Explore Japan with One Card – JR Shikoku Rail Pass Now on Sale

Thanks to Natsume Sōseki’s short story “Botchan,” the Japanese version of “Dead Poets Society” titled “Twenty-Four Eyes,” and being the birthplace of the legendary samurai Sakamoto Ryōma, Shikoku — this island region separated from the mainland by the Seto Inland Sea — is a place almost every Japanese person has “read” closely. For a relaxing trip through Shikoku, taking a JR scheduled in-depth tour is the best way to experience this land of literature.

Every spring and autumn, JR Shikoku operates a limited express train on the Dosan Line between Awa-Ikeda and Ōboke. This year, in addition to running the Ōboke Mini Train on weekends during April and May, they also plan to operate a Ghost Mini Train with accompanying dolls in the summer. To make regional tourism more convenient, JR Shikoku has combined limited express trains and sightseeing buses from major stations in each of Shikoku’s prefectures to Awa-Ikeda or Ōboke, introducing the “Taishaku Bus to Ōboke & Iya Valley Pass” and the “Taishaku Bus to Oku-Iya Valley Pass.”

The “Ōboke & Iya” pass combines sightseeing buses that run around areas such as the Ōboke Gorge and Kazurabashi Bridge. It is available from March 13 to November 30, with a starting point in Takamatsu, priced at 7,300 yen. The Oku-Iya Valley pass combines buses that primarily serve the area around Kakkazukuri-no-Sato Village, available from April to November on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Takamatsu, priced at 8,500 yen. Both JR passes are valid for two days.

In addition, there are travel packages in cooperation with the Ōboke & Iya Tourism Association that include limited express trains, hot springs, and meals. Starting this spring, a new Oku-Iya Valley healing hot spring retreat itinerary without a JR pass has also been added. Shikoku is the smallest island region in Japan and, separated by the Seto Inland Sea, is considered a pristine travel destination that retains its original charm. Take advantage of the convenient JR Shikoku rail passes and local travel packages this year for a journey through untouched natural scenery and rich local culture.

→Click here: Return to the Attractions Home Page

→Click here: View More Travel News

Read more: Admire the Jewel of the South Seas (Provided by Tripass Attractions Home)