JR Shikoku Rail Pass (3, 4, 5, or 7-Day Pass)

2024.06.13

Starting from Matsuyama, I crossed the Seto Bridge and used it well to go to Takamatsu and Kochi. I thought it was a more usable pass in Takamatsu, but I used it better in Matsuyama. Takamatsu's local streetcar was less effective. I highly recommend taking the bus between Matsuyama and Kochi at least once. It was nice to see a different scenery from the train. To see the Kochi Sunday market, I took the non-discounted Iyotetsu bus that runs early in the morning instead of the discounted bus with the Shikoku Pass, but I regretted it because the Sunday market did not impress me that much. If you really want to see the Sunday market, it's better to go on Saturday, but I don't necessarily recommend it because the hotel accommodation costs are very different, and I think weekdays would be better. If you reserve a JR bus at Matsuyama Station, you can get a half-price discount with the Shikoku Pass, so it would be better to take that bus and go to Kochi to see Hirome Market. It would be better to select the bus stop near the hotel as the departure point. After one night, take the Myu bus early in the morning to see Kochi, take the train to Okiyama, and stop for a rest at Oboke Station. After looking at the canyon at the cafe, you can take the train again and travel to Okayama (additional payment required for Kojima Station => Okayama section), or just cross the Seto Bridge like I did. Alternatively, you can take the train to Okayama, transfer at Marugame Station, and go to Takamatsu. (Transfer to the same platform as Marugame) A 3-day course that includes eating udon in Takamatsu, seeing Rintsurin Park, and returning to Matsuyama by evening train is also good. I think it would be okay to add an extra day to Tokushima. At first, I was worried about the long travel time, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to see the outside scenery from the train in hot or cold weather. Surprisingly, I wasn't impressed with Takamatsu, so I used it as a stopover station, like changing planes. Utazu serves as a transfer station for Matsuyama, Okayama, Kochi, and Takamatsu, so even if Google Maps suddenly gives strange directions, you can still go to the three places from Utazu Station. The same train splits into three places at this station, so don't panic. Get off at Utazu and tell the conductor your destination and he will guide you.