By Y’s Scenic Rail Japan
This immersive 4K/60fps cab-view video showcases a full ride aboard the Limited Express Uwajima 11, traversing the scenic route from Matsuyama Station to Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture. Operated by a female driver, the train features JR Shikoku’s N2000 series diesel multiple unit, renowned for its tilting mechanisms that enable high-speed turns through Ehime’s mountainous landscapes.
The journey departs from the elevated Matsuyama Station, which recently improved transfer convenience with the Shio-kaze limited express thanks to its new elevated platforms. As the train speeds through rural and urban vistas, viewers are treated to real-time GPS-based speed and map data overlaid on the video (note: tunnel passages may temporarily disrupt data accuracy). Excellent audio quality is provided via a linear PCM recorder, enhancing the feeling of being in the driver’s seat.
Major stops along the route include Iyoshi (伊予市), Uchiko (内子), Iyo-Ozu (伊予大洲), Yawatahama (八幡浜), Unomachi (卯之町), and Iyo-Yoshida (伊予吉田), each offering a unique glimpse of rural Shikoku. Notably, Uchiko retains elements of its Edo- and Meiji-era merchant town charm and Yawatahama is a key gateway to ferries for Kyushu. The final destination, Uwajima, is known for its historic castle and vibrant local culture.
This front-window train journey is ideal for railway enthusiasts, travelers researching Ehime’s local train travel, or anyone seeking a detailed virtual ride through Shikoku. The N2000 series train is known for its comfort and speed, making it a practical travel choice for visitors to western Ehime.