Botchan Train — The Meiji-Era Steam Train Named After "Botchan"

"A Matchbox-like Train"

When traveling through the streets of Dogo and Matsuyama, you will see a retro steam locomotive-style train running along the street tracks. This is the Botchan Train. Its name originates from Natsume Soseki's novel Botchan. In the work, the Iyo Railway of the light railway era, which the protagonist rode when arriving at his post at a Matsuyama junior high school, was described as a "matchbox-like train," and this nickname spread from there. A passage from a literary work became the name of the train itself.

A Steam Locomotive Born in Germany in 1888

The roots of the Botchan Train go back to October 28, 1888, when Iyo Railway opened service between Matsuyama (now Matsuyama City Station) and Mitsu. Running at that time was a small steam locomotive manufactured by the Krauss company in Munich, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany. Running on a narrow gauge (762 mm), this small locomotive drove Matsuyama's modernization as Shikoku's first railway.

78 Years of History and a Temporary Curtain Call

Thereafter, the steam Botchan Train was cherished for a long time as a means of transport for Matsuyama, but it could not resist the wave of motive power modernization and ended operations in 1954. The lineage of steam locomotives spanning 78 years since 1888 temporarily drew to a close here. Some of the retired railcars have been preserved at Shikido (in Matsuyama City), which is associated with Masaoka Shiki, and Baishinji Park, conveying their past appearance to the present day.

"Living Memory" Revived in the Heisei Era

Nearly half a century later, in 2001, Iyo Railway revived the Botchan Train as a restored operational service. While faithfully recreating the appearance of the steam locomotives of that time, the current cars run on environmentally friendly diesel engines. Clothed in the atmosphere of the Meiji period, the train comes and goes today along the streetcar tracks in Matsuyama City, including in front of Dogo Onsen Station, making it an indispensable part of the hot spring town's scenery.

Checking Current Usage Information

According to Iyo Railway's official guidance, the Botchan Train is 1,300 yen for adults and 650 yen for children per ride. Nationwide mutually usable transit IC cards such as ICOCA can also be used. It is announced that operating days are Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and that it does not operate during the New Year period from December 30 to January 3. The operating timetable, route map, and boarding location guide can be checked on the official website.

Learning About the Train in Other Locations

In front of Matsuyama City Station, there is the Botchan Train Museum, which is announced to have free admission. In addition, the Botchan Train Locomotive No. 1 is on display at Baishinji Park. Beyond seeing the actual train in front of Dogo Onsen Station, visitors can trace the progression from the steam locomotive era to the restored operation through the museum and exhibition vehicles.

The official website also provides information in English, Chinese, and Korean, organized by section into fares, boarding locations, operating sections, timetables, history, the Botchan Train after restoration, and Q&A. When considering taking a ride, you can check not only the operating days but also the operating timetable and operating sections using the same guide. Since the required information differs between viewing it as scenery in front of Dogo Onsen Station and actually taking a ride, refer to the official information according to your purpose.

The official website also provides information in English, Chinese, and Korean, organized by section into fares, boarding locations, operating sections, timetables, history, the Botchan Train after restoration, and Q&A. When considering taking a ride, you can check not only the operating days but also the operating timetable and operating sections using the same guide. Since the required information differs between viewing it as scenery in front of Dogo Onsen Station and actually taking a ride, refer to the official information according to your purpose.

When viewing at Dogo Onsen Station, plans can be divided based on whether you will take a ride or view the railcar parked in front of the station. By checking the operating days and timetable in the official guide and reading the history of the restored train alongside it, you can understand the connection between the current train and the Meiji-period locomotives.

The official website also provides information in English, Chinese, and Korean, organized by section into fares, boarding locations, operating sections, timetables, history, the Botchan Train after restoration, and Q&A. When considering taking a ride, you can check not only the operating days but also the operating timetable and operating sections using the same guide. Since the required information differs between viewing it as scenery in front of Dogo Onsen Station and actually taking a ride, refer to the official information according to your purpose.

When viewing at Dogo Onsen Station, plans can be divided based on whether you will take a ride or view the railcar parked in front of the station. By checking the operating days and timetable in the official guide and reading the history of the restored train alongside it, you can understand the connection between the current train and the Meiji-period locomotives.

※ Operating routes, timetables, and fares are subject to change. Please check official information from Iyo Railway when riding.