The popular topic of Anpanman! Have fun as a family in Shikoku, at the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum, and more!
Kochi Prefecture is currently a popular topic. In this prefecture, you’ll find the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum in Kami City, a must-see spot for Anpanman fans. The Anpanman Trains, which run across different areas of Shikoku, are also in the spotlight. This article shares information about our recommendations for enjoying Shikoku with your child, especially Anpanman.
Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, and the charms of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture
Anpanman is the embodiment of “irreversible justice,” offering food to people who are in trouble or starving.
The creator of the national character Anpanman was Takashi Yanase, and Kami City in Kochi Prefecture is notable for its locations connected to him and his wife, Nobu. Here, in this area of rich nature with expansive and stunning views of beautiful valleys, clear streams, and the mountains of Shikoku, you’ll find the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum and Poem & Märchen Gallery, a must-see for Anpanman fans.
The creator of the national character Anpanman was Takashi Yanase, and Kami City in Kochi Prefecture is notable for its locations connected to him and his wife, Nobu. Here, in this area of rich nature with expansive and stunning views of beautiful valleys, clear streams, and the mountains of Shikoku, you’ll find the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum and Poem & Märchen Gallery, a must-see for Anpanman fans.
The charms of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture
The Monobe River area in Kami City offers expansive and stunning views of beautiful valleys, clear streams, and the mountains of Shikoku, with an abundance of places to experience the natural world.
The regional cuisine made with local ingredients is another of this city’s charms, and includes monobe yuzu citrus fruits, characterized by their refreshing taste, river fish nurtured in the clear streams, such as ayu and amego, and deer meat, which has attracted attention as a new specialty product.
Find out more about Kami City and the Monobe River area
What is the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall? What are its highlights? Enjoy the world of Anpanman with your family
The Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall is made up of the Anpanman Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Anpanman, the Poem & Märchen Gallery, where you’ll find a collection of original covers of “Poem & Märchen” (Shi to Meruhen), the magazine Yanase Takashi served as chief editor for, and the Annex, which holds exhibitions. The Anpanman Museum contains original picture book covers, a diorama of the town where Anpanman and his friends live, recreated in miniature, and more, enabling visitors to encounter Anpanman and his friends throughout this facility.
Ever since the Memorial Hall opened, it has been visited by large numbers of children and their families from across Japan. It is a place of dreams for children, and is loved by adults as a space to learn much more about the background of Takashi Yanase’s works.
On top of this, Takashi Yanase’s view of the world is reflected in the outside of the facility and in its surroundings; the artworks installed here are also popular spots for photos. The museum shop offers a wonderful assembly of goods and picture books only available here, making it a perfect place to find souvenirs.
Ever since the Memorial Hall opened, it has been visited by large numbers of children and their families from across Japan. It is a place of dreams for children, and is loved by adults as a space to learn much more about the background of Takashi Yanase’s works.
On top of this, Takashi Yanase’s view of the world is reflected in the outside of the facility and in its surroundings; the artworks installed here are also popular spots for photos. The museum shop offers a wonderful assembly of goods and picture books only available here, making it a perfect place to find souvenirs.
Introducing sightseeing spots around the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall
After having your fill of Anpanman’s world, make sure you head to spots you can enjoy as a family in the surrounding area. Explore the mysterious Ryuga Cave, born from the natural world of Kami City, and visit the canola flower field in the sky, a spectacular expanse on a mountain. If you go a little further, you can enjoy seasonal fruit-picking and colorful flowers in Nankoku City’s Nishijima Engei Danchi.
Make the most of Anpanman while on the move! Shikoku’s Anpanman Trains
 |
 |
 |
It’s convenient to get around by car if you are travelling as a family, but if you want to make the most of your travel time, we recommend JR Shikoku’s Anpanman Trains. As of August 2025, there are five Anpanman Trains (excluding limited-time trains) in operation, which feature Anpanman and his friends.
Depending on the train, you’ll find illustrations and decorations of Anpanman and his friends at every turn inside, making even being on board an exciting experience, and these trains are especially popular among families travelling with children. Without doubt, they’ll make even the time you spend travelling a fun and unforgettable memory.
Red and Yellow Anpanman Trains (Nanpu limited express train)/Dosan Line (between Okayama and Kochi) [center]
These trains connect Kochi Station and Okayama Station. Anpanman seats are available in the first carriage, and the world of Anpanman is spread across the seating, curtains, and even the ceiling. These are the only Anpanman trains that take you from Okayama Station to Kochi Prefecture, where you’ll find the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall.
<Recommended spots along the line>
[Kagawa Prefecture]
・Shikoku Aquarium (within walking distance of Utazu Station, the nearest station)
・Kotohira-gu Shrine (within walking distance of Kotohira Station, the nearest station)
[Kochi Prefecture]
・Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall (take the Anpanman Bus from Tosa-Yamada Station, the nearest station)
Series 8000 Anpanman Train (Shiokaze/Ishizuchi limited express trains) / Yosan Line (between Okayama/Takamatsu and Matsuyama) [right]
This vehicle is characterized by its rainbow-motif design. Anpanman seats are available in the first carriage.
<Recommended spots along the line>
[Kagawa Prefecture]
・Ritsurin Garden (nearest station: Ritsurinkoen-Kitaguchi Station (one stop from Takamatsu Station))
・Shikoku Aquarium (nearest station: Utazu Station)
[Ehime Prefecture]
 |
 |
This trolley train has no window sashes, so you can experience the salty breezes of the Seto Inland Sea as it crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
Start from Okayama, and head over the Seto Ohashi Bridge to Shikoku!
In Takamatsu City, enjoy the Ruins of Takamatsu Castle/Tamamo Park and savor long-loved local flavors such as Kagawa’s specialty honetsukidori chicken-on-the-bone in the Lion Street Shopping Arcade.
YuYu Anpanman Car (connected to part of the Tsurugisan limited express train) / Tokushima Line (between Tokushima and Awa-Ikeda) [center]
This train contains a playroom and Anpanman seats for children to enjoy.
<Recommended spots along the line>
[Tokushima Prefecture]
・Awa Odori Kaikan, Bizan Ropeway (within walking distance of Tokushima Station, the nearest station)
・Oboke and Koboke gorges, Iya Valley (change to the Dosan Line from Awa-Ikeda Station, the nearest station)
Places to enjoy Anpanman in stations!
Make the most of spots for commemorative photos and artworks in the Takamatsu Anpanman Train Parks on the premises of Kochi Station and on the fourth floor of the North building of TAKAMATSU ORNE, a Takamatsu Station building.
You’ll also find benches where you can take a commemorative photo with Anpanman and his friends inside the ticket gates of Takamatsu Station, Tosa-Yamada Station, Tokushima Station, Matsuyama Station, and Iyo-Saijo Station—make sure to look out for them!
See the service lines of the Anpanman Trains and related spots
A sure delight for children! Stay in an Anpanman Room!
If you’re travelling in Shikoku with a child that loves Anpanman, why not make your accommodation one “with Anpanman?”
The JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture offers a popular Anpanman Room for families. This hotel is directly connected with Takamatsu Station, offering excellent access, and also serves as a good base for sightseeing.
Enter the room with a key decorated with Anpanman, and you’ll be welcomed by toys of Anpanman and his friends, picture books, original amenities, and more! The room also offers views of Symbol Tower and Takamatsu Station.
Taking a journey on the Anpanman Train and then staying in this special room will surely make your trip a memorable one. We recommend making an early reservation, as this room is popular.
The JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture offers a popular Anpanman Room for families. This hotel is directly connected with Takamatsu Station, offering excellent access, and also serves as a good base for sightseeing.
Enter the room with a key decorated with Anpanman, and you’ll be welcomed by toys of Anpanman and his friends, picture books, original amenities, and more! The room also offers views of Symbol Tower and Takamatsu Station.
Taking a journey on the Anpanman Train and then staying in this special room will surely make your trip a memorable one. We recommend making an early reservation, as this room is popular.
Popular spots for a family trip! Aquariums and zoos where everyone can have fun
Experience Shikoku's cuisine and culture with your family!
See our feature article, “Fun for both parents and children! Nature activities and crafting experiences 1”
See our feature article, “Fun for both parents and children! Nature activities and crafting experiences 2”
Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Museum) [left]
Nakano Udon School Takamatsu Campus (Udon noodle Making Experience) [center]
Tobe Town Ceramic Art Creation Center [right]
See our feature article, “Fun for both parents and children! Nature activities and crafting experiences 2”
 |
 |
 |
Nakano Udon School Takamatsu Campus (Udon noodle Making Experience) [center]
Tobe Town Ceramic Art Creation Center [right]
Fun for both parents and children! Places to play and scenic spots in Shikoku
Explore history as a family! Visit Shikoku’s castles and historic remains
Enjoy experiences unique to Shikoku!
Shikoku offers plenty of experiences that parents and children can enjoy together. From pleasure cruises and rafting down rivers to udon-making experiences through which you can savor freshly made noodles, Japanese paper-making using time-honored techniques, and dyeing and ceramics experiences, you’ll find an abundance of activities for children to stimulate all the senses.
Make more profound memories of your trip through the fun of doing rather than just seeing—try taking on the challenge of festival dancing or picking fruit on a farm. Why not experience the natural world and culture of Shikoku together with your family?
Experience plans to enjoy in Shikoku, from udon-making to indigo-dyeing
Check out our itineraries for families!
These itineraries pack in destinations that parents and children can enjoy together in Shikoku, including the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall, the Anpanman Trains, the Anpanman Room, and places where you can experience the natural world and culture.
Part of their appeal is the easy mobility offered by a car, and the ability to freely combine destinations.
If you want to make the most of Shikoku in a limited time, make sure you plan a complete family trip using our itineraries, based on your child’s age and interests!
See more