The Shikoku Railway Company, also known as JR Shikoku, operates an extensive network of train lines within Shikoku Japan's smallest main island, known for its Buddhist pilgrimage route, mountains, and island-hopping adventures. With the JR Shikoku Pass in your hand, you'll enjoy unlimited rides on JR Shikoku trains, including local, rapid, and even limited express services, for a designated period. This flexibility lets you design your ideal Shikoku itinerary, hopping between cultural gems, historical landmarks, and hidden natural treasures at your own pace.
Ready to discover the magic of Shikoku? Read on to learn about your different JR Shikoku Pass options, what to expect, top sights in Shikoku, and other essentials for an unforgettable adventure!
With this pass, you can ride JR trains and trams in Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and the Asa Kaigan Railway. This JR Shikoku Pass is perfect for short stays and maximizes your time with unlimited train travel for 3 consecutive days. It can also be used on some ferries to and from Shodoshima Island, as well as on buses within the island.
Strike a balance between exploration and relaxation with 4 days of unlimited JR Shikoku train travel. Hop on Shikoku JR trains and trams in Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and the Asa Kaigan Railway at a comfortable pace. Additionally, it is available for use on some ferries that go to Shodoshima Island and on buses that go around Shodoshima.
This 5-day pass grants access to extensive Shikoku JR trains and trams in Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and the Asa Kaigan Railway, allowing you to delve into local culture, hidden gems, and all the must-see destinations across the island. It can also be used on some ferries that travel to Shodoshima Island and on buses that travel within Shodoshima.
Experience Shikoku's full spectrum with unrestricted train travel for 7 days. This pass is ideal for those seeking an in-depth exploration. Take the JR trains as well as the Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and Asa Kaigan Railway trains and trams to explore the island. It is also compatible with certain buses on Shodoshima and ferries to Shodoshima Island.
History and architecture lovers will not want to miss Matsuyama, the capital of the Ehime prefecture. Known for the Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's original wooden castles, and Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan — you’ll be transported back in time.
Traveling on Shikoku's railways is effortless with the JR Shikoku Pass! Here's a quick guide to get you started:
You'll receive a JR Shikoku Pass exchange order via email after your purchase.
Locate a JR Pass exchange counter at major stations.
Present your passport and the exchange order to the staff at the counter.
The staff will assist you in exchanging your order for a physical JR Shikoku Pass and activate it for your chosen travel dates. Now, you're ready to explore Shikoku!
The JR Shikoku Pass, offered by the Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku), is a cost-effective travel solution for exploring Shikoku, Japan. It grants foreign visitors unlimited rides on JR Shikoku trains (local, rapid, and even limited express) for a designated number of consecutive days within the validity period. This covers travel across all four prefectures of Shikoku: Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa.
Absolutely! The JR Shikoku Pass is a fantastic deal, especially for multi-city trips across Shikoku. With unlimited train travel, you'll save money compared to buying individual tickets. The flexibility it offers allows you to design your dream itinerary, hopping on and off trains to explore hidden gems and bustling cities at your own pace.
Absolutely! The JR Shikoku Pass is designed for ease of use. Once activated, simply present your pass to train staff when boarding JR Shikoku trains (local, rapid, and limited express) within the validity period. Remember to validate your pass at the beginning of each train journey by inserting it into the reader at the platform. Enjoy the scenic train rides and explore Shikoku at your own pace!
Yes, JR Shikoku Pass can also be used on some ferries to and from Shodoshima Island, as well as on buses within the island. These facilities are quite limited, and it is recommended to make proper inquiries before booking your pass.
With the JR Shikoku Pass connected areas, you can easily go on day trips from major cities. From Matsuyama, take a scenic limited express train to Iya Valley (Tokushima) and experience the thrill of crossing the vine bridges. Kochi offers a charming getaway to the Shimanto River, a haven for nature lovers, accessible by local trains with a change at Nakamura. These are just a few popular examples. The benefit of having the JR Shikoku Pass is that you can conveniently hop on a day trip to a place of your choice, any time.
Yes! The JR Shikoku Pass is a perfect companion for experiencing the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a network of 88 sacred temples. While some remote temples may require short bus rides or taxi connections, most are accessible by JR Shikoku trains. Plan your itinerary to effectively utilize the JR Shikoku Pass and embrace the spiritual journey.
JR Shikoku trains are generous with luggage allowances. You can generally bring two pieces of luggage with a maximum total size of 203 cm (length, width, and height) free of charge. For oversized or overweight luggage, additional fees may apply. Check with JR Shikoku staff for specific details.
The JR Shikoku Pass excludes travel on bullet trains (Shinkansen), private lines, expressway buses, and some local buses. Additionally, seat reservations on some limited express trains may require a separate fee (usually purchasable after activating your JR Shikoku Pass in Japan).
Unfortunately, lost JR Shikoku passes cannot be replaced. Safeguard your pass throughout your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
The JR Shikoku Pass is generally non-refundable.