special care is needed around Iyo Agricultural High School.
- Avoid peak commute hours (7:30–8:30 AM, 3:30–5:00 PM)
- Never speak to or photograph students
- Absolutely no entry onto school grounds
- Keep quiet so as not to disrupt classes
Local Cuisine and Souvenir Information
Iyo City Specialty Foods
Iyo Satsuma:
A processed fish product made from white fish paste. Famous as a specialty of Iyo City, it can be purchased at places like Michi no Eki Futami.
Jako-ten:
Originating from the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture but popular in Iyo City. A local dish of small fish ground fine with bones intact and fried.
Tai Meshi:
A local Ehime dish. Can be enjoyed at restaurants around Iyo City.
Mikan Sweets:
When you think of Ehime, you think of tangerines. There are various sweets including tangerine juice, jelly, and ice cream.
Recommended Restaurants
- Michi no Eki Futami Restaurant: Set meals using local ingredients
- Seafood Restaurants in Iyo City: Fresh Seto Inland fish and shellfish
- Dogo Hot Spring Shopping Street: Mikan sweets, Botchan dumplings
Souvenirs
- Ichiroku Tart: A classic Ehime confection
- Botchan Dumplings: Famous souvenirs of Dogo Hot Spring
- Ponzu Juice: Representative Ehime tangerine juice
- Jako-ten: Long-lasting seafood processed products
- Iyo Mandarin / Mikan Products: Seasonal citrus fruit
Events and Collaboration Information
Iyo Iro Festival
The “Iyo Iro Festival,” held every August, is a major local event that also appears in the work. The fireworks display boasts one of the largest scales in Ehime Prefecture, with approximately 10,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Official collaborations with the work are implemented, and it’s worth visiting in conjunction with pilgrimage exploration.
Event Schedule:
- Early August (dates vary annually)
- Fireworks display on one day during the festival period
Life-sized Panel Installation Information
As of June 1, 2024, life-sized panels have been installed at the following four locations:
- Iyo City Hall: Hinako, school uniform version
- Michi no Eki Futami: Shiori, school uniform version
- Tejukuri Koryu Ichiba Machiya: Mihu, school uniform version
- Dogo Yunomachi Jyugomannkoku MASARU: 3-person ensemble, casual wear version
You can take commemorative photos with the panels, and social media sharing is encouraged.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Dogo Hot Spring Main Hall
Dogo Hot Spring, said to be one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. The main hall, designated as a national important cultural property, is a historical building that appears in Soseki Natsume’s “Botchan.”
Business Information:
- Currently under renovation (partial operation available)
- Operating Hours: 6:00–23:00 (bathing reception until 22:30)
- Fee: 460 yen and up (varies by course)
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle, towering in the center of Matsuyama City, is one of the twelve existing castles. You can reach it by ropeway or lift, and from the main tower you can view all of Matsuyama City.
Business Information:
- Operating Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Third Wednesday of December
- Main Tower Admission: 520 yen
Shimanami Kaido
If you have time to spare, cycling along “Shimanami Kaido,” which connects Seto Inland Sea islands, is also recommended. Imabari City, about one hour by car from Matsuyama City, is the starting point.
The Appeal of the Work and How to Enjoy Pilgrimage
The greatest appeal of pilgrimage exploration for “I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human” is being able to experience firsthand the careful background depictions filled with the original author’s love for the hometown.
The casual daily scenery depicted in the work, the calm Seto Inland Sea, the quiet streets of a local city. All of these actually exist and can be visited. By tracing the path that Hinako and Shiori walked and gazing at the same scenery they saw, your understanding of the work deepens further.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
- Review the original manga and anime before visiting
- Confirm which scenes are depicted where
- Take screenshots of memorable cuts
- Time your visits to match scenes
- Visit the actual sunset time for sunset scenes
- Visit in early morning for morning scenes
- Interact with local residents
- Learn about regional history and culture
- Get recommendations for spots to visit
- Share on social media
- Hashtags: #watatabu #IWanttoEatYouYoureNotHuman
- Exchange information with other fans
- Visit multiple times
- Visit in different seasons
- Discover new things
Conclusion: Discover the Charm of Ehime Through “Watatabu” Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage exploration for “I Want to Eat You, You’re Not Human” offers not only the chance to experience the work’s worldview but also a precious opportunity to encounter Ehime Prefecture’s beautiful nature, warm people, and rich culture.
The Chuyo region, centered on Iyo City, is a picturesque area surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea and mountains. Please visit and experience firsthand the scenery of the hometown loved by the original author.
Through pilgrimage exploration, your love for the work will deepen further, and you’ll surely discover the charm of Ehime as a region. Enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey while respecting the area’s manners and showing deference to the community.
The scenery Hinako and Shiori saw, the roads they walked, the feelings they experienced. All of it awaits you.
