Kuma Highlands - Kuma Kōgen in Japanese - is a large inhabited area at a high elevation in central Ehime bordering Kochi Prefecture. It encompasses an astonishing range of geological features, which makes it a fascinating area to visit. But be warned, once you’ve scratched the surface at Kuma, you’ll be drawn back again and again to explore further!

There is a legend that this area was not fit to grow crops and that the celebrated priest, Kobo Daishi, changed the course of the river to bring it closer and thus improve irrigation for the locals. The river still flows, crops still grow, and the people of Kuma remain very welcoming to strangers.