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    Shikoku travel guide with the JR Pass

    Shikoku is Japan's smallest main island and the most overlooked. The JR Pass covers the Seto Ohashi crossing from Okayama and all four prefectural capitals on JR Shikoku.

    01

    Reaching Shikoku

    • Sanyo shinkansen to Okayama, transfer to Marine Liner across the Seto Ohashi bridge to Takamatsu.
    • Anime themed Anpanman trains operate on multiple lines.
    • From Takamatsu, limited expresses fan out to Matsuyama, Kochi and Tokushima.
    02

    Highlights by city

    • Takamatsu: Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's finest landscape gardens.
    • Matsuyama: Dogo Onsen, the bath house that inspired Spirited Away.
    • Kochi: Kochi Castle, Sunday market and Katsurahama beach.
    • Tokushima: Awa Odori dance museum and Naruto whirlpools.
    • Naoshima art island: ferry from Takamatsu (ferry not covered by pass).
    03

    Suggested 4 day Shikoku loop

    • Day 1: Okayama to Takamatsu. Ritsurin Garden in the afternoon.
    • Day 2: Limited express Shiokaze to Matsuyama. Dogo Onsen evening.
    • Day 3: Matsuyama to Kochi via the Nanpu line.
    • Day 4: Kochi back to Okayama via the spectacular Oboke gorge.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Is the Seto Ohashi bridge train covered?

    Yes, the Marine Liner between Okayama and Takamatsu is fully covered.

    Are JR Shikoku limited expresses covered?

    Yes, Shiokaze, Nanpu, Uzushio and Ishizuchi are all covered with free seat reservations.

    Can I get to Naoshima with the JR Pass?

    JR to Takamatsu or Uno port is covered, but the ferry to Naoshima is not.

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