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