Niihama Overview
Niihama is a city located in the eastern part of Ehime Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2022, the city had an estimated population of 115,824 in 57,781 households and a population density of 490 persons per km². The total area of the city is 234.50 square kilometres (90.54 sq mi). It has the third largest population in Ehime, behind the prefectural capital of Matsuyama and the recently expanded city of Imabari. It is famous for its Besshi copper mine as well as the annual Niihama Taiko Festival that is the center of annual drunken and boisterous activity and draws tourists from around the country.
Niihama Key Statistics
Population114971
Area234 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés54 / 2 / 12
Practical Essentials for Niihama
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Niihama.
Visit ↗Getting Around Niihama
Train Travel to Niihama
Niihama is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Niihama
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Niihama
Cover Your Trip to Niihama
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Niihama
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Niihama downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Niihama.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Niihama Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Niihama.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Niihama.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Niihama
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Niihama
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Niihama
When was Niihama founded?
Niihama was founded on November 3, 1937.
How old is Niihama?
Niihama is roughly 89 years old.
What is the population of Niihama?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 114,971.
What is the land area of Niihama?
Niihama covers roughly 234 km².
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Niihama?
The city has roughly 54 parks, 2 museums and 12 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Niihama expensive to live?
Niihama is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Niihama?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Niihama?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Niihama has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Niihama?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Niihama?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Niihama?
Niihama hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Niihama?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Niihama?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Niihama?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Niihama?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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