By far the fastest way to travel between Hiroshima and Matsuyama is by boat. Setonaikai Kisen operates frequent high speed boats and car ferries between Hiroshima Port and Matsuyama Sightseeing Port. The one way trip takes 70 minutes and costs 7,800 yen by high speed boat, or 2.5 hours and 4,500 yen by car ferry. The cost for a regular sized car is 9,300 yen one way. Both ports are located about a 30 minute bus or tram ride outside of their respective city centers.
Travel between Hiroshima and Matsuyama by train involves a big detour via Okayama and is only recommended to Japan Rail Pass holders and travelers prone to seasickness. Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Okayama (40 minutes) and transfer to a JR Shiokaze limited express train for Matsuyama (2.5 hours). The entire one way trip takes 3.5 to 4 hours and costs about 12,000 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Sakura train between Hiroshima and Okayama, but a supplement fee is required on Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Getting around
Matsuyama has two main train stations: JR Matsuyama Station to the west of the city center and Matsuyama-shi Station (sometimes referred to as Matsuyama City Station), the main station of the local Iyotetsu Railway 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 200 yen regardless of distance traveled. A 1-day pass for unlimited use on one calendar day is available for 800 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, 220 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 (700 yen, 15 minutes), Matsuyama-shi Station (790 yen, 20 minutes) and Dogo Onsen (950 yen, 35 minutes). Besides domestic destinations, Matsuyama Airport also has a few international flights to nearby Asian destinations.
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, 460 yen), from where the port is a short bus ride (2 minutes, 220 yen) or a 10-15 minute walk.
Botchan Tram (currently temporarily out of service)
Open from 2015, Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo offers female only and mixed dormitory rooms with free WiFi. Dogo Onsen Station is a 4-minute walk away. Each bunk bed in the dormitory rooms come with a curtain to secure your privacy. Bathroom facilities and toilets are shared with other guests. Guests can cook their own meals in the shared kitchen with free-use kitchenware and seasonings. There is no laundry facility on site, however, guests can take a 10-minute stroll to a nearby public coin launderette. The nearest super market is a 5-minute walk away, while the nearest convenience store is just a 2-minute walk from Cinnamon Guesthouse Dogo. The property is a 40-minute bus ride from Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Tourist Port. Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute train ride away.
Situated 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Kowakuen Haruka is a sustainable 4-star accommodation in Matsuyama, boasting an open-air bath, a garden and private parking. It is set less than 1 km from Matsuyama Shrine and offers a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation features a hot spring bath, public bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. All units at the ryokan come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. Units have a kettle, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others also feature garden views. At the ryokan, the units are fitted with bed linen and towels. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at the ryokan. Miyukiji Temple is 1.4 km from Kowakuen Haruka, while Matsuyama castle is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from the accommodation.
Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring features rooms in Matsuyama near Matsuyama Civic Center and Ishitegawa Park. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near Dormy Inn Matsuyama Natural Hot Spring include Yasaka Temple, Okaido Shopping Street and Botchan Train Museum. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
Set in Matsuyama, 600 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, Yamatoya Honten provides accommodation with a hot spring bath, a public bath and an open-air bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. The ryokan offers some units that feature a safety deposit box, and units are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer. There is a coffee shop and bar. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Matsuyama Shrine is less than 1 km from the ryokan, while Miyukiji Temple is a 19-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from Yamatoya Honten.
Featuring 1-star accommodation, 3LDK Denchi is set in Matsuyama, less than 1 km from Yasaka Temple and a 9-minute walk from Matsuyama Civic Center. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Botchan Train Museum is 100 metres away. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a kettle. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Okaido Shopping Street, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Matsuyama Station. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from 3LDK Denchi.
Situated in the popular Dogo Hot Spring area, Onsen Ryokan Dougoya provides traditional Japanese-style accommodation with natural a hot spring bath and a lovely garden. Free WiFi is available in guest rooms. The ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from famous Dogo Hot Spring Bathhouse. It is a 8-minute walk from Dogo Onsen tram stop, which is an 18-minute ride away from JR Matsuyama Station. Iconic Matsuyama Castle is a 15-minute tram and a 5-minute lift ride away. Each room at Dogoya is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. Private rooms feature a low table and seating cushions. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. Two 24-hour shower rooms are available on site. Free toiletries and free towel rental are available in the hot spring bath and shower. Private use of public hot spring bath is available during limited hours. Guests can relax in the common room with a flat-screen TV. Free luggage storage and a free safety deposit box to store valuables is available.
Situated 600 metres from Botchan Train Museum, Comfort Hotel Matsuyama offers 3-star accommodation in Matsuyama and has free bikes. The property is around 1.1 km from Matsuyama Station, 1 km from Okaido Shopping Street and 1.8 km from Matsuyama castle. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Comfort Hotel Matsuyama rooms include bed linen and towels. Languages spoken at the 24-hour front desk include English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Matsuyama Civic Center, The Museum of Art, Ehime and Yasaka Temple. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 7 km from Comfort Hotel Matsuyama.
REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS is situated in Matsuyama, within 1.3 km of Matsuyama Station and 1.2 km of Yasaka Temple. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The hotel has a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Botchan Train Museum, Matsuyama Civic Center and The Museum of Art, Ehime. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 6 km from REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama offers accommodation in Matsuyama near Matsuyama castle and Botchan Train Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms at the japanese-style business hotel feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Okaido Shopping Street, Yasaka Temple and Ishitegawa Park. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 8.5 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama.
Ideally set in the Dogo Hot Spring district of Matsuyama, DogoYaya is situated 500 metres from Joshin-ji Temple, 800 metres from Matsuyama Shrine and 1.3 km from Miyukiji Temple. With a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. The reception at DogoYaya can provide tips on the area. Matsuyama castle is 2.3 km from the accommodation, while Yasaka Temple is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsuyama Airport, 10 km from DogoYaya.
