Photos

Botchan Train

Botchan Train (traditional street car), the matchbox-like train that runs around Matsuyama, was reproduced as a diesel locomotive based on the original steam locomotive that operated in Matsuyama from 1888 to 1954. The conductors' uniforms and timber finish used inside the carriages lend a sense of realism and a retro-feel to the train.

Stops at: Matsuyama Shieki City Station, Okaido, Dogo Onsen Ekimae Street Car Station, JR Matsuyama Station, and Komachi.

Operates about once an hour all year round (number of runs and timetable varies for Saturdays, Sundays and as required depending on the season)

Fare: 300yen per ride

Time required: Approximately 30 minutes


Modern and contemporary ages of Matsuyama

Shiki Masaoka born in Matsuyama led the haiku innovation. He and his followers including Hekigoto Kato and Khoshi Takahama founded the literary journal "Hototogisu".
Haiku was introduced to Europe and the United States in the begining of the 20th century and now people in dozens countries of the world compose haiku with their own language.
Souseki Natsume was one of Shiki's friends and wrote the novel "Botchan", which was set in Matsuyama. This novel was written based on his experience as an English teacher in Matsuyama. "Botchan" is viewed as one of his most important works. This novel is still well-known today, and the word "Botchan" is associated with Matsuyama.
Novelist and writer Kenzaburo Oe born in Uchiko Town won the 1994 Nobel prize for literature. He is the second recipient of this prize in Japan after Yasunari Kawabata.
For other than literature, an architect Kenzaburo Tange was born in Ehime Prefecture. He is one of the leading figure in Japanese architecture and designed Tokyo's City Hall.

The station behind the train

This train stop, also known as the doorway to the Dogo Onsen Hot Springs, embodies all the innocent charm of the Meiji Era and stands out admirably as a landmark within the picturesque Hot Springs Resort District. Along with the "Botchan" train operations, you'll be guided around the station area by the Botchan, Madonna and Red Shirts.




This picture was taken moments before it left, you can see the steam on the sides.

I hope you like the picture