Fa'afanua JR Shikoku
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Download Shikoku JR map
Complete coverage of Shikoku's rail network. Cross the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and explore temples, hot springs, and traditional towns across Japan's fourth-largest island.
Getting to Shikoku
The most convenient way to reach Shikoku is via the Marine Liner train from Okayama Station. The 55-minute journey crosses the spectacular Seto-Ohashi Bridge with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Connect to Okayama via the Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo (3h 15min), Osaka (45min), or Hiroshima (35min). The entire journey is covered by the JR Pass.
JR lines in Shikoku
Shikoku's JR network circles the island and crosses its mountainous interior, connecting four distinct prefectures.
Yosan Line
Main artery connecting Takamatsu to Matsuyama along the northern Seto Inland Sea coast. Limited Express Shiokaze and Ishizuchi services.
Dosan Line
North-south backbone from Takamatsu to Kochi crossing the mountainous interior. Scenic mountain passes and valleys.
Kotoku Line
Eastern corridor connecting Takamatsu to Tokushima via Naruto. Access to whirlpools.
Yodo Line
Scenic mountain route in western Shikoku. Famous for crystal-clear Shimanto River views.
Uchiko Line
Branch line to the beautifully preserved Edo-period town of Uchiko.
Naruto Line
Access to the famous Naruto whirlpools viewpoint and Otsuka Museum.
Tokushima Line
Connects Tokushima to Awa-Ikeda with access to Iya Valley.
Mugi Line
Coastal route south from Tokushima. Remote beaches and fishing villages.
The 88 temple pilgrimage
Shikoku's famous Henro pilgrimage route spans 1,200km. Many temples are accessible by JR train.
| Temple # | Name | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ryōzen-ji | Naruto, Tokushima | 10 min from Bandō Station |
| #75 | Zentsū-ji | Zentsūji, Kagawa | 5 min from Zentsūji Station |
| #84 | Yashima-ji | Takamatsu, Kagawa | Yashima Station + bus/cable car |
| #88 | Ōkubo-ji | Sanuki, Kagawa | Shido Station + 15 min walk |
Scenic trains
Special sightseeing trains offering unique experiences across Shikoku.
Iyonadastyle
Art trainMatsuyama area
Art train with local design elements. Runs between Matsuyama and various stations.
Shimanto Torokko
Open-airAlong Shimanto River
Open-air trolley train along Japan's last undammed river. Seasonal operation.
Marine Liner
Bridge viewsOkayama → Takamatsu
Crosses the spectacular Seto-Ohashi Bridge with ocean views on both sides.
Popular routes
Common journeys across Shikoku. All covered by the JR Pass.
| Route | Train | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okayama → Takamatsu | Marine Liner | 55 min | Cross Seto-Ohashi Bridge |
| Takamatsu → Matsuyama | Ishizuchi Express | 2h 30min | Across northern coast |
| Takamatsu → Kochi | Shimanto Express | 2h 10min | Mountain crossing |
| Takamatsu → Tokushima | Uzushio Express | 1h 10min | Eastern corridor |
| Matsuyama → Uchiko | Local | 25 min | Historic town |
| Tokushima → Naruto | Local | 20 min | Whirlpools access |
| Matsuyama → Uwajima | Uwakai Express | 1h 20min | Southwest Shikoku |
| Takamatsu → Kotohira | Limited Express | 50 min | Famous shrine |
Key stations
Major JR stations across Shikoku and their connections.
Takamatsu Station
Gateway to Shikoku from Honshu via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge. Famous for Sanuki udon noodles. Ritsurin Garden nearby.
Matsuyama Station
Largest city with Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring. Literary history of Botchan.
Kochi Station
Pacific coast city famous for Sakamoto Ryoma and Sunday street markets. Fresh bonito (katsuo) cuisine.
Tokushima Station
Home of Awa Odori, Japan's largest dance festival (August). Gateway to Naruto whirlpools.
Kotohira Station
Access to Konpira Shrine (Kotohira-gu), one of Japan's most popular shrines with 785 steps.
Uwajima Station
Castle town in southwestern Shikoku with bull fighting and fresh seafood.
Awa-Ikeda Station
Gateway to the remote Iya Valley with vine bridges and steep gorges.
Okayama Station
Transfer point on Honshu. Marine Liner train crosses Seto-Ohashi Bridge to Shikoku.
Must-visit destinations
Top Shikoku destinations accessible by JR trains.
Dogo Onsen
Local transitJapan's oldest hot spring with 3,000 years of history. Iconic bathhouse inspired Spirited Away.
Naruto Whirlpools
JR Pass OKPowerful tidal whirlpools under the Naruto Bridge. Best at spring and neap tides.
Ritsurin Garden
JR Pass OKOne of Japan's finest landscape gardens with historic tea houses and pine trees.
Matsuyama Castle
Local transitOriginal hilltop castle with panoramic city views. Access by ropeway or chairlift.
Konpira Shrine
JR Pass OKBeloved shrine dedicated to maritime safety. Famous 785-step climb to main hall.
Iya Valley
PartialRemote gorge with vine bridges and dramatic scenery. Japan's hidden countryside.
Travel tips
Essential advice for exploring Shikoku by rail.
Getting to Shikoku
Take the Marine Liner from Okayama Station (Sanyo Shinkansen). The 55-minute journey crosses the stunning Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
88 Temple Pilgrimage
The Shikoku Henro is a 1,200km pilgrimage. Many temples are near JR stations. Consider visiting a few iconic ones even if not doing the full route.
Shikoku Rail Pass option
For Shikoku-only travel, the regional All Shikoku Rail Pass offers good value for exploring the island.
Udon pilgrimage
Kagawa Prefecture is famous for Sanuki udon. Many shops are near train stations - try multiple styles!
Limited express reservations
All limited express trains on Shikoku require reservations. Free with JR Pass at any station.
Rental car consideration
Some attractions like Iya Valley vine bridges are remote. Consider combining train with rental car for full exploration.