Take the Iyo Railway Botchan Train to Matsuyama City Station

In Matsuyama City, Shikoku, we planned a three-day, two-night stay. On the morning of the fifth day, after having breakfast at Hotel Tsubakikan, we checked out and left our luggage in the car. Since the paid parking lot allowed parking until 1 PM, we decided to take the Botchan Train to Matsuyama City for some sightseeing. Initially, we planned to book tickets for the earliest train departing from Dogo Onsen Station, but due to a rushed breakfast schedule, we skipped the reservation and decided to try our luck at the station.

When we passed by the Dogo Onsen Main Building in the morning, there was no one taking photos at the entrance. It turned out that this was the best time to take pictures, as the afternoon and evening crowds made it difficult to capture good shots. Upon arriving at the Dogo Onsen Main Building, we confirmed that there were still seats available, so we decided to set off, purchased tickets, and boarded the train to Matsuyama City Station.

The seats in the carriage filled up quickly. An elderly man boarded mid-route, and the ticket inspector issued him a ticket on the spot after he was seated. The train interior appeared to be made of wood, exuding a refined and classic charm.

Along the way, the train passed by a torii gate and crossed railway tracks where other trains frequently traveled. The ride was smooth, and we also saw cars crossing the tracks to continue along the road.

▲The Botchan Train heading to Matsuyama City Station

The Botchan Train passed by the Ehime Prefectural Government Building, which houses the city government. The structure resembled a European-style building. Upon arriving at Matsuyama City Station, we got off the train and took some time to explore the station.

▲The whistle sound of the Botchan Train departing from Matsuyama City Station

The Matsuyama Station (Matsuyama city area) appeared large but wasn’t too crowded. Besides taxis, most people used public transportation, so it wasn’t congested.

Inside the station, we noticed a mascot and a commemorative display celebrating the 2013 friendship agreement between Taipei’s Songshan Station and Shikoku’s Matsuyama Station, as they share the same name. After buying some souvenirs to bring back to Taiwan for colleagues and friends, we took the city tram back to Dogo Onsen Station.

Back at Dogo Onsen Station, we bought matcha and mikan (mandarin orange) puddings from the Dogo Pudding (道後ぷりん) shop on Dogo Onsen Street. We planned to enjoy them back at the hotel before heading out to start the day’s itinerary.