Traveling from Matsuyama to Kochi is surprisingly inconvenient by train, since rail travel requires a transfer along the way. That’s why the highway bus is such a great option.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Iyotetsu Bus “Whale Express” — including boarding locations, onboard amenities, a full ride report, plus recommended gourmet spots and sightseeing ideas after arriving in Kochi.

▼In Short — Why This Bus Is Great (As of March 2026)

 

【About 2.5 Hours from Matsuyama to Kochi】What Is the “Whale Express” Highway Bus?

The “Whale Express” is a highway bus jointly operated by Iyotetsu Bus and Tosaden Kotsu. It mainly connects central Matsuyama (Matsuyama City Station and JR Matsuyama Station area) with central Kochi (Kochi Station and Harimayabashi area).
Departure and arrival points vary depending on the service.

The journey takes only about 2.5 hours! Due to its popularity, the route operates four services per day.

Please note that the Whale Express stops at “Ikku Bus Terminal,” while another Matsuyama–Kochi highway bus, the Nangoku Express, goes via “Kochi Chuo Interchange.” If you plan to use park-and-ride service, be careful not to board the wrong bus.

Bus vs Train｜Comparing Price, Time, and Convenience

Traveling between Matsuyama and Kochi by highway bus is both faster and more affordable than taking the train!

Traveling by rail requires a transfer at Tadotsu Station, and depending on the schedule, waiting times may occur.

The railway route also passes through mountainous areas with many curves, so many travelers feel that “the highway bus shakes less and is more comfortable.”

In addition, train passengers may lose mobile reception in tunnels and mountain sections, but this did not happen during the highway bus ride.

For these reasons as well, the highway bus feels like the more convenient option for traveling between Matsuyama and Kochi.

＼Direct Access from Matsuyama to Kochi by Highway Bus!／
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How to Access the Bus Terminal from Matsuyama City Station【With Photos】

From here, we’ll explain how to get to the highway bus terminal from Matsuyama City Station.

Matsuyama City Station is the main terminal station for Iyotetsu Railway.

After exiting the station building, head to the right toward the bus terminal area.

Currently, the area around Matsuyama City Station is undergoing redevelopment work, and the walkways are narrower than before.

If you have visited Matsuyama City Station before, the layout may feel different now.

Unlike in the past, the tram platforms and bus terminal are now separated, so be careful.

After passing the construction area, you will reach the rotary. The highway bus terminal is located on the station-building side.

Highway buses depart from platforms B3 and B4.

【Important】Ticket Counter Has Moved Underground! Latest Ticket Purchase Information

The Matsuyama City Station Bus Terminal is currently undergoing major redevelopment work.

As a result, the ticket counter has temporarily moved into the underground shopping area called “Matsuchika.”

Tickets can also be purchased at the ticket office near Okaido Bus Stop, which is within walking distance.

Onboard Facilities on the Whale Express

Next, let’s take a closer look at the onboard facilities available on the Whale Express running between Matsuyama and Kochi.

※Multiple companies operate this route in addition to Iyotetsu Bus. Vehicle types may vary depending on the service.

◼︎Luggage

Luggage can either be stored in the underfloor trunk compartment or brought onboard and placed on the overhead rack.

If you check luggage into the trunk, please note that vibrations may occur during travel. Fragile items such as cameras are safer inside the cabin.

◼︎Seats

The bus features four-seat-per-row seating.

The seats are soft, comfortable, and clean. They also recline, making the ride relaxing and comfortable.

Footrests are also available. One side can be used with shoes on, while the reverse side is designed for use after removing shoes.

Power outlets were also installed at the seats.

◼︎Restroom

A restroom is located at the rear right side of the bus. Since there are no scheduled restroom breaks on this route, many passengers used the onboard toilet during the trip.

The restroom was also very clean and comfortable to use.

◼︎Other Facilities

The bus also offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and personal reading lights.

Motion sickness bags were prepared in each seat pocket as well.

【Ride Report】Actually Riding the Whale Express (Flow, Breaks, and Views)

From here, I’ll share what it was actually like riding the highway bus from Matsuyama City Station Bus Terminal to Harimayabashi Bus Terminal.

When people think of Iyotetsu Bus, the classic image is an orange-colored vehicle. However, the Kochi service operates with a rare white bus featuring blue and pink stripes.

This time, I boarded the 8:05 AM departure from Matsuyama City Station. Because it was during the morning rush hour, the bus itself arrived about 10 minutes late.

According to people who often use this bus route, buses bound for Kochi do not appear on the electronic departure board at Matsuyama City Station Bus Terminal. First-time riders may find this a little confusing. However, there’s no need to worry. The drivers actively confirm destinations and kindly guide passengers.

After departure, the bus traveled through central Matsuyama toward Matsuyama Interchange, stopping briefly at Matsuyama IC.

As expected, traffic was heavy, and this section took longer than usual.

Once on the Matsuyama Expressway, traffic flowed smoothly and the ride became very comfortable. Inside the bus, some passengers were excitedly talking about where they planned to visit in Kochi, which made the trip feel even more exciting.

Because the expressway runs along elevated terrain, passengers can occasionally enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea from the window. The islands scattered across the sea looked especially beautiful from the highway.

After passing Kawanoe Bus Stop, the route entered the mountainous Shikoku region. The section between Kawanoe Junction and Nankoku Interchange contains many tunnels, but mobile reception remained stable throughout the trip.

After around 40 minutes through the mountains, the Pacific Ocean briefly came into view (it happened so quickly that I couldn’t take a photo!).

After exiting at Kochi Interchange, the bus stopped at “Ikku Bus Terminal” before arriving at “Kochi Station Bus Terminal.” About half the passengers got off there.

The bus then continued to its final stop, Harimayabashi Bus terminal. If you’re heading to Hirome Market, the shopping arcades, or Kochi’s streetcars, it’s most convenient to stay on until Harimayabashi.

Although the bus was delayed by morning rush-hour traffic in Matsuyama, it still arrived at the final stop, Harimayabashi, only about 10 minutes behind schedule.

Arrive in Kochi and Eat Right Away!3 Recommended Spots for Food Lovers and Drinkers

Finally, here are three recommended spots to visit after arriving at Harimayabashi Bus Terminal in Kochi!

Kochi is famous for both incredible food and delicious local drinks. This time, we’ve picked spots where you can fully experience authentic Kochi flavors.

◻︎ Relax at a Retro Café “Cafe Depot Kyomachi”

“Depot” is a long-established café chain in Kochi with three locations around the city. Among them, the Kyomachi branch is the most centrally located.
Their popular breakfast set, “Kochi Morning Part 4,” includes toast, sausage, salad, and even rice and miso soup.

In Kochi, some cafés continue serving breakfast menus during the daytime.

At Depot Kyomachi, breakfast items are available from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on weekdays as well.

One explanation for this custom is that Kochi locals often take things slowly the day after drinking, which helped establish the culture of all-day breakfast menus.

Depot Kyomachi is also located at the entrance of Kyomachi Shopping Arcade, known as a performance venue during the Yosakoi Festival. The open atmosphere overlooking the arcade is part of its charm.

◎ Basic Information for “Cafe Depot Kyomachi”

Business Hours	8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order: Food 8:20 PM / Drinks 8:30 PM) ※Breakfast 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM ※Lunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed	Open daily Closed during New Year holidays
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwL2ZCZt6626b7zz7
Phone	088-823-7706
Official Website	http://depot-kochi.com/

◻︎Enjoy Kochi’s Traditional Sawachi Cuisine Solo at “Tosa Ichiba”

Kochi is famous for “Sawachi Cuisine,” a local style of dining where sushi, seared bonito, fried foods, and other dishes are beautifully arranged on large shared platters.

Traditionally, these meals are served during celebrations, New Year gatherings, and family events.

At Tosa Ichiba, however, solo travelers can enjoy an individual-sized version called the “Omoide Sawachi.”

The Omoide Sawachi includes many iconic Kochi specialties such as bonito sashimi, fresh whitebait (“dorome”), and whale tongue (“saezuri”).

It’s the perfect menu for travelers wanting to experience a wide variety of Kochi cuisine in one meal.

Tosa Ichiba is conveniently located near the Harimayabashi-side entrance of Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade in central Kochi.

The restaurant also offers plenty of set meals during both daytime and evening hours, making it enjoyable no matter when you visit.

◎ Basic Information for “Tosa Ichiba”

Business Hours	11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Last order: 9:00 PM)
Closed	Irregular holidays
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/DvXqE8Cx4LKqGxwu8
Phone	088-872-0039
Official Website	https://hayakawa.group/tosa.html

◻︎ Finish the Night with Street Stall Gyoza at “Yatai Yasubei”

Have you ever heard the saying, “After drinking in Kochi, finish with street-stall gyoza”?

Previously, when we introduced Kochi sightseeing information, many readers requested information about “Yatai Yasubei.”

Their signature gyoza are fried in plenty of oil until perfectly crispy, making them one of Kochi’s most beloved late-night foods.

I visited shortly after opening around 7 PM, and the place was already nearly full.

Since the dumplings take a little time to prepare, regulars recommend ordering oden and beer while waiting.

After the gyoza, many customers finish with ramen. The bonito-based broth is light yet flavorful — perfect after a night of drinking.

Crispy dumplings, ice-cold beer, and a final bowl of ramen — the ultimate Kochi night experience.

Although it’s technically a street stall, there is a roof overhead, so it’s comfortable even on rainy days.

◎ Basic Information for “Yatai Yasubei”

Business Hours	7:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Last order: 2:30 AM)
Closed	Sundays
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/AqLbhMoNW6M5jort8
Phone	088-873-2773
Official Website	https://mfc-group.jp/yasube/shop.html

The Best Way to Explore Kochi After Arrival: Rental Bicycles

At “Tosaterasu,” the Kochi Tourist Information Center located in front of Kochi Station, visitors can rent bicycles.

Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Central Kochi is relatively flat, making it ideal for cycling.

Popular attractions such as Kochi Castle and the Kagami River where Sakamoto Ryoma is said to have once swum can be reached in around 10 minutes by bike.

Look for the large sign reading “Tourist Information.” Bicycle rentals can be arranged at the main information counter.

Please check the official website for detailed rental conditions and precautions.

If you enjoy cycling, riding all the way to Katsurahama Beach is also recommended.

◎ Basic Information for Rental Bicycles

Business Hours	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Final reception: 4:00 PM)
Rental Fees	City Bicycle: ¥500 / day Electric City Bicycle & Electric Sports Type: ¥1,000 / day
Closed	During severe weather
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/qWenCj53L9b9pTfs5
Phone	Kochi Tourist Information Center “Tosaterasu”088-879-6400
Official Website	https://kochi-tabi.jp/tabihiroba/

Summary: Matsuyama to Kochi in Just Over 2 Hours! Travel Comfortably with the “Whale Express”

The Whale Express makes traveling from Matsuyama to Kochi simple, affordable, and comfortable.

With scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea outside the window and just enough time for a relaxing nap, the roughly two-hour journey feels pleasantly easy.

After enjoying Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, why not continue your trip to Kochi for amazing food and drinks?

For convenient and comfortable travel between Matsuyama and Kochi, the Whale Express is definitely worth trying.

 

＼Direct Access from Matsuyama to Kochi by Highway Bus!／
Check Seat Availability!