Railway journeys in Shikoku. Travel around Shikoku on JR trains, steam trains, and more!! A complete sightseeing guide
Why not travel around Shikoku on a train? Not only will you be able to see the scenery from the windows, taking one of the area’s unique trains (for example, a sightseeing train or an Anpanman train) will surely make even your time traveling into a memory of your trip. Plus, you can use a rail pass to freely travel around each area without worrying about fees. This article introduces the appeals of railway travel in Shikoku in one go. It also introduces itineraries that offer peace of mind to first-time train travelers—we hope you’ll use this as a reference for your own travels.
The many charms of railway journeys!
The main idea of journeying through Shikoku by rail is to use limited express (tokyu) trains. You can make effective use of your travel time by taking the limited express trains that connect each city. The effective use of time is an appeal of train travel: you can see beautiful scenery from the windows of your train carriage as you enjoy a meal or a drink. This is the greatest attraction of a railway journey.
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JR-Shikoku is successively introducing new and refurbished rolling stock for its limited express services. The carriages are equipped with electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi, so you can prepare for your next destination with peace of mind.
Enjoy comfortable interiors on limited express trains
JR-Shikoku is successively introducing new and refurbished rolling stock for its limited express services. The carriages are equipped with electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi, so you can prepare for your next destination with peace of mind.
Above all, the scenery from the windows is a must-see!
Shikoku has a rich natural world, with mountains, rivers, and the sea. The railways that run through this landscape offer a treasure-trove of picturesque views. Just take a casual glance outside through your window to find a wide world overflowing with natural beauty.
Here, we introduce our recommendations for must-see views.
➤Watch a video of the spectacular scenery
The view of the Seto Inland Sea and islands from the Seto Ohashi Bridge (Seto-Ohashi Line: Between Kojima and Sakaide/Udazu)
The Seto Ohashi Bridge is the railway gateway to Shikoku. Trains run above the sea for around 10 minutes on this section of track, and the beauty of the many islands in the stunning Seto Inland Sea unfolds from windows on the left and the right. In fact, the Seto Ohashi Bridge is the longest in the world for both railways and roads.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
・Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum
From the windows of a train that seems to run on water?! (Yosan Line: Between Kaiganji and Takuma)
When trains run on the section of the Yosan Line closest to the sea, you can see the ocean from the windows with no obstructions, creating the illusion that the train is running on the surface of the water. Plus, you can also see Tsushima Shrine on the divine island that can only be reached two days a year.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Shiudeyama (Mt. Shiude)
・Awashima Island
A movie location and setting for anime: the station where people alight without meaning to (Yosan Line: Shimonada Station)
Shimonada Station is a station with a wonderful view, well known as a location used in many movies and dramas. The scenery stretching out in front of its platform creates an enjoyable picture, with a glittering sea and golden sunset. Why not “alight without meaning to” and experience it for yourself?
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Iyonada Monogatari
・Canola flower fields in Urusumi
See the gallant form of Ozu Castle and the flowing waters of the Hiji River (Yosan Line: Between Iyo-Ozu and Nishi-Ozu)
Iyo-Ozu flourished as a castle town. From the railway bridge in this section of the line, you can see the flowing waters of the beautiful Hiji River and the gallant form of Ozu Castle, rising up on the high ground. And it’s not just the scenery—alight on this route to find a perfect place for an enjoyable walk around the town.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Garyu Sanso
・Omoide Soko (Storehouse of Memories)
The beauty of wild gorges, lying secluded in Tokushima (Dosan Line: Near Koboke and Oboke)
The Dosan Line connects Kagawa Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture. Trains run along the valley segment between the Oboke and Koboke gorges, and from the windows you can see the wild and stunning beauty of the gorges spread out beneath you. Make the most of the vast natural world of this secluded area, where the Yoshino River flows with the greatest rapids in Japan.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Koboke Observation Deck
・Yoshino River Rafting
Enjoy sweeping views of the beach and Pacific Ocean from the platform (Dosan Line: Awa Station)
Awa Station is unmanned. It boasts a position close enough to the sea to rival Shimonada Station, and its best feature is the Awa Coast and Pacific Ocean stretching before your eyes. We also recommend spending time with someone important to you on the Love Love Bench that stands on the platform.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari
・Yukiwari Sakura
A seaside line with views from an open deck (TOSA KUROSHIO TETSUDO (Railway): Gomen Nahari Line)
The Gomen Nahari Line runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, and trains with open decks travel upon it. As this line has multiple elevated segments, the views are incredible. The decks don’t have windows, so you can look out at the stunning sea as you feel the pleasant sea breeze.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Ioki Cave
・Nora-Dokei (Clock)
➤ Check information about trains with open decks here (Japanese Only).
Here, we introduce our recommendations for must-see views.
➤Watch a video of the spectacular scenery
The view of the Seto Inland Sea and islands from the Seto Ohashi Bridge (Seto-Ohashi Line: Between Kojima and Sakaide/Udazu)
The Seto Ohashi Bridge is the railway gateway to Shikoku. Trains run above the sea for around 10 minutes on this section of track, and the beauty of the many islands in the stunning Seto Inland Sea unfolds from windows on the left and the right. In fact, the Seto Ohashi Bridge is the longest in the world for both railways and roads.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
・Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum
From the windows of a train that seems to run on water?! (Yosan Line: Between Kaiganji and Takuma)
When trains run on the section of the Yosan Line closest to the sea, you can see the ocean from the windows with no obstructions, creating the illusion that the train is running on the surface of the water. Plus, you can also see Tsushima Shrine on the divine island that can only be reached two days a year.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Shiudeyama (Mt. Shiude)
・Awashima Island
A movie location and setting for anime: the station where people alight without meaning to (Yosan Line: Shimonada Station)
Shimonada Station is a station with a wonderful view, well known as a location used in many movies and dramas. The scenery stretching out in front of its platform creates an enjoyable picture, with a glittering sea and golden sunset. Why not “alight without meaning to” and experience it for yourself?
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Iyonada Monogatari
・Canola flower fields in Urusumi
See the gallant form of Ozu Castle and the flowing waters of the Hiji River (Yosan Line: Between Iyo-Ozu and Nishi-Ozu)
Iyo-Ozu flourished as a castle town. From the railway bridge in this section of the line, you can see the flowing waters of the beautiful Hiji River and the gallant form of Ozu Castle, rising up on the high ground. And it’s not just the scenery—alight on this route to find a perfect place for an enjoyable walk around the town.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Garyu Sanso
・Omoide Soko (Storehouse of Memories)
The beauty of wild gorges, lying secluded in Tokushima (Dosan Line: Near Koboke and Oboke)
The Dosan Line connects Kagawa Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture. Trains run along the valley segment between the Oboke and Koboke gorges, and from the windows you can see the wild and stunning beauty of the gorges spread out beneath you. Make the most of the vast natural world of this secluded area, where the Yoshino River flows with the greatest rapids in Japan.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Koboke Observation Deck
・Yoshino River Rafting
Enjoy sweeping views of the beach and Pacific Ocean from the platform (Dosan Line: Awa Station)
Awa Station is unmanned. It boasts a position close enough to the sea to rival Shimonada Station, and its best feature is the Awa Coast and Pacific Ocean stretching before your eyes. We also recommend spending time with someone important to you on the Love Love Bench that stands on the platform.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari
・Yukiwari Sakura
A seaside line with views from an open deck (TOSA KUROSHIO TETSUDO (Railway): Gomen Nahari Line)
The Gomen Nahari Line runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, and trains with open decks travel upon it. As this line has multiple elevated segments, the views are incredible. The decks don’t have windows, so you can look out at the stunning sea as you feel the pleasant sea breeze.
➤ Recommended attractions:
・Ioki Cave
・Nora-Dokei (Clock)
➤ Check information about trains with open decks here (Japanese Only).
First, head to Shikoku! Main access to Shikoku
There are several ways to get to Shikoku: rail, high-speed bus, plane, and ferry. Choose the way that best suits your own travel plans and preferences.
Rail: First, head to Okayama Station on the Shinkansen. If you change to a limited express or rapid Marine-Liner from Okayama Station, it's a straight trip to Shikoku over the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The views from the bridge are superb, and you’ll surely enjoy them even if you’re not a railway fan.
High-speed bus: Three bridges link Honshu (Japan’s main island) to Shikoku, and there are plenty of routes from the Kansai region and nearby prefectures. The fees are also comparatively cheap, and depending on the route you take, a high-speed bus can be a more effective way of traveling than the railway. If you use a night bus, you can reach Shikoku as you sleep, making this an efficient use of time.
Plane: Direct flights are available from Haneda Airport to airports in the four prefectures of Shikoku, and you can also fly directly from Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and more. The travel time is short on a plane, and the physical burden is minimal, so we recommend this option for people who have little spare time or who aren't confident in their physical strength.
Ferry: There are many sea routes to and from Shikoku—in addition to the Jumbo Ferry that links Kobe and Takamatsu, you can travel between Tokushima and Wakayama; Tokyo, Tokushima, and Kitakyushu; Matsuyama, Kure, and Hiroshima; and more. You can arrive in Shikoku in the early morning by taking a late-night service, enabling you to make the most of Shikoku’s sights from the start of the day. Another appeal of taking a ferry is the joy of the scenery and atmosphere unique to a boat trip.
Rail: First, head to Okayama Station on the Shinkansen. If you change to a limited express or rapid Marine-Liner from Okayama Station, it's a straight trip to Shikoku over the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The views from the bridge are superb, and you’ll surely enjoy them even if you’re not a railway fan.
High-speed bus: Three bridges link Honshu (Japan’s main island) to Shikoku, and there are plenty of routes from the Kansai region and nearby prefectures. The fees are also comparatively cheap, and depending on the route you take, a high-speed bus can be a more effective way of traveling than the railway. If you use a night bus, you can reach Shikoku as you sleep, making this an efficient use of time.
Plane: Direct flights are available from Haneda Airport to airports in the four prefectures of Shikoku, and you can also fly directly from Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and more. The travel time is short on a plane, and the physical burden is minimal, so we recommend this option for people who have little spare time or who aren't confident in their physical strength.
Ferry: There are many sea routes to and from Shikoku—in addition to the Jumbo Ferry that links Kobe and Takamatsu, you can travel between Tokushima and Wakayama; Tokyo, Tokushima, and Kitakyushu; Matsuyama, Kure, and Hiroshima; and more. You can arrive in Shikoku in the early morning by taking a late-night service, enabling you to make the most of Shikoku’s sights from the start of the day. Another appeal of taking a ferry is the joy of the scenery and atmosphere unique to a boat trip.
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Sleeper trains have become rather rare. Take the sleeper train Sunrise Seto to travel directly from Tokyo to Takamatsu with no changes. Not only is a trip on a sleeper train an effective use of your travel time, it’ll surely become a special memory.
The sleeper train: Sunrise Seto
Sleeper trains have become rather rare. Take the sleeper train Sunrise Seto to travel directly from Tokyo to Takamatsu with no changes. Not only is a trip on a sleeper train an effective use of your travel time, it’ll surely become a special memory.
Travel at a discount with a range of free-use tickets!
Use a rail pass to freely travel around each area of Shikoku without worrying about fees. This is essential information for people thinking about making a railway journey.
Whatever your plans, the JAPAN RAIL PASS and ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass are the two passes you’ll want to look into.
The JAPAN RAIL PASS (7 days, available from 50,000 yen for adults) enables you to use the JR lines that run around the whole of Japan as much as you like. As you travel across Japan—perhaps to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto—head a little further and make Shikoku, a new adventure, your final destination.
If you want to make the most of Shikoku, we recommend theALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass (3 days, available from 12,000 yen for adults). With this, you can use not only the JR lines in Shikoku as much as you want, you can also travel on the privately owned railways (TOSA KUROSHIO TETSUDO (Railway); Asa Coast Railway Company; TAKAMATSU-KOTOHIRA ELECTRIC RAILROAD Co., Ltd.; Iyo Railway Co., Ltd. (Iyotetsu); and TOSADEN TRAFFIC CO., LTD.) as well as the Shodoshima Ferry and Shodoshima Olive Bus. If you’re only visiting Kagawa Prefecture, check out the KAGAWA Mini Rail & Ferry Pass too.
See the official website for each pass for more details.
・ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass
・JAPAN RAIL PASS
・Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
・Kansai WIDE Area Pass
・Greater West Japan
Whatever your plans, the JAPAN RAIL PASS and ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass are the two passes you’ll want to look into.
The JAPAN RAIL PASS (7 days, available from 50,000 yen for adults) enables you to use the JR lines that run around the whole of Japan as much as you like. As you travel across Japan—perhaps to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto—head a little further and make Shikoku, a new adventure, your final destination.
If you want to make the most of Shikoku, we recommend theALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass (3 days, available from 12,000 yen for adults). With this, you can use not only the JR lines in Shikoku as much as you want, you can also travel on the privately owned railways (TOSA KUROSHIO TETSUDO (Railway); Asa Coast Railway Company; TAKAMATSU-KOTOHIRA ELECTRIC RAILROAD Co., Ltd.; Iyo Railway Co., Ltd. (Iyotetsu); and TOSADEN TRAFFIC CO., LTD.) as well as the Shodoshima Ferry and Shodoshima Olive Bus. If you’re only visiting Kagawa Prefecture, check out the KAGAWA Mini Rail & Ferry Pass too.
See the official website for each pass for more details.
・ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass
・JAPAN RAIL PASS
・Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
・Kansai WIDE Area Pass
・Greater West Japan
Now for your Shikoku railway journey! / Introducing itineraries
Travelers on their first railway journey might worry about timetables and changes. So these are itineraries that enable these first-timers to travel with peace of mind. We hope they will be useful when you are planning your railway journey around Shikoku.
A railway journey around Shikoku, starting from Takamatsu! Travel around popular spots, including Dogo Onsen and Katsurahama Beach: 3-day/2-night itinerary
From Tokushima to Kochi and Ehime Experience Shikoku’s history and natural world: 3-day/2-night railway itinerary
[Railway journey] From Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture to Kochi and Tokushima A railway trip around historic townscapes and a vast natural world: 4-day/3-night cross-Shikoku itinerary
[Railway journey] Conquer eight castles, starting from Takamatsu! Recommended for history-lovers: an itinerary for a railway journey around Shikoku
[Railway and bus journey] From Tokushima to Kochi via Cape Muroto Ride the famous DMV! Tokushima, Muroto, and Kochi itinerary using the “55” free-use ticket
A railway journey around Shikoku, starting from Takamatsu! Travel around popular spots, including Dogo Onsen and Katsurahama Beach: 3-day/2-night itinerary
From Tokushima to Kochi and Ehime Experience Shikoku’s history and natural world: 3-day/2-night railway itinerary
[Railway journey] From Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture to Kochi and Tokushima A railway trip around historic townscapes and a vast natural world: 4-day/3-night cross-Shikoku itinerary
[Railway journey] Conquer eight castles, starting from Takamatsu! Recommended for history-lovers: an itinerary for a railway journey around Shikoku
[Railway and bus journey] From Tokushima to Kochi via Cape Muroto Ride the famous DMV! Tokushima, Muroto, and Kochi itinerary using the “55” free-use ticket
Travel can also be fun! Shikoku is home to many unique trains
A number of unique trains run around Shikoku, and can make even your travel time a special experience. The great variety means there’s still more trains to choose from, including sightseeing Monogatari trains, from which you can enjoy great scenery with a meal, and Anpanman trains, which are very popular among children. If you’ve come all this way for a railway journey, why not incorporate these trains into your plan?
There’s still more! Various ways to enjoy your railway journey
Complete the Shikoku Pilgrimage on public transport: Shikoku 88 NAVI
When someone mentions the word "pilgrimage," you may imagine a walking pilgrimage, but you can also travel around using trains and buses. The “Shikoku 88 NAVI (Japanese only)” introduces routes that make use of public transport facilities, including trains and buses. We recommend this for people who would find it difficult to walk the whole way and people who want to travel while enjoying local lines.
➤See the feature article “Your First Pilgrimage” here
Enjoy cycling with bicycles & the railway! The Ehime Shimanami Rinrin Train
The Shimanami Kaido is a holy land for global cycling. It is possible to take your bicycle directly on board trains running along this part of the Yosan Line, which passes through Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, the gateway to Shikoku. Head to Shikoku from the holy land of cycling and combine this with the railway to broaden the options for your journey.
Travel as you live on the railway! 4S STAY, accommodation run by JR-Shikoku
4S STAY is a new Shikoku travel style and accommodation brand proposed by JR-Shikoku. Its accommodation, old Japanese buildings that have been renovated, is based on the concept of “travel as you live.” The hope is that travelers will enjoy not only sightseeing destinations, but also a stay in which they can discover the stories rooted in these towns.
Use hotels close to stations for your trip!
Your accommodation is important on a railway journey. If you look into hotels run by JR Shikoku Hotels, you can find a hotel close to a station, especially one of Shikoku’s main stations. There’s an array of options to suit your budget, including business hotels and luxury hotels.
When someone mentions the word "pilgrimage," you may imagine a walking pilgrimage, but you can also travel around using trains and buses. The “Shikoku 88 NAVI (Japanese only)” introduces routes that make use of public transport facilities, including trains and buses. We recommend this for people who would find it difficult to walk the whole way and people who want to travel while enjoying local lines.
➤See the feature article “Your First Pilgrimage” here
Enjoy cycling with bicycles & the railway! The Ehime Shimanami Rinrin Train
The Shimanami Kaido is a holy land for global cycling. It is possible to take your bicycle directly on board trains running along this part of the Yosan Line, which passes through Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, the gateway to Shikoku. Head to Shikoku from the holy land of cycling and combine this with the railway to broaden the options for your journey.
Travel as you live on the railway! 4S STAY, accommodation run by JR-Shikoku
4S STAY is a new Shikoku travel style and accommodation brand proposed by JR-Shikoku. Its accommodation, old Japanese buildings that have been renovated, is based on the concept of “travel as you live.” The hope is that travelers will enjoy not only sightseeing destinations, but also a stay in which they can discover the stories rooted in these towns.
Use hotels close to stations for your trip!
Your accommodation is important on a railway journey. If you look into hotels run by JR Shikoku Hotels, you can find a hotel close to a station, especially one of Shikoku’s main stations. There’s an array of options to suit your budget, including business hotels and luxury hotels.
Summary
Traveling around Shikoku by rail on your first visit here offers lots of charms and a taste of the extraordinary, with beautiful window views and trains full of individuality. Lastly, we hope you’ll have a look at our video featuring the appeal of railway travel.