坊っちゃん列車

The Botchan Train is a restored version of the steam locomotive that operated from 1888 (Meiji 21) to 1955 (Showa 30). Today it runs using a diesel engine instead of a steam engine. The nickname “”Botchan Train”” comes from Natsume Soseki’s novel “”Botchan,”” set in Matsuyama, which described it as “”a matchbox-like train.”” The Botchan Train operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. It runs 3 round trips per day on the route between “”Dogo Onsen”” – “”Okaido”” – “”Matsuyama-shi Station,”” and 1 round trip per day on the route between “”Dogo Onsen”” – “”Okaido”” – “”JR Matsuyama Station Front”” – “”Furumachi.”” A bonus perk: presenting a Botchan Train ticket allows free entry to the giant Ferris wheel “”Kururin”” at Iyotetsu Takashimaya (the see-through gondola is excluded). Nearby, there is also the free “”Botchan Train Museum,”” which displays a full-size locomotive replica and related materials. The location is Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Contact is Iyotetsu Railway Department.