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.
Part of the joys of being a train enthusiast in Japan is collecting train stamps. Sounds pretty geeky, but it can get quite addictive as you keep traveling. I bought my train stamp book from Maruzen and have been using it as one of the ways to record my travels.
Shaped like a waterdrop perched on leaf, Kinseiken’s raindrop cake is a quintessential Japanese sweet that took the world by storm. I visited the shop on a shoot for NHK, and found that the story behind the refreshing dessert is evern more fascinating.
