Getting to Tobe
Every practical way to reach Tobe from Matsuyama and the main gateways, with times, rough costs and how to get around once you arrive.
Tobe is the next town south of Matsuyama on Route 33, the road that continues to Kuma Kogen. There is no railway, but city buses are frequent.
Routes to Tobe at a glance
| From | How | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matsuyama City Station | Iyotetsu bus (Tobe line) | 40–50 min | Every 20–30 minutes; roughly ¥600–700 to the pottery district |
| Matsuyama City Station | Iyotetsu bus to Tobe Zoo | About 40 min | Direct buses at weekends and holidays; otherwise walk 15–20 min from the main-road stop |
| Central Matsuyama | Car via Route 33 | About 30 min | Free parking at the Industry Hall; paid parking at the zoo |
| Matsuyama Airport | Private transfer or rental car | About 25–30 min | No direct public bus |
Times are typical journey times; fares are rough guides. Timetables change every spring — check the operator before you travel.
By bus
Buses for Tobe leave from Matsuyama City Station (not the JR station) and also stop near Okaido. For pottery, ride almost to the end of the line and get off at the Traditional Industry Hall stop. For the zoo, use a direct zoo bus if one is running, or get off on the main road and walk up the hill. An Iyotetsu one-day pass may not cover the full distance — check the zone before relying on it.
By car
Drive south on Route 33 from central Matsuyama; the zoo turning comes first, the pottery district a few kilometres further. With a car it is easy to add temples 46 and 47 of the Shikoku pilgrimage on the way, or to continue over the pass to Kuma Kogen.
Getting around Tobe
The kiln district is walkable from the Traditional Industry Hall, though it is hilly and spread over a couple of kilometres. Between the pottery area and the zoo, take a taxi or the main-road bus. Bicycles are not ideal here because of the slopes and traffic on Route 33.
Ready for Tobe?
Lock in a guide, a tasting or a day trip for Tobe now — most GetYourGuide bookings can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before.