One of the charming attractions of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture is the toy-like train that goes by the name of Botchan Ressha (坊っちゃん列車). The diesel-run train is reminiscent of steam locomotives that ran in the 19th century, and is named after the title character of Natsumi Soseki’s novel. Today, the train chugs its way from the famed Dogo Onsen to Komachi Station at a moderate pace, allowing passengers to take in views of the city during the short ride.
How to Buy Tickets
The Botchan Tram can be ridden at the following stations: Dogo Onsen, Okaido, Matsuyamashi, JR Matsuyama and Komachi. During peak periods like Golden Week, passengers may be advised to buy their tickets from the train conductor right before boarding the train.
Ticket Prices
Botchan Ride
Botchan + Matsumoto Castle
Adult
¥800
¥1700
Infant
¥400
¥740
One ticket serves as one ride. The ticket can also be presented at the Ferris Wheel Kururin for a free ride. Kururin is located in Takashimaya near Matsuyamashi Station.
Train Schedule
Dogo Onsen to Matsuyamashi
Dogo Onsen
Okaido
Matsuyamashu
9:19
9:30
9:39
10:09
10:20
10:29
11:59
12:10
12:19
13:19
13:30
13:39
14:09
14:20
14:29
14:59
15:10
15:19
Matsuyamashi to Dogo Onsen
Matsuyamashi
Okaido
Dogo Onsen
10:02
10:10
10:22
10:52
11:00
11:12
12:42
12:50
13:02
14:02
14:10
14:22
14:52
15:00
15:12
15:42
15:50
16:02
Dogo Onsen to Komachi
Dogo Onsen
Okaido
JR Matsuyama
Komachi
10:47
10:59
11:12
11:16
15:37
15:49
16:02
16:06
Komachi to Dogo Onsen
Komachi
JR Matsuyama
Okaido
Dogo Onsen
9:07
9:15
9:28
9:40
11:47
11:55
12:08
12:20
Weekends
Dogo Onsen to Matsuyamashi
Dogo Onsen
Okaido
Matsuyamashi
8:59
9:11
9:19
9:49
10:00
10:09
11:19
11:30
11:39
12:39
12:50
12:59
13:29
13:40
13:49
14:49
15:00
15:09
15:39
15:50
15:59
Matsuyamashi to Dogo Onsen
Matsuyamashi
Okaido
Dogo Onsen
9:32
9:40
9:52
10:32
10:40
10:52
12:02
12:10
12:22
13:12
13:20
13:32
14:02
14:10
14:22
15:22
15:30
15:42
16:12
16:20
16:32
Dogo Onsen to Komachi
Dogo Onsen
Okaido
JR Matsuyamashi
Komachi
10:17
10:29
10:42
10:46
13:57
14:09
14:22
14:26
16:07
16:19
16:32
16:36
Komachi to Dogo Onsen
Komachi
JR Matsuyama
Okaido
Dogo Onsen
8:57
9:05
9:18
9:30
11:07
11:15
11:28
11:40
14:47
14:55
15:08
15:20
Train schedules are subject to change. Please refer to the official Iyo Tetsudo site for updated schedules. (Japanese only)
With the lifting of Japan’s state of emergency, the country is headed toward recovery, but the pandemic continues to deal a massive blow to businesses as well as personal lives. Here’s my experience.
