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Shikoku Pass

ALL SHIKOKU Pass


Shikoku: an unknown island to discover by train
Shikoku area railing network map

The JR Shikoku Rail Pass, includes all JR Shikoku and other rail lines in the region for 3, 4, 5 or 7 consecutive days. Covering all of Shikoku's four main cities Tokushima, Takamatsu, Matsuyama & Kochi.

The lines included in the rail pass: JR Shikoku, Tosa Kuroshio Railway, Asa Kaigan Railway, Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden. 

Pass Details

A child price (6 to 11 years of age) is available for this pass. Access to trains is free for accompanied infants aged 5 years or under.

Via Japan Experience, travelers who purchase the All Shikoku Pass will receive an exchange voucher. Upon arriving in Shikoku, they will need to make an exchange of the voucher for the actual pass at a station or exchange office within Shikoku listed below. 

3 days

Adults: $80

Children: $40

4 days

Adults: $100

Children: $50

5 days

Adults: $113

Children: $57

7 days

Adults: $133

Children: $67

The 4 Prefectures of the Shikoku Region

Shikoku is a major region Japan that can be considered the country's best kept secret. The name "shikoku" itself can be translated as "the four nations," in reference to the four prefectures that make it up: Kochi, Kagawa, Tokushima, and Ehime. Amongst its most popular experiences, the 88 Temple Pilgrimage (known as the Shikoku Henro in Japanese) serves as one of the most spiritually driven journeys one can take upon visiting Japan. The All Shikoku Pass allows for easy access and navigation of this journey.


Kochi Prefecture  

 

 

Kochi Prefecture is a largely rural area known for its natural scenery of mountains, plains, and coast. It is home to one of the most well-preserved feudal castles in the form Kochi Castle. For a sweet and charming shopping experience, the famous Sunday market has been going on for nearly centuries, evolving with the times. Along with food, artisanal goods are peddled by vendors and craftsman. A place like Kochi serves as a nice escape from larger cities in Japan. 

Kochi is particularly popular with those looking for adventures in the water, as it is home to a medley of traversable rivers. Kayaking is a popular activity to engage in with both the prefecture's rivers and oceans. Diving and ferry rides are also fun adventures, and for those looking for more leisurely activities, a day whale and dolphin watching around the waters of Kochi is very popular and fun for the whole family. 

Kochi Castle, Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Castle in Kochi Prefecture

@Wikimedia

 


Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture, the smallest prefecture in Japan, is home to Shodoshima, an inlet island with an array of unique features to attract travelers from all over. It was the first area in Japan to successfully grow olives, and has thus been nicknamed "Olive Island." In fact, much of the fame of Shodoshima is due to its gastronomic contributions, also well-renowned for its famous soy sauce breweries. Just like much of Shikoku, the natural attractions of Shodoshima are a major draw, and a fun presence for everyone are the wild monkeys that call Shodoshima home. 

In addition, Kagawa is considered a mecca for those with an appreciation for art. Naoshima Island, right off the coast of takamatsu, is boasts some of the most well-recognized art installations in the world and garners the attention of visitors from all over the world, often times traveling to this area of Japan specifically to see what the island has on display. The most iconic of these installations is that of the spotted pumpkin created by the equally iconic Yayoi Kusama

Famous Artwork on Naoshima Island

Famous Artwork by Yayoi Kusama on Naoshima Island, Kagawa

@Wallpaper Flare

 


Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture is located on the Eastern part of Shikoku and is connected to Honshu via bridge. It is in this prefecture where the Shikoku Henro traditional begins with the visitation of Ryozenji Temple. In fact, more than a quarter of all 88 temples of the Shikoku Henro are located within Tokushima, so those who undergo the pilgrimage will grow very familiar with the area. 

Tokushima, despite being a smaller prefecture in terms of total area, is home to the largest street festival in all of Japan in the form of the Awa Odori Dance Festival that takes place in August. Over millions of people, both within the prefecture and who travel from other parts of Japan and the world, attend and participate in the festival every year. 

The area of Naruto in Tokushima is home to a number of natural whirlpools in the surrounding waters. Sight-seeing boats bring those who travel out onto the water for one of the most unique natural experiences to be had within Japan.

Awa Odori Dancer, Tokushima

Awa Odori Dancer, Tokushima Prefecture

@Wikimedia


Ehime Prefecture

 

 

Finally, Ehime Prefecture is located on the part of Shikoku Island that rests right below Hiroshima.  This prefecture is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. One of the most popular reasons for travel to Ehime is that of its cycling routes. There are nearly 30 different cycling routes within the prefecture that visitors can travel on. Definitely an interesting and active alternative to travel via bus or train (though these will all be accessible if necessary via the All Shikoku Pass).

Matsuyama City, the capital of Ehime Prefecture, is a beautiful blend of new and old. Within the city is the famous Matsuyama Castle that is particularly beautiful during the day in Spring time. From here, those who travel to Matsuyama often make a stop at the famous and historic Dogo Onsen, said to be the oldest hot spring in all of Japan. Visitors to the onsen can leisurely enjoy their time in the baths to recover and relax. 

Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture

Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture

@Wikimedia

Conditions of the All Shikoku Pass 

Eligibility

  • Only international tourists who have a temporary visitor entry status for Japan are eligible for this pass.
  • Japanese passport holders can NOT use this pass.

Exchange 

  • The voucher must be exchanged within a 3-month period from the date of issue.
  • To exchange the voucher for the pass you will need your passport.
  • The start date of the pass can no longer be changed once the pass has been exchanged.

JR Exchange Offices:

  • Takamatsu Station, JR Shikoku ticket office, daily from 4:20 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Matsuyama Station, JR Shikoku ticket office, daily from 4:50 am to 11:20 pm.
  • Tokushima Station, JR Shikoku ticket office, daily from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. 
  • Kochi Station, JR Shikoku ticket office, daily from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm. 
  • Warp Takamatsu, JR Shikoku Travel Center, weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends until 5:00 pm. 
  • Warp Matsuyama, JR Shikoku Travel Center, weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends until 5:00 pm.
  • Warp Tokushima, JR Shikoku Travel Center, daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. 
  • Warp Kochi, JR Shikoku Travel Center, weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends until 5:00 pm. 
  • Warp Umeda (Osaka), JR Shikoku Travel Center, weekdays from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, closed on weekends and public holidays.
  • Warp Plaza at Sakaide Station, JR Shikoku Travel Center, weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, closed on Sundays.

Validity

What is included with the pass? 

  • The lines included in the pass: JR Shikoku Tosa Kuroshio Railway Asa Kaigan Railway Kotoden Iyotetsu Tosaden. 

What is excluded with the pass? 

  • The pass is not valid on the Sunrise Seto line and buses.

Seat Reservations

  • With the pass, no additional fee is required when reserving seats.
  • Non-reserved Ordinary class cars can be accessed freely.
  • In order to travel in first class (Green cars) you will have to pay additional fees.
  • To access the platforms, show your pass to the JR Shikoku staff  located at the gate to the platform.
  • To reserve a seat, ask the JR Shikoku staff at the ticket office.
  • It is a personal pass. Please always carry your passport when using the pass as station and train staff may check it.

Cancellation conditions and fees

  • An unused voucher is refundable for one year from the date of issue.
  • The voucher can be refunded if it has never been exchanged in Japan.
  • A cancellation fee of 15% of the value of the voucher will be retained.
  • No refund is possible for a voucher received by us more than one year from the date of issue.
  • A refund is not possible for a lost or stolen pass.

 

 

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions on the JR Shikoku Pass

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