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How to travel between Matsuyama and Tokyo
By air
ANA and JAL operate several flights per day between Matsuyama and Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The regular one way fare is around 32,000 yen, but discounts tickets can bring the cost down to around 13,000 to 25,000 yen. With an air pass you can make the journey for even less.
Flight duration is around 90 minutes. From Matsuyama Airport, a bus takes passengers into Matsuyama City. The bus stops first at JR Matsuyama Station (300 yen, 15 minutes), then at Matsuyama-shi Station (400 yen, 20 minutes) and finally at Dogo Onsen (450 yen, 35 minutes).
By train
Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (3.5 hours) and transfer to a JR Shiokaze limited express train for Matsuyama (2.5 hours). The entire one way trip takes around 6.5 hours and costs about 20,000 yen.
Because the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on nozomi trains, pass holders have to use hikari trains between Tokyo and Okayama, which adds about 45-60 minutes to the travel time. Otherwise, the pass fully covers the trip.
By highway bus
Several overnight highway buses are operated every day between Tokyo and Matsuyama. The regular one way fare is 12,000 yen, but discount buses, such as those operated by Willer Express can be considerably cheaper.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
Matsuyama has two main train stations: JR Matsuyama Station to the west of the city center and Matsuyama-shi Station, the main station of the local Iyotetsu Railways company in the south of downtown. Matsuyama Castle defines the city center, while Dogo Onsen is located on the northeastern outskirts of the city.
The most convenient way to travel around the city is by tram. Iyotetsu operates five tram lines across the city, connecting JR Matsuyama Station in the west, to Matsuyama-shi Station in the south and Dogo Onsen area to the northeast. A single tram ride costs 150 yen regardless of distance traveled. A one-day pass for unlimited use on one calendar day is available for 300 yen.
To use the tram, board through the rear door just like on local buses. Payment is made with exact change upon exit through the front door. There are change machines to break bills and 500 yen coins inside the trams next to the driver.
Tram in Matsuyama
Iyotetsu also operates an extensive bus network through Matsuyama. For most tourists, the trams provide adequate access to all sightseeing areas. Three buses however, may be of interest: the first operates between Dogo Onsen and Ishiteji Temple (5 minutes, 150 yen). Two other buses shuttle passengers to Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Port (see below).
Matsuyama Airport lies on the city's southwestern boundary. Airport buses serve JR Matsuyama Station (300 yen, 15 minutes), Matsuyama-shi Station (400 yen, 20 minutes) and Dogo Onsen (450 yen, 35 minutes). Besides domestic destinations, Matsuyama Airport also has international flights to Seoul and Shanghai.
Matsuyama Port (Matsuyama Sightseeing Port) is located northwest of the city center. From Matsuyama-shi Station, take the Iyotetsu Takahama Line to Takahama Station (20 minutes, 400 yen), from where the port is a short bus ride (2 minutes, 150 yen) or a 10-15 minute walk. Alternatively, there are direct, hourly buses from JR Matsuyama Station to the port (20 minutes, 450 yen).
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