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.
The Enoshima Electric Railway (“Enoden” for short) runs through Kanagawa Prefecture, from the traditional city of Kamakura to the island of Enoshima, with Fujisawa as the last stop. Designed with a vintage flair, its train cars are beloved icons that add a nostalgic flavor to Kamakura and Enoshima’s easy atmosphere.
Isumi Railway is best known for its Moomin Train, fashioned after the beloved Finnish series of the same name. Running along the Bōsō Peninsula, these yellow train cars take its passengers through Chiba’s green fields and historic towns, and is especially popular in spring as cherry and rape blossoms (菜の花) frame the landscape.
Share this:
Discover more from Tokyo Past 3
Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.
