Iyo-Nada Monogatari Sightseeing Train
Ride a nostalgic steam train, the Botchan, offering a journey back in time with unique manual turnarounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Only days it operates
Iyo-Nada Monogatari Sightseeing Train
Best Time
Only days it operates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a nostalgic steam train, the Botchan, offering a journey back in time with unique manual turnarounds.
"Witness the fascinating manual turnaround of this charming, old-fashioned steam locomotive at Dogo Onsen Station."
Check the Schedule
Operates only on weekends & holidays with infrequent service. Plan ahead! 📅
Observe from Station
See it arrive/depart for free! Some find this more fun than riding. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 598 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Botchan Train
Dogo Onsen Station
A nostalgic steam locomotive offering a journey back in time. Experience its charm and historical significance.
Manual Train Turnaround
End Station
Witness the fascinating manual process of turning the train around for its return journey. A unique spectacle!
Dogo Onsen Station Landmark
Dogo Onsen Station
The train is a significant landmark in front of the famous Dogo Onsen bathhouse. A must-see for both.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Rides Only
Experience vs. Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shimanami Kaido Qs: Does anyone immediately backtrack to Onomichi? Is Matsuyama for half a day worth it? Gel seat covers?
5 days after Kyoto free. Doing the Shimanami Kaido solo and I have to meet up with friends in Hiroshima on Day 4. My current plan was Onomichi for a night, cycling for a day to Imabari then going immediately to Matsuyama, staying there for 2 nights and then ferrying to…
Check the Schedule
Operates only on weekends & holidays with infrequent service. Plan ahead! 📅
Observe from Station
See it arrive/depart for free! Some find this more fun than riding. :camerawithflash:
Ticket Price Consideration
1,300 yen/adult. Weigh the cost against the onboard experience. 💴
Nostalgic Experience
Enjoy the vintage feel and entertainment from the train assistant. 🎟️
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Schedule
Operates only on weekends & holidays with infrequent service. Plan ahead! 📅
Observe from Station
See it arrive/depart for free! Some find this more fun than riding. :camerawithflash:
Ticket Price Consideration
1,300 yen/adult. Weigh the cost against the onboard experience. 💴
Nostalgic Experience
Enjoy the vintage feel and entertainment from the train assistant. 🎟️
Turnaround Spectacle
Don't miss watching the train being manually turned at the end station. 🎥
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Iyo-Nada Monogatari Sightseeing Train for its nostalgic charm and the unique experience of watching the manual train turnaround. The onboard entertainment adds to the vintage feel. However, some find the ticket price a bit high for the duration of the ride, suggesting that observing the train from the station can be equally enjoyable and free.
"You can take this nostalgic train right in the down town to the famous onsen town. The train assistant will make sure you are being entertain while on the train. Do stay put at the end station and witness how they manually turn the train to the oncoming direction so that they are in time for next journey."
S Chia
"The Mog Champ sends his regards.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to board this extremely old train, it definitely would have felt like time travelling if I did I'm sure. But I think it still looked very neat and nicely maintained for a train of that aging!
Mogliest Regards,
Your Mog Champ"
The Mog Champ
"Nostalgic feeling, sitting on such a train. The fee is 1300yen/ adult. A great experience, not to be missed. It is located at the Dogo Onsen stop."
GAN LAY YONG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The train is located at Dogo Onsen Station in Matsuyama. You can reach Dogo Onsen Station via tram or bus from various points in Matsuyama city. It's a well-known landmark, making it easy to find.
Yes, Dogo Onsen Station is a major transportation hub and is easily accessible by Matsuyama's tram network and local buses. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving from different parts of the city.
While the Shimanami Kaido cycling route ends in Imabari, you would need to take a train or bus from Imabari to Matsuyama to reach the Iyo-Nada Monogatari Sightseeing Train at Dogo Onsen Station. It's not directly on the cycling route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price is 1,300 yen per adult. Some visitors feel this is a bit steep for the experience, so consider if the nostalgic ride and onboard entertainment are worth the cost for you.
Tickets can typically be purchased at Dogo Onsen Station. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially on weekends, to secure your tickets.
No, the Iyo-Nada Monogatari Sightseeing Train operates only on weekends and holidays. It also has an infrequent schedule, so checking the timetable in advance is crucial.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy seeing the train at Dogo Onsen Station without purchasing a ticket. You can witness its arrival and departure for free, which some find more enjoyable than the ride itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around Dogo Onsen Station is ideal for capturing photos of the train, especially as it arrives or departs. The station itself provides a charming backdrop. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the manual turnaround at the end station.
Yes, you can take photos inside the train while you are a passenger. The interior is designed to be nostalgic, offering unique photo opportunities of the vintage decor and seating.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The train offers a nostalgic journey with onboard entertainment provided by a train assistant who engages passengers. It's designed to feel like a step back in time, with vintage decor and a relaxed atmosphere.
At the end of its route, the train is manually turned around using a turntable mechanism. This is a unique and fascinating process that visitors can witness and photograph.
While the onboard announcements and entertainment are primarily in Japanese, the visual experience of the nostalgic train and the manual turnaround are universally enjoyable. The charm of the train itself transcends language barriers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit