Getting Around Saijō
Saijō is a sprawling city, and its public transport is best described as extensive but infrequent — trains and buses come and go on limited schedules. If you're sticking close to the main JR Yosan Line stations, you'll manage fine; anywhere further out, some basic Japanese or local help will make your trip much easier.
Rail: The JR Yosan Line
The backbone of travel in and around Saijō is the JR Yosan Line, which runs through the city between Uwajima and Takamatsu. Iyo-Saijō Station is the city's principal rail gateway.
- Limited express services: The Shiokaze limited express connects Okayama on Honshu with Iyo-Saijō, with roughly hourly departures. A Japan Rail Pass covers the fare.
- Stopping patterns: Express trains stop only at Iyo-Saijō and Nyūgawa stations, while the "Wan-Man" (one-man) local trains stop at all the stations within the city limits, running on an almost hourly basis.
- Practical tip: If your destination is a smaller station in the city, you'll need the local trains rather than the express.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Setouchi Bus operates the main regional bus network through Saijō.
- Regional express lines: Two useful Setouchi Bus lines pass through Saijō hourly from the morning until around 20:00, running between nearby Niihama and Imabari or Matsuyama, and stopping at many places throughout the city depending on the line.
- Local lines: Beyond the main regional routes, many local lines branch off into quieter areas, particularly in Tanbara and Saijō proper. Japanese knowledge is recommended if you want to use the bus system.
- Sightseeing buses: A dedicated bus runs between Iyo-Saijō Station and the Asahi Brewery. Another bus leaves from Saijō Station with limited morning runs to a lift used for visiting Mount Ishizuchi, on the city's southern border.
Taxis
Taxis are available at all the JR Yosan Line stations within the Saijō city limits, roughly between 07:00 and just after midnight, and they run later on important nights of the festival. Fares start around ¥1200 for a short trip, with the price rising quickly per kilometre after that — so taxis are best for short hops rather than long cross-city journeys.
Walkability and Bicycles
Much of Saijō is relatively flat and easily bikeable, which makes cycling a practical option for getting around town. Rental bicycles are available at the Saijō Tourism Center next to Iyo-Saijō Station for ¥200 per hour.
Getting There from the Airport
For flyers, the recommended route is to fly from Narita or Haneda to Matsuyama Airport. From there you can continue by the JR Yosan Line, or by the Setouchi Bus Matsuyama to Niihama Express Bus Line, to Iyo-Saijō Station.
- Flight options: Jetstar runs three short discounted flights daily to and from Narita; the flights are efficient, though onboard service is sparse. There is also limited service between Matsuyama Airport and Seoul, South Korea.
- By road: Saijō is reachable by the Matsuyama Expressway (Komatsu IC and Saijō IC exits) and the Imabari Expressway (Komatsu IC exit), as well as locally via National Route 11 — about 90 minutes from Matsuyama Airport.
Long-Distance Buses and Ferries
Several intercity options serve Saijō, and booking at least a day in advance is recommended, as these buses can fill up during the holiday season.
- Ishizuchi Liner: Run by Setouchi Bus, this service connects the Herbis Bus Terminal in Osaka, the Sannomiya Station area in Kobe, and Imabari Station, with stops at Saijō Station and Nyūgawa Station. It's much less expensive than travelling by train but takes four to five hours. Japanese knowledge is recommended for buying tickets at the red machines in Lawson or Family Mart convenience stores; tickets can also be purchased at the Herbis Bus Terminal in Osaka or at Imabari Station on the day of travel, with no guarantee of availability.
- Overnight service: Setouchi Bus also runs a limited overnight bus to Tokyo, the "Paireetsu Go."
- Shimanami Liner: If you can reach Imabari from Saijō, these buses run throughout the day from Imabari to Hiroshima.
- Ferry: The Orange Ferry runs between Osaka and Tōyō Port in Saijō.