[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

【DAY1】
Matsuyama Castle/Dogo Onsen Honkan
【DAY2】
★Iyonada Monogatari/JR Shimonada Station/Uchiko-Za/Uchiko Town Museum/Traditional Streets of the Youkaichi-Gokoku Areas/Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)/Ozu Castle/Garyu Sanso/Bansenso (Former Matsui Residence)/Ozu Redbrick Hall/Pokopen Yokocho Alley
【DAY3】
★Three Yodo Line Brothers/Kure Taisho Town Market/Kure Hachimangu/Nakatosa Furusato Beach/★Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari/Harimaya Bashi/Hirome Market
【DAY4】
Kotohira-gu Shrine/★The Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari/Oboke Gorge/★Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley train/Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Museum)/Bizan Ropeway

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.

If you follow this route, you can become a master of JR-Shikoku’s sightseeing trains. (Indicated by a ★ on the route information. If you want to use the sightseeing trains, you will need to adjust the time you spend at the tourist destinations.)

START

Matsuyama Station

Your journey starts in Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. If you use the railway, you can travel from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station in around 2 hours 40 minutes on a JR limited express train. There are plenty of trains, which run once an hour.
If you travel by plane, Matsuyama Airport is the gateway to Matsuyama. You can fly here from many different places in Japan, and it’s an easy trip from the airport to Matsuyama Station by bus—you’ll reach the city center in around 15 minutes.
You can also take a high-speed boat or ferry from Hiroshima or Kure—the sea route offers convenient access from the Chugoku region of Japan.

Approximately 10 minutes by tram to Okaido from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Okaido

Matsuyama Castle

A famous castle of the Setouchi Region

Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: an architectural style where the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain). The towers are all connected to defend the main castle building. The castle is a well-known symbol of Matsuyama and is written about in the prologue of the novel, “Clouds Above the Hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. It has been and will be guarding the city of Matsuyama for centuries!

Address	愛媛県松山市丸之内1
Telephone Number	089-921-4873
Business Hours	Open 9am - 5pm(Last admission 4:30pm) *depending on the season
Days Closed for Business	Closed on the third Wednesday of December

Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Okaido
Approximately 10 minutes by tram to Dogo Onsen Station from Okaido
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Dogo Onsen Station

[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen Honkan

A famous Onsen with 3,000 years of history

Dogo Onsen Honkan is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Kojiki and Manyoshu. The main building, a three-storey castle-style wooden structure has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The bathhouse is an iconic feature of Matsuyama in the novel “Botchan” and many other masterpieces of literature and film. After enjoying the smooth hot spring water, put on a Yukata robe, stroll around the local streets full of culture, and get into the spirit of this Onsen town. A new annex “Asuka-no-Yu”, adopting the architectural style of the 6th to 8th centuries, will be opened in September 2017.

As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).

Address	愛媛県松山市湯之町5-6
Telephone Number	089-921-5141
Business Hours	Open 6:30am - 11:30pm (Last admission at 10:30pm) *Opening times may vary depending on facilities
Days Closed for Business	Open every day *closed temporally for cleaning for a day in early December

【DAY２】8:20

★Iyonada Monogatari

The IYONADA MONOGATARI is a retro-modern designed train that runs in the western part of Shikoku along the Seto Inland Sea. During your travels, you can enjoy stunning views and experience local charm with warm hospitality while you savor a meal made with plenty of quality Ehime produce.This sightseeing train that makes two round trips a day between Matsuyama and Iyo-Ozu/Yawatahama.The hospitality of exclusive attendants and the genuine welcome from people along the line warm the hearts of passengers.

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JR Shimonada Station

The station right in front of the Seto Inland Sea

JR Shimonada Station was known as Japan’s closest station to the sea until the construction of national highway 378 “Yuyake-koyake Line” along the shore. Nonetheless the station is still very popular with railway fans, and is a favourite location for shooting films and TV dramas, and was famously used to advertise Japan Rail’s Seishun 18 Ticket. The views are spectacular at any time: from the sunshine sparkling on the surface of the sea during the day, to the glowing sunset over the golden sea at dusk.

If you go to Shikoku, don't miss the sightseeing train "Iyonada Monogatari（special sightseeing train）"!
Inside the train, you can enjoy traditional Ehime crafts and meals while taking a close-up look at the Iyonada Sea and the beautiful sunset.

Address	愛媛県伊予市双海町大久保
Telephone Number	089-943-5101

Approximately 2 hours by Iyonada Monogatari to Iyo-Ozu Station from JR Matsuyama Station
Change trains at Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 10 minutes by express train to Uchiko Station from Iyo-Ozu Station

Uchiko-Za

A historical Kabuki theatre with lifelong fans

➤Duration: 2 hour（Including around Uchiko）

This theatre has been a centre of amusement for people in Uchiko from the Taisho period. The old building was saved from demolition and restored by dedicated local residents and today has become a versatile and well-used local venue. The inside of the theatre and backstage area can be explored on the days when there are no performances. Experience the life of a star actor standing on the main stage or Hanamichi (platforms running behind and through the audience) or have a seat in the Masu-seki (box seats) and appreciate the history of this prosperous theatre.

Address	愛媛県喜多郡内子町内子2102
Telephone Number	0893-44-2840
Business Hours	Open 9am - 4:30pm
Days Closed for Business	Closed 29 December to 2 January

Uchiko Town Museum

Address	愛媛県喜多郡内子町内子1938
Telephone Number	0893-44-5220
Business Hours	9:00～16:30
Days Closed for Business	年末年始（12/29～1/2）

Traditional Streets of the Youkaichi-Gokoku Areas

A townscape graced with rows of traditional buildings

The old streets of the Yokaichi-Gokoku areas are lined with merchant houses, warehouses, and private residences from the late Edo, Meiji and Taisho periods. The areas are designated as ‘Important Preservation Districts’ thanks to the array of traditional local architecture on display. Enjoy rambling through the town with a pleasant breeze at your back while appreciating the continued lifestyles of the local residents. Unique and creative decorations can be seen on each building in this old-fashioned neighbourhood.

Address	愛媛県喜多郡内子町内子
Telephone Number	0893-44-5212

Approximately 10 minutes by express train to Uchiko Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Ozu Machi no eki 'Asamoya' from Iyo-Ozu Station

[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)

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.

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Ozu Castle

➤Duration: 4 hours (All of Ozu Castle Town)

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.

Address	愛媛県大洲市大洲903
Telephone Number	0893-24-1146
Business Hours	9:00～17:00（札止16:30）
Days Closed for Business	年中無休

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!

Address	愛媛県大洲市大洲411-2
Telephone Number	0893-24-3759
Business Hours	Open 9am- 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Days Closed for Business	Open every day

Bansenso (Former Matsui Residence)

Address	愛媛県大洲市柚木317番地

Ozu Redbrick Hall

Address	愛媛県大洲市大洲60
Telephone Number	0893-24-1281
Business Hours	9:00～17:00
Days Closed for Business	年末（12/29～12/31）

Pokopen Yokocho Alley

Address	〒795-0012　愛媛県大洲市大洲103
Telephone Number	0893-57-6655
Business Hours	3月第3日曜日～11月末まで　毎週日曜日（※第2日曜日は休業） 12月～2月末まで　毎月第3日曜日　　　10：00～15：30 開催条件：警報発令時などの悪天候以外原則少雨開催　　　　　スタッフの諸事情により休業の場合は事前にＨＰなどで予告いたします

Ozu city Accommodation

【DAY３】8:00
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Iyo-Ozu Station from Ozu Machi no eki 'Asamoya'
Approximately 45 minutes by express train to Uwajima Station from Iyo-Ozu Station

★Three Yodo Line Brothers

Shikoku Railway’s Yodo Line runs along the Shimanto River, known for its limpid stream, and connects western Kochi Prefecture with southern Ehime Prefecture. Three unique trains called the “Yodo Line Brothers” – Shiman Torocco, Kaiyodo Hobby Train and Tetsudo (Railway) Hobby Train – are operated on the line. Shiman Torocco, designed by noted industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, is a two-car train, with one carriage having no windows or walls on both sides to let in fresh air. Kaiyodo Hobby Train was produced through collaboration between Shikoku Railway Co. (JR Shikoku), the operator of the line, and Kaiyodo Co., a manufacturer of figurines. Tetsudo Hobby Train was modeled on the first generation of shinkansen bullet train cars.

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Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by train to Kubokawa Station from Uwajima Station
Change trains at Kubokawa Station
Approximately 30 minutes by express train to Tosa-Kure Station from Kubokawa Station
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Tosa-Kure Station

Kure Taisho Town Market

➤Duration: 3 hours (All of Kure Town)

The Kure Taisho Town Market, which consists of a shopping arcade and street stalls, has been popular with local residents for more than 100 years as their main source of food. The market becomes crowded with many shoppers at around 11 a.m. when fish just landed by local fishermen are put on sale. Not only fresh fish but also vegetables and fruits are available at the market, along with a variety of side dishes prepared by fishermen’s wives. Special "kaisendon" (Kuredon), a bowl of rice topped with fresh sashimi (sliced raw fish) of one’s choice, is particularly popular.

Address	高知県高岡郡中土佐町久礼大正町6372
Telephone Number	0889-59-1369
Business Hours	Open for 7 days a week except for Jan. 1-3
Days Closed for Business	Jan. 1 to 3

Kure Hachimangu

Kure Hachimangu Shrine is located in Kure, Tosa Town, and is the guardian deity of local fishermen. The ocean is nearby, and the view from the Torii gate is spectacular.

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Nakatosa Furusato Beach

Nakatosa Town's Furusato Beach (Kure Cove) is a beach in a small town less than an hour's drive from Kochi City.
is full of spectacular views from late autumn to early winter, such as the sunrise that dyes the sky bright red and the fantastic "Kearashi: Sea Fog".
Here are some of the spectacular views that can only be seen during the midwinter season from November to February.

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★Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari

The tracks of the Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari follow the path of the warriors of the Bakumatsu (end of the shogunate) period. The train line starts at Kochi Castle, which remains largely unchanged since its construction over 400 years ago. It goes past forests and mountains, running along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and offering views of the horizon. You can also enjoy top quality cuisine made with plenty of Kochi produce on board. The locals will also come out to enthusiastically greet you along your journey, giving you a sample of the genial nature of the people of Kochi. Experience Tosa hospitality and discover the scenery, colorful cuisine, and a friendliness of Kochi. You can now reserve seats on the Shikoku's scenic trains from your own home. When you book your train ticket, you can also purchase a meal ticket as well. Enjoy a meal using the best local ingredients during your ride.
We look forward to having you on board.
Reservation: https://www.jr-eki.com/global/en/travel/yoake/index.html

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Approximately 1 hour by express train to Kochi Station from Tosa-Kure Station
（Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari）
Approximately 5 minutes by tram to Harimaya Bashi from Kochi Station

Harimaya Bashi

➤Duration: 30 minutes

Address	〒781-6260　高知県高知市はりまや町
Telephone Number	088-823-9457

Approximately 15 minutes on foot

Hirome Market

➤Duration: 2 hours

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.

Address	高知県高知市帯屋町2-3-1
Telephone Number	088-822-5287
Business Hours	8:00-23:00 on weekdays, Saturdays & national holidays 7:00-23:00 on Sundays
Days Closed for Business	元日、他年6日程度 ※詳しくは、公式サイトトップページ内インフォメーションをご確認ください。

Approximately 2 minutes on foot to Ohashi-dori from Hirome Market
Approximately 15 minutes by tram to Kochi Station from Ohashi-dori
Approximately 1 hours and 15 minutes by express train to Awa-Ikeda Station from Kochi Station
Around Awa-Ikeda Station Accommodation（4S STAY）

【DAY４】8:00
Approximately 25 minutes by express train to Kotohira Station from Awa-Ikeda Station

Kotohira-gu Shrine

One of the most popular shrines in Japan

➤Duration: 1 hour (Strolling in the morning)

This is a popular shrine, commonly known as Konpira-san. It is the head shrine of "Kotohira" or "Konpira" shrines in Japan and has been worshiped since ancient times as "the God of the Sea".
There is an extremely long staircase, consisting of 1,368 steps. The area around the shrine is crowded with many shops such as cafes, teahouses, souvenir shops and udon restaurants. You can rent a walking stick and go for a stroll or take a ride in a "kago" palanquin and enjoy the sights as you are carried around.
At the mid-way point, you will find the Main Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to many gods including the gods of agriculture, livestock, medicine and marine safety. There are wonderful paintings on the ceiling of the main shrine. On certain festival days you can see the priests and shrine maidens dancing in traditional clothes. You can also purchase a beautiful Kofuku no Kiiroi Omamori (Yellow Charm of Happiness).

Address	〒766-8501　香川県仲多度郡琴平町892-1
Telephone Number	0877-75-2121
Business Hours	Museum 8:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Days Closed for Business	Open all year round

Approximately 45 minutes by express train to Oboke Station from Kotohira Station
（Approximately 2hours and 20 minutes by The Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari）

★The Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari

On the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari, guests can take a step back in time, and enjoy a refined excursion near the fields and mountains aboard a luxury sightseeing train. On this train, guests can enjoy beautiful sceneries along with vibrant dishes made using carefully selected local ingredients, sake and snacks lovingly prepared by the locals, crafts, and other thoughtfully chosen products. Enjoy yourself on an "Adult Excursion" where an attendant service will be provided to cater to your various needs. You can now reserve seats on the Shikoku's scenic trains from your own home. When you book your train ticket, you can also purchase a meal ticket as well. Enjoy a meal using the best local ingredients during your ride.
We look forward to having you on board.

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Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Oboke Station

Oboke Gorge

➤Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

The valley, formed by the erosion of the Yoshino River, presents a thousand different and strange views. From the sightseeing boat, visitors can enjoy the beauty of this deep ravine, its conglomerate schist (designated as a natural treasure by Tokushima Prefecture), and the beauty of the ravine from season to season.

Address	徳島県三好市山城町西宇1520
Telephone Number	0883-84-1211
Business Hours	9:00-17:00
Days Closed for Business	無休

Approximately 20 minutes on foot to Oboke Station
Approximately 20 minutes by express train to Awa-Ikeda Station from Oboke Station

★Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley train

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Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by express train to Tokushima Station from Awa-Ikeda Station
（Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley train）
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Tokushima Station

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.

Address	徳島県徳島市新町橋2-20
Telephone Number	088-611-1611
Business Hours	9:00-17:00
Days Closed for Business	Every 2nd and 4th Wed. (If it falls on a holiday, closed the next day), Dec. 28 – Jan.3

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.

Address	徳島県徳島市新町橋2丁目20
Telephone Number	088-652-3617
Business Hours	9:00 – 17:30 (Night operations are scheduled in season.)
Days Closed for Business	Open year round

Approximately 10 minutes on foot

Tokushima Station

GOAL