The best way to visit Shikoku is undoubtedly with the JR Shikoku. The JR Shikoku Pass not only provides unlimited rides on JR Shikoku lines, but also allows travelers to explore every corner of Shikoku in the more cost-effective way. Whether traveling from Takamatsu to Matsuyama or through the Shikoku Mountains, JR Shikoku is your ideal choice.
Trip.com provides JR Shikoku guide that covers all the necessary information and tips to ensure your trip is smooth. Here on Trip.com, you can enjoy exclusive discounts, experience the ultimate convenience in purchasing tickets and planning travel. Start planning your Shikoku adventure with JR Shikoku now!
Types of JR Shikoku
| Type | Scope | Pricing (Adult) | Pricing (Child) |
| Setouchi Area Pass | Setouchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$147.62 | US$73.81 |
| Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass | Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$114.07 | US$57.04 |
| Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass | Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$154.33 | US$76.03 |
| Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass | Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$112.73 | US$56.37 |
JR Shikoku promotion
Scope of JR Shikoku
JR Shikoku: Setouchi Area Pass
Setouchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Setouchi Area Pass
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Hakata). The pass can also be used for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on Limited Express trains (HARUKA, SHIOKAZE, NAMPU, etc.).
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on JR-WEST and JR-SHIKOKU Rapid Service Marine Liner and local service trains (including Special Rapid and Rapid Service trains).
- *Reserved seat tickets must be reserved at a JR-WEST or JR-SHIKOKU station ticket office before boarding the train.
JR Shikoku: Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Hiroshima). The pass can be used for the "Hello Kitty Shinkansen".
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Trains, HARUKA, KUROSHIO, KONOTORI, KINOSAKI, etc.
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- The pass is only valid on WEST JAPAN JR BUS route buses within the valid area. The pass cannot be used on expressway buses.
JR Shikoku: Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass
Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass
- Reserved seats on SANYO SHINKANSEN (Shin-Osaka⇔Hakata). This pass can be used for "Hello Kitty Shinkansen".
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Train, HARUKA, YAKUMO, KONOTORI, etc.
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- The pass is only valid on WEST JAPAN JR BUS route buses within the valid area. The pass cannot be used on expressway buses.
JR Shikoku: Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
- Reserved seats on Bullet Train “SANYO SHINKANSEN” (Okayama⇔Hakata). The pass can be used for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Trains
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- Unlimited rides on Chugoku JR route buses.
- Usable at "EKIRIN" rent-a-cycle shops within the pass's usage area.
Eligibility for using JR Shikoku
JR PASS is only applicable to the following groups, and each pass can bring 2 young children (1-5 years old) for free.
- Non-Japanese tourists visiting Japan.
- The visa contains a short-term stay visa (tourist visa, official visa, three-year multiple tourist visa, etc.)
Note: Long-term visas cannot be purchased (study visas, work visas, etc.).
Exchange method of JR Shikoku
| Type | Exchange Method |
| Setouchi Area Pass | Please go to green ticket-vending machines and pick up physical ticket by scanning QR code of e-ticket and non-Japanese passport. (Operation menus of machine can be displayed in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, or Korean.) ※If the machine breaks down or the passport have no IC chip, please proceed to JR-WEST Ticket Office to exchange physical ticket. |
| Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass | Please go to green ticket-vending machines and pick up physical ticket by scanning QR code of e-ticket and non-Japanese passport. (Operation menus of machine can be displayed in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, or Korean.) ※If the machine breaks down or the passport have no IC chip, please proceed to JR-WEST Ticket Office to exchange physical ticket. |
| Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass | Please present the received information verification code or QR code, and the non-Japanese passport of the person making the reservation (including short-term visa), to the ticket vending machine at the designated station to exchange for physical tickets and reserved seat tickets. |
| Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass | Please use the email verification code or QR code received, as well as the passport of the person making the reservation, to redeem the physical ticket at the ticket vending machine at the designated station. After successfully redeeming the physical ticket, it can be used directly at the automatic ticket gate. ※If the ticket vending machine is malfunctioning or the passport you hold does not have an IC chip, please go to the green window of the designated station to exchange for a physical ticket. |
Ticket inspection for JR Shikoku
Prepare your JR Shikoku Pass
Before entering the station, please have your JR PASS ready to quickly present to the station staff.
Go to the manual ticket inspection gate/use the automatic ticket gate
Some JR Passes require manual ticket inspection at the station entrance. For some JR Passes, you can use the automatic ticket gate to put the ticket in and enter the station directly. Please confirm with station staff in advance.
Present your JR Shikoku Pass
Present your JR PASS to the station staff. If this is your first time, be sure to show the cover of your pass so station staff can see the details on the inside pages.
Stamp to confirm start date
If your pass is used for the first time, station staff will stamp the date on the back of the pass. This date stamp marks the beginning of the consecutive period of use of your pass (usually 5 days). From this day on, you will be able to use designated trains and routes by JR Shikoku for unlimited times the following consecutive days. If you use the automatic ticket gate to enter the station, your ticket will be automatically printed with the date of entry.
Pass the ticket gate
After the station staff verifies your JR PASS, you will be allowed to pass the ticket gate. This process will need to be repeated each time you enter or exit the station.
Popular cities around JR Shikoku routes
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture and one of the largest cities in the Shikoku. This is the hometown of udon, and the various udon restaurants in the food street are attractive. Takamatsu also has the famous Ritsurin Park, which is known as one of the three famous gardens in Japan. The changing scenery of the four seasons is unforgettable.
Tokushima
Tokushima City is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture. It is the birthplace of Awa Dance. The grand Awa Odori Festival is held every August, attracting tourists from all over the world. Tokushima also has the beautiful Yoshino River and Spectacle Bridge, which are a perfect combination of natural scenery and historical buildings.
Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture. It is home to one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen, with a history of more than 3,000 years. It is the story background of "I Am Cat" written by the literary giant Natsume Soseki. Matsuyama also has the famous Matsuyama Castle, which is one of the best-preserved castles in Shikoku.
Kochi
Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture. It has the famous Kochi Castle and Nikyo. It is a good place to experience Japanese traditional culture and lifestyle. Kochi also has beautiful beaches and clear rivers, making it a top choice for tourists who love nature.
