Ehime Prefecture is connected to Hiroshima by the scenic Seto Inland Sea bridges.
I have always thought the best way to visit Matsuyama from Hiroshima was by renting a car via the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.

But what if you’re not confident in driving, or don’t have a license? This seems like a big hurdle until I discovered a direct bus from Shin-Onomichi Station to Matsuyama City Station!
Let me share with you the travel experience on Kirara Express (Matsuyama-Fukuyama Line).

When you arrive at Matsuyama City Station, you can explore the famous sights around Matsuyama Castle on foot or with a charming streetcar.

If this is your first visit to Matsuyama, please check out this itinerary.
Let’s dive into the details!

 

▼Trip Overview (as of March 2025)

 

▶ Departure: JR Shin-Onomichi Station (Hiroshima)

Our journey begins at JR Shin-Onomichi Station, where the Shinkansen stops by.
From JR Hiroshima Station: 40 minutes on the Kodama bullet train.
From JR Higashi-Hiroshima Station: 26 minutes.

Once you exit the ticket gate and walk straight, you’ll find a spacious waiting area.
Though there are benches at the bus stop, this area is convenient on bad weather days!

Right nearby is a souvenir shop offering everything from Hiroshima sweets to Onomichi ramen noodles and cute local mascot goods.
If you’re meeting someone in Matsuyama, picking up a souvenir here before departure would be a great idea.

When it’s time to board, just head toward the south exit marked for buses and taxis.

The Matsuyama-bound bus departs from Platform 2, and you will find an overhead signboard.

Although the overhead sign doesn’t say “Matsuyama,” the bus stop does have a large “松山行 (Matsuyama-bound)” sign.

 

▶ Operated by 4 Companies

The Kirara Express Matsuyama-Fukuyama Line is jointly operated by:

• Iyo Railway (Iyotetsu Bus)
• Chugoku Bus
• Shimanami Bus
• Honshi Bus

This time, I rode a Honshi Bus vehicle—bright orange and reminiscent of Ehime’s famous citrus fruits.

The interior had a 2×2 seating arrangement (4 seats per row).
Seats are reserved, so you’ll have an assigned spot.
Spacious legroom and comfy seating made for a pleasant ride!

There’s free Wi-Fi onboard, perfect for checking your itinerary or getting work done.
There were no power outlets, so bring a power bank if you need to charge devices.

Though the bus doesn’t stop for breaks, it does have a restroom onboard.

A light near the driver indicates whether it’s in use.

You’ll drive along the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, with views of the beautiful island-dotted sea.

 

▶ Arrival: Matsuyama City Station (Ehime)

After about 2 hours, we arrived at Platform B3 of Iyotetsu’s Matsuyama City Station.

Now it’s time to head toward Matsuyama Castle!
You can walk about 25 minutes, or take the streetcar + a short walk (total 15 minutes).

From B3, walk left and you will find the Matsuyama City streetcar station.

I just missed a streetcar, so I walked this time.
If you use the streetcar, get off at Okaido Station.

 

▶ Let’s Explore Matsuyama Castle!

From Okaido Station, walk through the Ropeway Shopping Street to reach the ropeway terminal for the castle.

◻︎ Lunch: Rich Sea Bream Ramen Noodles at “Manpuku”

Ehime is Japan’s top producer of sea bream, so I was eager to try a dish using it.
Just a 2-minute walk from Okaido Station, I visited Matsuyama Tai (Sea Bream) Ramen Manpuku.

I ordered the salt-based sea bream ramen noodles and sea bream rice bowl.
Despite the seats being fully occupied, the food came quickly.

The ramen featured a creamy broth made from grilled sea bream bones was delicious. And hidden beneath the green onions, filled with a flavorful slice of sea bream, was so indulgent!

I poured some of the ramen broth over the rice bowl for an extra boost of flavor. A perfect combo!

Basic Info – Manpuku, Seam Beam Ramen Noodles

Hours	11:00–17:00 (last order 16:30)
Closed	Tuesdays
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/eJZcw1nqCVbY9fVi9
Phone	089-931-8122
Official Website	https://w-harmony.jp/shop/manpuku/

 

◻︎ Visit the Historic “Matsuyama Castle”

You can hike up to Matsuyama Castle, but I heard it’s a steep climb.
Instead, I headed to the Ropeway & Lift Station.

You can choose between a ropeway (with narration and shade) or a lift (no waiting time with breeze).

I took the lift since the ropeway had just departed.

The lift is a single-seater; hold your backpack in front and dangle your feet.

If you are afraid of heights, I recommend you take a ropeway. I enjoyed the breeze and views on the lift, even though I am not good at high elevations.

After the lift, it’s a 10-minute uphill walk to the castle.
I was already feeling out of breath, so I recommend you allow plenty of time for breaks!

Inside the castle are various interactive exhibits.
Many visitors stopped at the samurai sword for the weight experience. The sword I took felt surprisingly light to me for some reason!

You’ll also find samurai armor dressing experiences, with long lines, especially from international tourists.

There’s even a photo spot, perfect for snapping a memory.

Once at the top, the view over Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea was breathtaking!
The visit to the castle was surely worth a while!

Basic Info – Matsuyama Castle

Hours	Feb–July, Sep–Nov: 9:00–17:15 Aug: 9:00–17:45 Dec–Jan: 9:00–16:45
Closed	3rd Wednesday of December (for cleaning)
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/22MvFPFZ1dSR1v1o9
Phone	089-921-4873
Official Website	https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/

 

▶ Summary

This time, I took a highway bus from Shin-Onomichi Station in Hiroshima to Matsuyama City Station in Ehime Prefecture, and explored the area around Matsuyama Castle. 
Be sure to try visiting Matsuyama using a highway bus!

⇒ Learn more about the Kirara Express Matsuyama–Fukuyama Line:

https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/13400090001?AreaCd=738