“I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” Complete Ehime Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide | Iyo City and Matsumae Town Location Scouting Full Explanation
The TV anime “I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” (commonly known as “Watatabbe”), which began airing in October 2025, has captivated many fans as a fantasy mystery containing yuri elements. The setting of the story is in the Chūyo region, including Iyo City and Matsumae Town in Ehime Prefecture, which is also the hometown of original author Nae Kawaai.
This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred site pilgrimage spots that appear in the anime and original manga. Through detailed information useful for actual location scouting and comparisons with depictions in the work, we introduce the charming locations of Ehime Prefecture.
“I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” Overview
“I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” is a manga work by Nae Kawaai that has been serialized in “Dengeki Maoh” since 2020. The work depicts the relationship between a monster that devours humans called “dehumanized” and a human girl, and is characterized by a unique worldview that fuses mystery and yuri elements.
Centered on the protagonists Hinako and Shiori, the story faithfully recreates actual streets and landscapes centered on Iyo City in Ehime Prefecture, and has drawn attention for region-wide efforts including collaboration with the local “Iyo Iro Festival” and the installation of life-size panels.
The Heart of Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
Located near the center of Ehime Prefecture, Iyo City is a town blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature facing the Seto Inland Sea. Despite being a provincial city with a population of about 30,000, its charm lies in its scenic landscape where both mountains and sea can be enjoyed.
The seashores and streetscapes depicted in the work are Iyo City itself. Because the original author is from the area, the meticulously reproduced background depictions are a major appeal of the work. The “Iyo Iro Festival Fireworks Display” held annually boasts one of the highest number of fireworks in Ehime Prefecture and appears as an important scene in the work.
Main Sacred Sites in the Iyo City Area
Iyo City Station
Iyo City Station on the Yosan Line appears multiple times as the nearest station to “Shiomi High School” in the story. The view from the platform and the exterior of the station building are spots with extremely high reproduction accuracy in the anime.
Scenes of Hinako and Shiori using it for commuting to school and the place where everyday conversations unfold make it an important stage in the story. The streetscape around the station is also faithfully depicted in the work, making it an ideal starting point for sacred site pilgrimage.
Access Information:
- Directly under JR Yosan Line “Iyo City Station”
- About 20 minutes from Matsuyama Station by local train
Ehime Prefectural Iyo Agricultural High School
The model for “Shiomi High School” in the work is Ehime Prefectural Iyo Agricultural High School. The exterior of the school building, school gate, and surrounding scenery appear in the work, and most scenes of school life are set in this location.
Since it is an actual school facility, entry into the premises is not permitted, but location scouting is possible through exterior photography and surrounding school routes. Please take care to conduct visits while following etiquette and not disturbing students.
Precautions:
- Entry into the premises is prohibited
- Be considerate of noise during school hours
- Conduct photography with consideration for student privacy
Futami Seaside Park (Futaumi Seaside Park)
“Futami Seaside Park,” which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, appears in impressive seaside scenes in the work. Known as a sunset viewing spot, the beautiful gradation of the orange-tinted sea and sky allows you to experience the work’s fantastical atmosphere at an ideal location.
The park is equipped with a walking trail and benches where you can leisurely enjoy the scenery. Scenes where Hinako and Shiori converse, important moments in the story, take place at this location.
Facility Information:
- Address: Futami-cho Takagishi, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Parking: Available (free)
- Best time to view sunset: 16:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Michi-no-Eki Futami
“Michi-no-Eki Futami,” a roadside station, has had Shiori’s life-size panel installed since June 1, 2024, as an official collaboration spot. Located along the Seto Inland Sea coast, it offers local specialty products and fresh seafood.
The coastal scenery that also appears in the work can be enjoyed while resting and dining at this convenient facility. It is an ideal place to stop by during sacred site pilgrimage.
Facility Information:
- Business hours: 9:00–18:00 (varies by facility)
- Closed: Second Wednesday of each month (if a holiday, the following day)
- Life-size panel: Shiori・uniform version
Otata no Hama
“Otata no Hama,” located on the coastline of Iyo City, is an important location for scenes depicting seashores in the work. Characterized by gentle waves and a beautiful sandy beach, it allows you to enjoy the quiet scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
The place appears as the location of scenes where Hinako and Shiori gaze at the sea and important conversations that become turning points in the story. A sacred site where you can immerse yourself in the work’s worldview while feeling the sea breeze.
Access:
- About 15 minutes by car from Iyo City Station
- Parking spaces available
Goshiki-hime Seaside Park
“Goshiki-hime Seaside Park,” named after the Goshiki-hime legend, is a place of relaxation that combines a beautiful coastline with lush greenery. It appears in the work as a seaside landscape, becoming a backdrop that colors the characters’ daily lives.
The park has playground equipment and a grassy plaza and is popular with families. You can spend leisurely time gazing at the sea, making it ideal for refreshing during sacred site pilgrimage.
Goshiki-hama Shrine
“Goshiki-hama Shrine,” which attracts local believers, appears in the work as a shrine scene. Positioned near the sea, it is a spot where you can feel the area’s history and culture.
The quiet precincts overlap with the work’s mystical atmosphere, becoming a place where you can experience the story’s worldview. Please observe shrine etiquette when visiting.
Manan Port Old Lighthouse
The “Manan Port Old Lighthouse” appears as an impressive lighthouse scene in the work. The white lighthouse standing by the sea is depicted as a key location in the story and is one of the must-see sacred sites for fans.
Though no longer in use, the old lighthouse retains much of the work’s atmosphere. It is a photography spot that can be enjoyed together with the beautiful coastal scenery.
Nada-cho Pocket Park
The small park “Nada-cho Pocket Park” in Nada-cho, Iyo City, appears in scenes where Hinako and Shiori stop by. Located in a residential area, this quiet park is a place of relaxation for local residents.
Though small, it is popular with fans who enjoy detailed location scouting as a spot where you can recreate daily scenes from the work.
Goshiki-hime Street
“Goshiki-hime Street,” a shopping street in Iyo City, appears as streetscape scenes in the work. The street lined with local shops retains the charm of bygone days while supporting the community’s livelihood.
It is recommended to include this spot in your sacred site pilgrimage course as a location where you can experience the everyday urban landscape that appears in the work.
Iyo City Hall
“Iyo City Hall” has had Hinako’s life-size panel (uniform version) installed since June 1, 2024. As an official collaboration spot, it is an ideal location for commemorative photography during sacred site pilgrimage.
You may also be able to obtain information related to the work at city hall, so visiting at the beginning of your pilgrimage is also recommended.
Facility Information:
- Address: 820 Yonemori, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Office Hours: 8:30–17:15 (closed on weekends and holidays)
- Life-size panel: Hinako・uniform version
Sacred Sites in the Matsumae Town Area
Shiomi Bridge (Shiomi-bashi)
The “Shiomi Bridge,” which spans a river flowing through Matsumae Town, is a sacred site that appears on the cover of the original manga Volume 1 and in an important scene in Episode 1 where Hinako and Shiori meet. It has become a spot visited by many fans as a symbolic location of the work.
The scenery from the bridge and the design of the railings are all faithfully depicted in the work down to the details, and you will be surprised by the high level of reproduction. 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)
Matsumae Fishing Port
“Matsumae Fishing Port” appears as a seaside and port scene in the work. The landscape of fishing boats at anchor and the road along the coast reflect the calm atmosphere characteristic of a Seto Inland Sea fishing port as depicted in the work.
In the early morning, there are fishing boats coming and going, and you can catch a glimpse of the local fishing industry. It is a spot where you can feel the life of the region that became the setting for the work.
Shio-ya Coast
“Shio-ya Coast” in Matsumae Town is a quiet beach with a beautiful coastline. It appears in the work as the background for seaside scenes and is used in moments where characters gaze at the sea.
There is a walking path where you can stroll while listening to the sound of waves, allowing you to spend leisurely time. The scenery at dusk is particularly beautiful, making it an ideal time to experience the work’s atmosphere.
Sacred Sites in the Matsuyama City Area
Dogo Hot Spring / Dogo Yu-no-machi Jūgomaniseki MASARU
At “Dogo Yu-no-machi Jūgomaniseki MASARU” in the Dogo Hot Spring area, which is representative of Ehime Prefecture’s tourist attractions, a three-person group panel of Hinako, Shiori, and Miho (casual wear version) is installed.
Dogo Hot Spring Main Building and the shopping street are nearby, making it a spot where you can enjoy sacred site pilgrimage together with Ehime sightseeing. The atmosphere of the hot spring town also appears in the work, so I recommend taking time to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Facility Information:
- Address: Dogo Yu-no-machi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Life-size panel: Three-person group・casual wear version
- Nearby attractions: Dogo Hot Spring Main Building, Dogo shopping street
Handmade Exchange Market Machiya
At “Handmade Exchange Market Machiya,” Miho’s life-size panel (uniform version) is installed. Local specialty products and handmade items are sold, making it an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.
As a facility where you can touch the region’s culture and traditional crafts, it is a place where you can discover the charm of Ehime together with sacred site pilgrimage.
Tobe Zoo
Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo is the model for the zoo scenes that appear in the work. Boasting one of the largest scales in western Japan, approximately 170 species and 823 animals are kept here.
There is an episode where characters visit the zoo, and various locations within the park appear in the work. It is a spot where you can enjoy the zoo itself together with sacred site pilgrimage.
Facility Information:
- Address: 240 Kamiharaucho, Tobe-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (admission until 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, Senior Citizens (65+) 200 yen, Elementary/Middle School Students 100 yen
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes
One-Day Course: Iyo City Central Route
Morning:
- Start from Iyo City Station (9:00)
- Around Iyo Agricultural High School (9:30)
- Goshiki-hime Street (10:30)
- Goshiki-hame Shrine (11:00)
- Photo with life-size panel at Iyo City Hall (11:30)
Afternoon:
- Lunch break and rest at Michi-no-Eki Futami (12:00)
- Futami Seaside Park (13:30)
- Otata no Hama (14:30)
- Manan Port Old Lighthouse (15:30)
- View sunset at Goshiki-hime Seaside Park (16:30)
This route is convenient by car, but can also be done by rental bicycle.
Two-Day Course: Complete Pilgrimage Route
Day 1: Iyo City and Matsumae Town
- Morning: Iyo City Station area, school, city spots
- Afternoon: Matsumae Town’s Shiomi Bridge, Matsumae Fishing Port, Shio-ya Coast
- Evening: Sunset viewing at Futami Seaside Park
Day 2: Matsuyama City and Tobe Town
- Morning: Tobe Zoo
- Afternoon: Dogo Hot Spring area, life-size panel pilgrimage
- Evening: Bathe in Dogo Hot Spring, shopping street exploration
This course allows you to visit all major sacred sites while also enjoying Ehime sightseeing.
Transportation Access and Transportation Methods
Train Access
From Matsuyama Airport:
- Limousine bus to Matsuyama City Station or Matsuyama Station (approx. 15–20 minutes)
- JR Yosan Line to Iyo City Station (approx. 20 minutes from Matsuyama Station)
Using JR:
- Express “Shiokaze” from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes)
- Express “Ishizuchi” from Takamatsu Station to Matsuyama Station (approx. 2 hours 20 minutes)
Rental Car
For efficient sacred site pilgrimage, rental car use is most recommended. Multiple rental car companies are located around Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Station.
Major Rental Car Companies:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car Matsuyama Airport Shop
- Nippon Rent-a-Car Matsuyama Airport Office
- Orix Rent-a-Car Matsuyama Station Front Shop
Rental Bicycle
Within Iyo City, transportation by rental bicycle is also possible. With electric-assist bicycles, uphill travel is easier.
Rental Bicycle Information:
- Rental service available at Iyo City Tourism Association
- Price: 500 yen per day and up
- Advance reservation recommended
Accommodation Information and Recommended Hotels
Dogo Hot Spring Area
For enjoying both sacred site pilgrimage and hot spring bathing, accommodation in the Dogo Hot Spring area is recommended.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Dogo Hot Spring Funaya: Historic inn, where the imperial family has stayed
- Dogo-kan: Hot spring inn designed by architect Noriaki Kurokawa
- Dogo Prince Hotel: Reasonable pricing
Matsuyama City Center
For sightseeing and business hotels, Matsuyama city center is convenient.
Recommended Hotels:
- Toyoko Inn Matsuyama Ekimae: Convenient station location
- ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Matsuyama: Luxury hotel
- Hotel Mystays Matsuyama: Good cost-performance
Around Iyo City
For those who want to stay near the sacred sites.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Private inns and guesthouses in Iyo City
- Lodging facilities near Michi-no-Eki Futami
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Basic Etiquette
- No Trespassing on Private Property
- Do not enter school grounds or private residences
- Limit photography to public roads
- Consideration for Noise
- Move quietly in residential areas
- Avoid visiting early morning or late night
- Always Take Your Trash
- Preserve the community’s appearance
- Do not litter
- Observe Traffic Rules
- No parking in no-parking zones
- Pedestrians have priority
- Consideration for Local Residents
- Greet people
- Never engage in nuisance behavior
Photography Precautions
- Be mindful so bystanders do not appear in photos
- When using a tripod, choose a location that does not inconvenience others
- Avoid monopolizing locations for extended periods
- Refrain from photography in dangerous areas
Precautions Around Schools
Extra care is necessary around Iyo Agricultural High School.
- Avoid commute hours (7:30–8:30, 15:30–17:00)
- Never address students or take their photographs
- Absolutely no entry into school premises
- Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disrupting classes
Local Cuisine and Souvenir Information
Iyo City Specialties
Iyo Satsuma:
A processed fish product using white fish paste. Famous as a specialty of Iyo City, it can be purchased at Michi-no-Eki Futami and other locations.
Jako-ten:
Originating from the Nanyo area of Ehime Prefecture but popular in Iyo City. A regional dish made from small fish ground with bones and then fried.
Tai Meshi:
A regional dish of Ehime Prefecture. Can be savored at restaurants around Iyo City.
Mikan Sweets:
Speaking of Ehime, it’s mikan oranges. Various sweets are available including mikan 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 Sea fish and shellfish
- Dogo Hot Spring shopping street: Mikan sweets, Bocchan dumplings
Souvenirs
- Ichiroku Tart: Standard Ehime confectionery
- Bocchan Dumplings: Famous Dogo Hot Spring specialty
- Pon Juice: Representative Ehime mandarin orange juice
- Jako-ten: Long-lasting seafood processed product
- Iyokan and Mikan Products: Seasonal citrus fruits
Event 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 collaboration with the work has been implemented, making it worthwhile to visit together with sacred site pilgrimage.
Event Period:
- Early August (dates vary annually)
- Fireworks display on one day during the festival period
Life-size Panel Installation Information
As of June 1, 2024, life-size panels have been installed at the following four locations:
- Iyo City Hall: Hinako・uniform version
- Michi-no-Eki Futami: Shiori・uniform version
- Handmade Exchange Market Machiya: Miho・uniform version
- Dogo Yu-no-machi Jūgomaniseki MASARU: Three-person group・casual wear version
You can take commemorative photos with the panels, and SNS posting is encouraged.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Dogo Hot Spring Main Building
One of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dogo Hot Spring. The main building, designated a National Important Cultural Property, is a historic structure that appears in Natsume Soseki’s “Bocchan.”
Business Information:
- Currently undergoing renovation (partial use available)
- Business Hours: 6:00–23:00 (bathing reception until 22:30)
- Admission: 460 yen and up (varies by course)
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle, towering in the center of Matsuyama City, is one of twelve existing original castles in Japan. You can climb via ropeway or lift, and from the main tower you can overlook the city of Matsuyama.
Business Information:
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Third Wednesday in December
- Main Tower Viewing Fee: 520 yen
Shimanami Kaido
If time permits, cycling on the “Shimanami Kaido,” which connects islands in the Seto Inland Sea, is also recommended. Imabari City, approximately one hour by car from Matsuyama, is the starting point.
The Appeal of the Work and How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
The greatest appeal of sacred site pilgrimage for “I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” is the ability to actually experience the meticulous background depictions filled with the original author’s hometown affection.
Everyday scenery depicted in the work, the calm sea of the Seto Inland Sea, the quiet streetscapes of a provincial city. All of these actually exist and can be visited. By following the paths where Hinako and Shiori walked and gazing at the same scenery, your understanding of the work deepens.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
- Review Original and Anime Before Visiting
- Confirm which scenes are depicted where
- Screenshot impressive cuts
- Match Time of Day
- Visit actual dusk for sunset scenes
- Visit early morning for morning scenes
- Interact with Local People
- Learn about regional history and culture
- Ask for recommended spots
- Share on SNS
- Hashtags “＃watatabbe,” “＃I Want to Eat You Dehumanized”
- Exchange information with other fans
- Visit Multiple Times
- Visit in different seasons
- New discoveries await
Conclusion: Discover Ehime’s Charm Through “Watatabbe” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimage for “I Want to Eat You, Dehumanized” is not only an opportunity to experience the work’s worldview but also a precious chance to touch Ehime Prefecture’s beautiful nature, warm people, and rich culture.
The Chūyo region, centered on Iyo City, is an area of scenic beauty surrounded by the calm sea of the Seto Inland Sea and mountains. Please visit and experience the scenery of the hometown the original author loves.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, your love for the work will deepen further, and you will also discover the charm of the land of Ehime Prefecture. Please observe etiquette, show respect for the community, and enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage.
The scenery Hinako and Shiori saw, the paths they walked, the wind they felt. All of it awaits you.
