Iyotetsu Streetcar (Tram) User Guide (How to Board/Alight and Fare Payment System)

1. Basic Overview and Route Network of the Iyotetsu City Tram (Streetcar)

As a means of transportation connecting major spots in Matsuyama City and the Dogo Onsen area, there is the "city tram (streetcar)" operated by Iyotetsu. Starting from Dogo Onsen Station, it connects major areas that serve as bases for tourism and travel, such as JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyamashi Station, and Okaido.

There are general operating vehicles (single cars and ultra-low-floor barrier-free cars) and the "Botchan Train," which has sightseeing elements. Since the fare systems and boarding procedures for the two differ significantly, this article explains the boarding procedures and payment methods for the general "city tram," which travelers use most frequently for daily travel.

2. Boarding and Alighting Procedures for the Tram (Door Usage Rules of Boarding from the Rear and Alighting from the Front)

The boarding and alighting process for the Iyotetsu city tram uses a system of "boarding from the rear door and alighting from the front door (rear-board, front-alight)".

1. When the tram arrives at the tram stop, enter the vehicle through the "boarding" door located at the center or rear of the vehicle. No fare payment is required when boarding.
2. When approaching your destination tram stop inside the vehicle, press the "stop button" installed on the wall or handrail to notify the driver of your intention to alight.
3. After the tram has come to a complete stop, move to the "alighting door (next to the driver)" at the front of the vehicle, pay the fare, and then alight.

Since this procedure is different from the "front-board, center-alight" or "pre-payment ticket gate" systems seen in public transportation systems abroad, it is important to check the positions of the boarding and alighting doors beforehand.

3. Fare Payment System and Operating Procedures When Alighting

Fare payment for the city tram is made using the fare box or IC card reader installed next to the driver when alighting.

When paying with cash, insert coins directly into the fare box. Although a money changer is attached to the fare box inside the vehicle, for safety reasons, changing money must be done while the tram is stopped. Preparing coins for the fare in advance or changing money while stopped allows for a smooth exit. Child fares are required from elementary school students (equivalent to half the adult fare), and the treatment of preschool children is based on accompanying conditions. In addition, when applying the disability discount, various certificates must be presented when alighting.

Note that the specific fare amount for the city tram may change depending on the season or revisions, so please check in advance using the "Tram & Bus Fare and Timetable Search System" on the official website of Iyotetsu (https://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/rosen/).

4. Available Payment Methods and Application of Cashless Discounts

As payment methods when alighting, cash as well as various cashless payments are widely introduced.

The main supported payment methods are as follows. ・Nationwide mutual-use transit IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, SUGOCA, etc.) ・Mican App ・Mobile ICOCA

When using transit IC cards for nationwide mutual use (ICOCA, etc.) or mobile payment, a discount of 20 yen is applied to the fare as a cashless discount. When using it, firmly tap the IC card on the card reader of the fare box when alighting to complete the payment.

★Important Note: The proprietary IC card "IC E-card," which was formerly used on Iyotetsu, ended all of its services as of September 30, 2025. Please be careful if you are planning your trip based on past information.

5. Transfers at Dogo Onsen Station and Operation of the "City Tram/Limousine Bus 1-Day Ticket"

When riding the tram or bus multiple times for travel within Matsuyama City, digital tickets such as the "City Tram/Limousine Bus 1-Day Ticket" can be utilized.

Overview of the "City Tram/Limousine Bus 1-Day Ticket": ・Price: Adults 2,300 yen / Children 1,150 yen ・Eligible Routes: All city tram lines (excluding the Botchan Train), Matsuyama Airport Limousine Bus, Matsuyama Kanko Port Limousine Bus ・Sales Format: Digital tickets only (Paper tickets are not sold. Purchase from the "Mican App" or the Jorudan "Norikae Annai" app) ・Benefit: One ride on the regular gondola of the giant ferris wheel "Kururin" at Iyotetsu Takashimaya is available for 500 yen per person (translucent/see-through gondolas are not eligible)

When traveling round-trip between Matsuyama Airport and Dogo Onsen Station by limousine bus (normally cash 1,200 yen one-way / cashless 1,180 yen × 2 = round-trip 2,360 to 2,400 yen), if the itinerary involves round-trip travel within the same day, using the 1-Day Ticket (2,300 yen) will cost less than the round-trip fare, and furthermore, you will have unlimited rides on the city tram.

When alighting using a digital ticket, clearly present the valid ticket screen displayed on your smartphone screen to the driver.

6. Points to Note Regarding On-Board Manners and Handling of Luggage

In order to use the tram safely and comfortably, passengers are required to follow Iyotetsu's official usage guidelines and general boarding manners.

・Just like in changing rooms or bathrooms, be considerate not to obstruct the passage of other passengers when moving inside the vehicle. ・Large backpacks, such as rucksacks, can block aisles if worn on the back, so carry them by hand or hold them in front of your body when moving. ・Take care not to place wet rain gear or large luggage directly on the seats. ・Please cooperate by moving further inside the vehicle instead of standing near the doors when it is crowded.

Although boarding and alighting are relatively calm when boarding from Dogo Onsen Station as it is the starting station, many passengers board and alight at major tram stops along the way, so managing your hand luggage and moving smoothly when boarding and alighting are recommended.

※ Business hours, fees, and operating schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the detail pages of each spot and official information for the latest details.