From Tokushima to Kochi and Ehime Experience Shikoku’s history and natural world: 3-day/2-night railway itinerary
【DAY1】
Bizan Ropeway/Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Museum)/YuYu Anpanman Car/Harimaya Bashi/Kochi Castle/Hirome Market
【DAY2】
JR Kochi Station/Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge)/Roadside station Mejika-no-sato Tosashimizu/Tatsukushi Marine Park/Tatsukushi Sea View Cruise/Kashiwa, Okinoshima & Uguru islands/Darma Sunset（Sukumo Sunny Side Park）
【DAY3】
Tensha-en Garden/Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Minato Oasis Uwajima Kisaiya Hiroba/Ozu Castle/Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)/Garyu Sanso/Bansenso (Former Matsui Residence)/Ozu Akarengakan (Red Brick Hall)/Pokopen Yokocho（Pokopen Alley）
Get a great discount with the ALL Shikoku Rail Pass when using the railway!
With a full range of benefits, you can tour around Shikoku at a great price.
*If you take a sightseeing train, there will be an additional fee.
Bizan Ropeway/Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Museum)/YuYu Anpanman Car/Harimaya Bashi/Kochi Castle/Hirome Market
【DAY2】
JR Kochi Station/Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge)/Roadside station Mejika-no-sato Tosashimizu/Tatsukushi Marine Park/Tatsukushi Sea View Cruise/Kashiwa, Okinoshima & Uguru islands/Darma Sunset（Sukumo Sunny Side Park）
【DAY3】
Tensha-en Garden/Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Minato Oasis Uwajima Kisaiya Hiroba/Ozu Castle/Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)/Garyu Sanso/Bansenso (Former Matsui Residence)/Ozu Akarengakan (Red Brick Hall)/Pokopen Yokocho（Pokopen Alley）
Get a great discount with the ALL Shikoku Rail Pass when using the railway!
With a full range of benefits, you can tour around Shikoku at a great price.
*If you take a sightseeing train, there will be an additional fee.
START
【DAY１】9:00
1
Tokushima Station
Your journey starts from Tokushima Station. If you use the railway, you can travel from Sannomiya Station in Kobe to Tokushima Station in around 1 hour 45 minutes on a JR limited express train.
If you travel by plane, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is the gateway to Tokushima. You can fly here from Haneda Airport or Fukuoka Airport, and it’s an easy trip from the airport to Tokushima Station by bus—you’ll reach the city center in around 30 minutes.
You can also take a ferry from Wakayama, Tokyo, or Kitakyushu—perfect for an enjoyable travel experience.
If you will be spending a night here beforehand, you can enjoy breakfast in the Tokushima Station area, and perhaps a stroll in Tokushima Central Park, where you’ll find the ruins of Tokushima Castle.
If you travel by plane, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is the gateway to Tokushima. You can fly here from Haneda Airport or Fukuoka Airport, and it’s an easy trip from the airport to Tokushima Station by bus—you’ll reach the city center in around 30 minutes.
You can also take a ferry from Wakayama, Tokyo, or Kitakyushu—perfect for an enjoyable travel experience.
If you will be spending a night here beforehand, you can enjoy breakfast in the Tokushima Station area, and perhaps a stroll in Tokushima Central Park, where you’ll find the ruins of Tokushima Castle.
Approximately 10 minutes on foot
2
Bizan Ropeway
➤Duration: 1 hour
Mt. Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City. It overlooks the whole area, and on clear days you can see out to Awaji Island to the north and the Kii Peninsula to the east. The base of the ropeway is at Sanroku Station on the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Kaikan.
Mt. Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City. It overlooks the whole area, and on clear days you can see out to Awaji Island to the north and the Kii Peninsula to the east. The base of the ropeway is at Sanroku Station on the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Kaikan.
3
Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Museum)
➤Duration: 1 hour
The world-famous Awa Dance can be viewed all year round at this dance hall. The first floor is home to an information desk and shop area for local products and tourist information. On the second floor is the Awa Dance library and an exhibition hall. The third floor is home to a museum, and on the fifth floor is the station for the ropeway to the top of Mt. Bizan.
The world-famous Awa Dance can be viewed all year round at this dance hall. The first floor is home to an information desk and shop area for local products and tourist information. On the second floor is the Awa Dance library and an exhibition hall. The third floor is home to a museum, and on the fifth floor is the station for the ropeway to the top of Mt. Bizan.
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Tokushima Station
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by express train to Awa-Ikeda Station from Tokushima Station
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by express train to Awa-Ikeda Station from Tokushima Station
4
YuYu Anpanman Car
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by express train to Kochi Station from Awa-Ikeda Station
Approximately 5 minutes by tram to Harimaya Bashi from Kochi Station
Approximately 5 minutes by tram to Harimaya Bashi from Kochi Station
5
Harimaya Bashi
➤Duration: 15 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes by tram to Kochijo-mae (Kochi Castle) from Harimaya Bashi
6
Kochi Castle
➤Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Fifteen structures at Kochi Castle, including its tower and the Otemon main gate, have been designated by the national government as important cultural properties. The castle was originally built in 1603 on the order of Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, but was burned down in a massive fire in 1727. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
Fifteen structures at Kochi Castle, including its tower and the Otemon main gate, have been designated by the national government as important cultural properties. The castle was originally built in 1603 on the order of Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, but was burned down in a massive fire in 1727. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot
7
[Dinner] Hirome Market
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/554/trim.640/3/2?v=b414417ff226f1523cbab81f1294d3ff54533f6a)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/555/trim.640/3/2?v=e8f29d01dc728d5904fac04b2f3399f27d158469)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/556/trim.640/3/2?v=3ddd14261d02da53afb6f08739932d284808fe36)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/557/trim.640/3/2?v=5328bd2ff40a483f4037e87483e3d014be5dae1a)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/558/trim.640/3/2?v=5a0a3c95e799505755868e89c180492ca5f5d770)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/559/trim.640/3/2?v=2a1d1f9d08ddebe9829b499a4e80bd7d35324e9d)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/560/trim.640/3/2?v=eb3864d35700d0c4601f6cd869b7163a5c344759)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/561/trim.640/3/2?v=870706e1b39a4f42af75af7ffe413d76c94fb17b)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/562/trim.640/3/2?v=3f898cda7576b714545863f3557b471292b6348e)
![[Dinner] Hirome Market](/image/rendering/attraction_image/563/trim.640/3/2?v=7235fee403e4c84a008b6df23b60f97b6d0a439e)
Hirome Market is a commercial facility located next to Kochi Castle. It is also a place for locals and visitors alike to fill their stomachs with not only Kochi"s local cuisine, but also more international flavors. The inside of the nostalgia-inspiring market building is packed with approximately 65 street stall-style restaurants, busy fresh fish and meat shops, unique knickknack shops, and clothing boutiques.
With tables throughout, customers can get takeout from different restaurants and casually enjoy a variety of foods. Although you may notice people drinking during the day in the market, this too is a sight typical of Kochi, a place where the locals are known to like drinking.
A bar area called "Hirome Bar" opened in the market during 2016, as well. Whether Italian, Spanish, or French, the food options here are made to pair well with alcohol. Feel free to walk around with a drink in one hand.
Hirome Market is also a great place to buy Kochi souvenirs and find information on tourist attractions, so it"s worth a visit for anyone traveling to the prefecture.
Hirome Market could be called "Kochi"s Kitchen," but that name comes from Shigeaki Hirome Fukao, chief retainer to the feudal lord of Tosa (present-day Kochi) at the end of the Edo era (1603 - 1868). A renowned minister who had served under four successive lords, Shigeaki Hirome Fukao was well loved by the people of Kochi City. Even after time went by and Hirome"s home was no more, the area was still known by locals as the "Hirome Mansion." Later, the area became home to the "Hirome Market," driven by locals" desires to revitalize the region as well as Kochi"s food culture.
With tables throughout, customers can get takeout from different restaurants and casually enjoy a variety of foods. Although you may notice people drinking during the day in the market, this too is a sight typical of Kochi, a place where the locals are known to like drinking.
A bar area called "Hirome Bar" opened in the market during 2016, as well. Whether Italian, Spanish, or French, the food options here are made to pair well with alcohol. Feel free to walk around with a drink in one hand.
Hirome Market is also a great place to buy Kochi souvenirs and find information on tourist attractions, so it"s worth a visit for anyone traveling to the prefecture.
Hirome Market could be called "Kochi"s Kitchen," but that name comes from Shigeaki Hirome Fukao, chief retainer to the feudal lord of Tosa (present-day Kochi) at the end of the Edo era (1603 - 1868). A renowned minister who had served under four successive lords, Shigeaki Hirome Fukao was well loved by the people of Kochi City. Even after time went by and Hirome"s home was no more, the area was still known by locals as the "Hirome Mansion." Later, the area became home to the "Hirome Market," driven by locals" desires to revitalize the region as well as Kochi"s food culture.
Kochi city Accommodation
【DAY２】8:20
【DAY２】8:20
8
JR Kochi Station
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by express train to Nakamura Station from Kochi Station
Rent a car at Eki Rent-a-Car Nakamura office and drive about 15 minutes
Rent a car at Eki Rent-a-Car Nakamura office and drive about 15 minutes
9
Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge)
An unusual bridge crossing the clear Shimanto River
➤Duration: 30 minutes
Chinkabashi are submersible bridges designed without side rails to reduce the risk of the bridge being washed away during floods. These low, stocky-looking bridges have become a symbol of the Shimanto area, and even seem to blend into the scenery better than a traditional bridge. Though there are many chinkabashi along the river, the Sada Chinkabashi is the longest and closest to the mouth of the Shimanto. You will recognize it by its cute blue “feet.”
Crossing a bridge without balustrades is a thrilling experience and allows visitors to sit on the edge, take in the scenery and dangle their feet over one of Japan's most important rivers. One of the best ways of experiencing the area is renting a bike from the closest train station (Nakamura Station) and then cycling around toward the bridge.
Chinkabashi are submersible bridges designed without side rails to reduce the risk of the bridge being washed away during floods. These low, stocky-looking bridges have become a symbol of the Shimanto area, and even seem to blend into the scenery better than a traditional bridge. Though there are many chinkabashi along the river, the Sada Chinkabashi is the longest and closest to the mouth of the Shimanto. You will recognize it by its cute blue “feet.”
Crossing a bridge without balustrades is a thrilling experience and allows visitors to sit on the edge, take in the scenery and dangle their feet over one of Japan's most important rivers. One of the best ways of experiencing the area is renting a bike from the closest train station (Nakamura Station) and then cycling around toward the bridge.
Approximately 55 minutes by car
10
[Lunchi] Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Mejika no Sato Tosashimizu
![[Lunchi] Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Mejika no Sato Tosashimizu](/image/rendering/course_spot_image/395/trim.640/3/2?v=7ede9beb7e74d4161d1d98326c55127919b0c1a5)
➤Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes by car
11
Tatsukushi Marine Park
➤Duration: 1 hour
12
Tatsukushi Sea View Cruise
➤Duration: 1 hour
Approximately 35 minutes by car
13
Kashiwa, Okinoshima & Uguru islands
➤Duration: 45 minutes
The sea around Kashiwa Island, which is connected to the town of Otsuki by a bridge, and around the inhabited islands of Okinoshima and Uguru off the city of Sukumo is relatively warm thanks to the Kuroshio Current that flows into the area. Over 1,000 kinds of fish inhabit the sea and there is a large coral reef colony in the area. A unique culture and lifestyle have taken root on these islands blessed with a mild climate. The islands boast beautiful landscapes, such as stone walls to protect houses from sea breezes and seasonal winds as well as terraced fields on slopes. The islands are also known as spots for marine sports including surf fishing and scuba diving.
The sea around Kashiwa Island, which is connected to the town of Otsuki by a bridge, and around the inhabited islands of Okinoshima and Uguru off the city of Sukumo is relatively warm thanks to the Kuroshio Current that flows into the area. Over 1,000 kinds of fish inhabit the sea and there is a large coral reef colony in the area. A unique culture and lifestyle have taken root on these islands blessed with a mild climate. The islands boast beautiful landscapes, such as stone walls to protect houses from sea breezes and seasonal winds as well as terraced fields on slopes. The islands are also known as spots for marine sports including surf fishing and scuba diving.
Approximately 35 minutes by car
14
Darma Sunset（Sukumo Sunny Side Park）
Sukumo city Accommodation
【DAY３】7:30
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car
【DAY３】7:30
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car
15
Tensha-en Garden
➤Duration: 50 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes on foot
16
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Minato Oasis Uwajima Kisaiya Hiroba
➤Duration: 30 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes to Uwajima Station by car
Return rental car at Eki Rent-A-Car Uwajima Station Office
Approximately 50 minutes by express train to Iyo-Ozu Station from Uwajima Station
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Asamoya Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Return rental car at Eki Rent-A-Car Uwajima Station Office
Approximately 50 minutes by express train to Iyo-Ozu Station from Uwajima Station
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Asamoya Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
17
Ozu Castle
➤Duration: 3 hours
Although the castle tower was regrettably torn down in 1888, the four turrets were saved from demolition and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The wooden structure was restored in 2004.
Although the castle tower was regrettably torn down in 1888, the four turrets were saved from demolition and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The wooden structure was restored in 2004.
18
[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)
![[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/58851/trim.640/3/2?v=7d4287f99a81a76ff4faa7f302ba49ed30a8b3b2)
![[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/92857/trim.640/3/2?v=01f4bb7a5ba28797b75e1aaffabc9e808bc03e66)
Tonkuri Mabushi is a dish made with chestnuts and pork with a kicking taste in the special soup stock that they made.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
The word "tonkuri" originally means "pork" and "chestnut". Ozu City, in particular, produces more chestnuts than any other city in Ehime Prefecture.This "Tonkurimabushi" is a new specialty of Ozu City using such chestnuts.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
The word "tonkuri" originally means "pork" and "chestnut". Ozu City, in particular, produces more chestnuts than any other city in Ehime Prefecture.This "Tonkurimabushi" is a new specialty of Ozu City using such chestnuts.
19
Garyu Sanso
Get in touch with traditional Wabi-sabi aesthetics
Located on a scenic bend of the Hijikawa River, Garyu Sanso features the architectural style of the Sukiya-zukuri (a type of traditional tea house) and is known as the “Katsura Rikyu of Ozu”. The building abounds in sumptuous designs throughout. The great architect Kisho Kurokawa summed it up when he said, “Garyu Sanso is every bit as good as Katsura Rikyu. I would be willing to fall into debt to take ownership of it!” The building is an architectural masterpiece combining Japanese elegance and the beauty of ancient times. Come and let the fresh air cleanse your mind and escape from the everyday in these peaceful surroundings!
20
Bansenso (Former Matsui Residence)
21
Ozu Akarengakan (Red Brick Hall)
22
Pokopen Yokocho（Pokopen Alley）
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Iyo-Ozu Station from Ozu Machi no eki 'Asamoya'
Approximately 45 minutes by express train to JR Matsuyama Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 45 minutes by express train to JR Matsuyama Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
23
Mastuyama Station
The last station of your 3-day/2-night journey is Matsuyama Station. This new structure was rebuilt in September 2024 as an elevated station. Underneath, a new commercial area called Dandan Street has been opened, offering an array of Ehime’s specialty gourmet dishes, souvenirs, and more. If you will be leaving by plane, you can easily reach Matsuyama Airport in just 15 minutes from Matsuyama Station.
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