The line runs entirely within the city of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

[1] The Jōhoku Line was built in 1895 by Dōgō Railway (道後鉄道) as a 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge railway that ran steam locomotives.

[2] Dōgō Railway was merged with Iyotetsu in 1900, who continued to operate the line.

[3][4] In 1911, the line was converted into 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) railway and electrified.

[5] : Stations served by the heritage railway train Botchan[6]