The Japanese city that preserved its 19th-century tram system
In short: While most Japanese cities modernized their transit by abandoning old rails, Matsuyama kept its original tram network running since 1887. This rare preservation links the modern capital of Ehime Prefecture to a century of history, weaving through a landscape shaped by ancient hot springs and samurai strongholds.
Matsuyama serves as the largest city on Shikoku Island, characterized by its humid subtropical climate and strategic location facing the Seto Inland Sea. Its urban core developed around Matsuyama Castle during the Tokugawa shogunate, forming a traditional jōkamachi (castle town). This historical foundation is complemented by Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring areas, which has been a notable destination since at least 596, when it was visited by Shōtoku Taishi.
The city’s cultural identity is deeply intertwined with literature and the arts. It serves as a primary center for the international haiku movement, largely due to the influence of poet Masaoka Shiki. The city also features prominently in Japanese fiction, such as Natsume Sōseki's 'Botchan,' which inspired local landmarks like the Botchan Ressha—an antique train running on the very tramway that has survived since 1887. This literary connection extends to its culinary heritage, where 17th-century Portuguese tart-making techniques were adapted by local lords to create the city's signature tarts.
Beyond its cultural landmarks, Matsuyama is a significant regional commercial hub. It balances traditional tourism with heavy industry, hosting production bases for chemical fibers and manufacturing giants like Miura and Iseki. Despite being heavily bombed in 1945—losing over 55% of its area—the city has maintained its role as an economic anchor, supporting a diverse economy that ranges from mandarin orange agriculture to modern industrial manufacturing.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Matsuyama
- Also: Wikidata — Matsuyama · CC0
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