Don’t Get Lost! How to Ride the Tram from Matsuyama and Matsuyamashi Stations to Dogo Onsen Station
When it comes to popular tourist destinations in Ehime Prefecture, Dogo Onsen is undoubtedly at the top. The most convenient way to get there via public transportation is by taking a tram (city tram) that runs through the city.
However, Matsuyama has two major stations—Matsuyama Station and Matsuyamashi Station—and the tram line numbers differ depending on which station you’re departing from, so it’s important not to get on the wrong one.
This article clearly explains how to ride the tram from JR Matsuyama Station-mae and Matsuyamashi Station to Dogo Onsen Station, and also covers what to do if you get on the wrong tram.
Trams in Matsuyama City
The trams that run through Matsuyama are commonly called “city trams,” and they are operated by Iyo Railway (Iyotetsu).
Riding these trams allows you to travel within the city, including popular tourist spots like Matsuyama Castle, Okaido, and Dogo Onsen.
Multiple Tram Lines
There are five tram lines in total.
Out of these, only trams on Line 3 and Line 5 go to Dogo Onsen.
From JR Matsuyama Station-mae to Dogo Onsen Station
If you’re heading to Dogo Onsen from JR Matsuyama Station-mae, the easiest way is to take Line 5.
By taking the Line 5 tram, you can get to Dogo Onsen Station without transferring.
If You Board the Wrong Tram
JR Matsuyama Station-mae is served by trams on Line “1”, “2”, and “5”.
If you mistakenly board Line “1” or “2”, get off before Kamihyotan Station.
This is because the trams either go toward Dogo Onsen or loop around the city after Kamihyotan Station. As long as you get off before that station, you can recover from the mistake.
As shown above, you can correct your mistake by getting off before Kamihyotan Station.
- If you get off at Otemachi-mae Station or Nishihoribata Station:
- Simply board a Line 5 tram again.
- If you get off between Minamihoribata and Kamihyotan Station:
- Board either a Line 3 or Line 5 tram again.
Lines “1” and “2” are loop lines and do not go to Dogo Onsen.
You can identify the route number on the front of each tram. To reach Dogo Onsen, be sure to board a tram on Line 3 or 5.
From Matsuyamashi Station to Dogo Onsen Station
If you’re taking the tram from Matsuyamashi Station to Dogo Onsen, you should board a Line 3 tram.
From Matsuyamashi Station, trams on Lines 1, 2, 3, and 6 are available, but only Line 3 goes to Dogo Onsen.
If you get on the wrong tram, just get off before Kamihyotan Station and transfer to Line 3 to continue on to Dogo Onsen.
Don’t Worry—The Next Tram Will Be Along Soon
Lines 3 and 5 trams heading to Dogo Onsen run every 3 to 9 minutes.
Even if you get on the wrong tram, just stay calm, get off before Kamihyotan Station, and transfer.
