Shikoku Railway Tour - 2 Days

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the Kotoden Kotohira Line to visit the historic Konpira Shrine and enjoy authentic Sanuki udon in Kotohira.

• Take the Shodoshima Ferry to explore the stunning olive groves and cinematic landscapes of Shodoshima Island.

• Cruise along the Seto Inland Sea on the Takamatsu Port Liner for breathtaking sunset views over the water.

• Hop on the Kotoden Nagao Line to discover local Kagawa neighborhoods and hidden artisan shops.

Hidden Gems

• Use the Shodoshima Olive Bus included in your pass to reach secluded coastal viewpoints that most tourists miss when sticking to the main ferry terminals.

• Ride the vintage-style Kotoden trains which feature charming retro interiors and unique station stamps perfect for travel journaling.

• Stop at Kanonji via the JR Yosan Line to photograph the iconic Zenigata Sunae, a massive coin-shaped sand sculpture best viewed from the nearby hilltop.

What Makes it Special

• Seamlessly combines both railway and ferry transport into one convenient pass, eliminating the need to juggle multiple tickets across different operators.

• Offers exceptional value for money by covering the relatively expensive Seto Inland Sea ferry crossings to Shodoshima alongside unlimited local train rides.

• Provides the ultimate flexibility to hop on and off trains and boats at your own pace over two consecutive days.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Early mornings are ideal for catching the first ferries to Shodoshima to beat the crowds and enjoy calm seas, while late afternoons offer the best lighting for train photography. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons to visit Kagawa, offering mild weather and stunning seasonal foliage or cherry blossoms along the railway tracks.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic red and white Kotoden trains against the backdrop of Mount Iino, famously known as the Fuji of Sanuki, during the golden hour.

• Head to the top deck of the Shodoshima Ferry for unobstructed, panoramic shots of the Seto Inland Sea islands and passing cargo ships.

• Visit the retro wooden station buildings along the Nagao Line in the soft morning light to avoid harsh shadows and capture nostalgic architectural details.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When riding the local Kotoden trains, keep your voice down and ensure your phone is on silent mode, as Japanese commuters value a quiet and peaceful transit environment. It is customary to queue orderly at the ferry boarding gates and allow passengers to disembark fully before you step onto the boat.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Shodoshima Olive Harvest Festival in autumn offers unique seasonal bus routes and local market experiences accessible via your included Olive Bus pass.

• During the summer Obon season, the Takamatsu Port area comes alive with spectacular fireworks displays that you can easily access using your pass.

• Spring brings the Kagawa Udon Festival, where special event trains and ferry discounts often coincide with local culinary celebrations.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always stand behind the yellow tactile paving lines on train platforms and mind the gap when boarding older train carriages.

• Hold onto the handrails firmly when moving around the ferry, especially on the outdoor decks where the floor can become slippery from sea spray.

• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and luggage lockers at busy transit hubs like Takamatsu Port and Takamatsu Station.