【No More Confusion】The 4 Main Bus Terminals in Matsuyama Explained: JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyama City Station, Okaido & Dogo Onsen
“Should I get off at JR Matsuyama Station or Matsuyama City Station?”
“How do I get to Dogo Onsen?”
Feeling confused about getting around Matsuyama by bus? You’re not alone. Matsuyama has four major bus terminals, and first-time visitors often mix them up.
In this guide, we’ll explain which terminal is best depending on your destination, how to access each bus stop, and what facilities are available. Read this once, and navigating Matsuyama will become much easier!
First, let’s take a quick look at Matsuyama’s four main bus terminals and which one is best for your trip.
Contents
1. JR Matsuyama Station Bus Terminal
Gateway for JR Limited Express Trains & Shikoku Highway Buses
Located directly in front of JR Matsuyama Station, this terminal is convenient for travelers arriving by JR train.
Highway buses to cities around Shikoku and Okayama depart from here, as well as the limousine bus to Matsuyama Airport.
JR Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama City Station are completely different locations. They are about 15 minutes apart by tram.
【Photo Guide】How to Get from the Ticket Gate to the Bus Boarding Area
Exit the JR Matsuyama Station ticket gates and head to the right.
As of March 2026, JR Matsuyama Station is still undergoing redevelopment work, so temporary pathways may change. Please follow station signs carefully.
Do not enter the “Dandan Street” souvenir area and continue further right.
Walk underneath the elevated railway tracks.
You’ll soon see the bus rotary directly ahead.
The highway bus stop is located at the far end of the rotary.
Be careful not to mistake the airport limousine bus stop for the highway bus area.
The JR Matsuyama Station Bus Terminal is a single-story building on the first floor.
Complete Guide to Facilities
Here are the facilities available at the JR Matsuyama Station highway bus terminal.
Ticket Counter & Ticket Machines
There is a JR Shikoku Bus ticket counter inside the building next to the bus stop.
Please note that tickets for some jointly operated routes cannot be purchased here.
Automatic ticket machines are available even outside counter hours.
Waiting Area
There are a few seats inside the terminal building, but the waiting area is relatively small. Depending on the time of day, waiting at the bus stop itself may actually feel more comfortable.
Coin Lockers & Restrooms
Coin lockers and restrooms are located deeper inside the “Dandan Street” shopping area.
◎ JR Matsuyama Station Bus Terminal Information
| Business Hours | Ticket counter: 9:20–11:00 / 12:00–17:45 |
| Closed Days | Open year-round |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/feRE7wYDxuwWRMtY6 |
| Phone | JR Shikoku Bus Reservation Center: 0570-055-459 |
| Official website | https://www.jr-shikokubus.co.jp/bsmap/ |
2. Matsuyama’s Main Transportation Hub
Known locally as “Shieki,” Matsuyama City Station is the largest transportation hub in the city, operated by Iyo Railway.
Trams, suburban trains, local buses, and the largest number of highway buses all connect here.
【Photo Guide】How to Get from the Ticket Gate to the Bus Boarding Area
Exit the Iyo Railway ticket gates and head outside the station building.
The tram platforms are directly ahead. Turn right toward the bus rotary.
Continue straight and you’ll see the bus rotary.
Matsuyama City Station is currently undergoing redevelopment work, so some pathways may be narrower than before.
If you’ve visited before, the layout may feel different now.
The tram stops and highway bus stops are now separated, so be careful not to go the wrong way.
Continue straight and you’ll reach the bus rotary.
Highway buses depart from platforms B3 and B4 near the station building. It’s only a few minutes from the ticket gates and easy to find.
Complete Guide to Facilities
Here are the facilities available at Matsuyama City Station Bus Terminal.
Ticket Counter
The highway bus ticket counter is located inside the underground shopping mall “Matsuchika Town.”
Waiting Area
Covered waiting spaces are available near the bus stops, though there is no enclosed waiting room.
Coin Lockers & Wi-Fi
Coin lockers are installed throughout Matsuchika Town.
Free public Wi-Fi (“Ehime_Free_Wi-Fi”) is also available nearby.
◎ Matsuyama City Station Bus Terminal Information
| Business Hours | 10:00–19:00 |
| Closed Days | Open year-round |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/tWfkn7o51xJDmFfj6 |
| Phone | – |
| Official website | http://matsuchika-town.com/?mode=shop_detail&shop_id=61 |
3. Okaido Bus Stop
Best Access to Matsuyama Castle & Downtown
Okaido is the most convenient stop for sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife in central Matsuyama.
Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Okaido Shopping Arcade are both within walking distance.
Most highway buses stop here after departing Matsuyama City Station.
【Photo Guide】How to Find the Bus Stop
Cross the scramble intersection toward the Starbucks side near the entrance to Okaido Shopping Arcade.
Walk slightly toward Dogo Onsen and you’ll find Iyo Tetsu Travel and the bus waiting area next to Lawson convenience store.
The bus stop is located along the tram street.
Because the waiting room and Iyo Tetsu Travel office are directly beside the bus stop, it’s easy to recognize.
Complete Guide to Facilities
Here are the facilities available at Okaido Bus Terminal.
Ticket Counter
Tickets can be purchased at Iyo Tetsu Travel Okaido Branch next to the bus stop.
Please note that the office is closed on weekends and holidays, and some JR Bus tickets cannot be purchased there.
Waiting Room
A simple indoor waiting room is available separately from the ticket counter.
Coin Lockers & Wi-Fi
Coin lockers are available inside the waiting room.
Free public Wi-Fi is also available nearby.
◎ Okaido Bus Terminal Information
| Business Hours | 10:00–18:00 |
| Closed Days | Saturdays, Sundays & holidays |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2ryEU5BWABATpAG8 |
| Phone | 089-948-3131 |
| Official website | https://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/bus/kousoku/map/noriba.html?noriba=okaido |
4. Dogo Onsen Bus Terminal
Gateway to Matsuyama’s Famous Hot Spring Area
Located directly in front of Dogo Onsen Station, this terminal is the main gateway to the historic Dogo Onsen area.
Only a limited number of overnight highway buses stop at Dogo Onsen.
Most highway buses do not stop here. In many cases, it’s easier to get off at Okaido and transfer to the tram.
【Photo Guide】Access from Dogo Onsen Station
The bus terminal is located directly in front of Iyo Railway’s Dogo Onsen Station.
Several bus stops are located around the station plaza, so make sure to confirm your departure platform in advance.
Complete Guide to Facilities
Here are the facilities available at Dogo Onsen Bus Terminal.
Ticket Counter
There is no ticket office at Dogo Onsen Bus Terminal.
Passengers should reserve tickets online, by phone, or at Matsuyama City Station / Okaido beforehand.
Waiting Area
A simple covered waiting space with benches is available.
Coin Lockers & Wi-Fi
Coin lockers are located behind the bus stop area.
Additional lockers can also be found near the tourist information center beside Dogo Shopping Arcade. Many hotels and ryokan inns also offer luggage storage services.
Free public Wi-Fi is available nearby.
◎ Dogo Onsen Bus Terminal Information
| Business Hours | Available 24 hours |
| Closed Days | Open year-round |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/NzU8PSW4mHGcfVzb8 |
| Phone | – |
| Official website | https://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/bus/kousoku/map/noriba.html?noriba=dogo |
【Important】WILLER & Kotobus Use Different Boarding Locations
Most buses use the four terminals above, but some operators use separate boarding locations.
Please double-check your boarding point before travel.
Great Places to Visit While Waiting for Your Bus
Finally, here are a few convenient and easy-to-find spots near Matsuyama’s main bus terminals.
◆ with salt Hakata no Shio (JR Matsuyama Station)
Located inside the “Dandan Street” shopping area at JR Matsuyama Station.
This is the first concept shop operated by Hakata Salt Company, famous for the jingle:
“Ha-ka-ta no shio♪”
Their salted soft-serve ice cream is especially popular after a long bus ride.
The shop’s concept is:“Salt might actually be more interesting than you think.”
You’ll also find salt-themed sweets and unique local souvenirs created in collaboration with shops around Ehime Prefecture.
◎ with salt Hakata no Shio (JR Matsuyama Station)
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed Days | Open year-round |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzFe6mrW91bhYc1XA |
| Phone | 089-911-2200 |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/with_salt_hakatanoshio/ |
◆ Coffee-kan Matsuchika Store (Matsuyama City Station)
Located inside Matsuchika Town underground mall.
Freshly brewed coffee, pancakes, and light meals make this a popular stop for travelers.
Power outlets are available, and breakfast service is offered, making it especially convenient for overnight bus passengers arriving early in the morning.
◎ Coffee-kan Matsuchika Store (Matsuyama City Station)
| Business Hours | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Closed Days | Facility closing days |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8H2Ei8NpQhUos7Z7 |
| Phone | 089-945-4908 |
| Official website | https://c-united.co.jp/store/detail/087101/ |
◆ Lawson Okaido Bus Terminal Store
A Lawson convenience store is located directly beside Okaido Bus Terminal.
Perfect for buying drinks, snacks, or anything you forgot before boarding your bus.
◎ Lawson Okaido Bus Terminal Store
| Business Hours | 24-hour operation |
| Closed Days | Open year-round |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/oKNo1MnaWHp7c pqEA |
| Phone | 089-932-2300 |
| Official website | https://www.areamarker.com/lawson/info/168834?addresscode=38201 |
Summary: Choose the Right Bus Terminal & Enjoy Matsuyama More
Do you now understand the differences between Matsuyama’s four major bus terminals?
Here’s a quick comparison showing why highway buses are such a popular option in Shikoku.
Route Highway Bus Train
Matsuyama → Kochi
¥4,000 / 2.5 hrs ¥9,890 / 4 hrs
Matsuyama → Takamatsu
¥4,400 / 2.5 hrs ¥6,160 / 2.5 hrs
Matsuyama → Osaka
¥7,500 / 6 hrs ¥12,210 / 4 hrs
Prices and travel times are approximate.
Highway buses are often much cheaper than trains, and in many cases just as convenient.
Use this guide to choose the best terminal for your trip and enjoy a smoother journey around Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen!
Please go to “Japan Bus Online”.
The information in this article is current at the time of writing. It may differ from the lat
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