Popular Transport in Shikoku

Shikoku offers a diverse range of transportation options, including JR railways, buses, trams, ferries, and car rentals. JR railways are the primary means of travel connecting major cities and tourist areas across Shikoku, such as Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi, and Tokushima, making them ideal for long-distance journeys. Local buses provide access to attractions or rural areas that are not easily reachable by JR stations. Trams are available in cities like Matsuyama, Kochi, and Tokushima, convenient for city sightseeing and short-distance travel. As Shikoku is surrounded by the sea, ferries are essential for island hopping in the Seto Inland Sea (to islands like Naoshima and Shodoshima). If you desire flexibility to explore more remote hidden gems or have a lot of luggage, renting a car offers a convenient way to plan your itinerary more freely.

Public transportation between prefectures in Shikoku primarily relies on the JR railway network as its core backbone, connecting the major cities of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures. Travelers can take limited express or local trains to move between prefectures. For instance, you can take a JR train from Takamatsu to Matsuyama or Tokushima. In addition to JR railways, some long-distance bus routes also offer inter-prefecture services, serving as a supplement to rail transport. However, reaching more remote tourist spots might require more transfer time and less frequent services compared to major cities. It is recommended to plan in advance and check timetables.

For family trips in Shikoku, both a JR Pass and car rental have their advantages. With a JR Pass, you can enjoy the convenience of JR trains, saving the fatigue of driving, which is especially suitable for children to rest or enjoy the scenery on the train, and avoiding the hassle of finding parking. However, itinerary flexibility is limited by train schedules and routes. Renting a car significantly enhances itinerary flexibility, particularly for families with young children or elderly members, allowing for flexible scheduling, carrying more luggage, and easy access to hidden gems that are difficult to reach by public transport. It is recommended to consider the composition of your family members, travel habits, and the distribution of desired attractions to decide on the most suitable mode of transportation.

During winter travel in Shikoku, transportation in some areas may indeed be affected by snow or bad weather. Mountainous regions in Shikoku, such as the Iya Valley in Tokushima and the surrounding areas of Mt. Ishizuchi in Ehime, receive heavier snowfall, and roads may be subject to traffic control or even closures due to snow. JR main lines are less likely to be affected, but delays or cancellations may occur during typhoons or heavy snow. Self-driving tourists heading to mountainous areas in winter must confirm road conditions and rent vehicles equipped with snow tires or chains. It is advisable to closely monitor local weather forecasts and traffic information before your trip and prepare alternative itineraries to cope with unexpected situations.

The most convenient way to get to the city from Shikoku's major airports is usually by airport limousine bus. For example, at Takamatsu Airport, passengers can take an airport bus directly to JR Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Port in the city, with a journey time of about 40 to 50 minutes. From Matsuyama Airport, there is also a convenient airport limousine bus service that goes to JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyamashi Station, or Dogo Onsen area, with a journey time of about 15 to 30 minutes. These airport buses run relatively frequently, offering comfortable seating and ample luggage space, and are the most recommended public transportation option for connecting the airport to the city.

There are various transportation passes and packages available for traveling in Shikoku that can effectively save on travel expenses. Among them, the JR Shikoku Railway Pass is the primary option for exploring various parts of Shikoku. It comes in different versions based on the number of days of use and coverage, allowing travelers unlimited rides on JR Shikoku trains within a specified period. Additionally, some regional passes combine buses, trams, or ferries, such as in the Takamatsu area or the Seto Inland Sea island hopping region, where you can purchase packages covering specific modes of transport or attraction tickets. When choosing a pass, it is recommended to select the most suitable one based on your itinerary and the regions you plan to visit to enhance travel efficiency and convenience.

When renting a car in Shikoku, you will need to prepare the following documents: a valid driver's license issued in Taiwan, a Japanese translation of that license (which needs to be applied for at the Vehicle Management Office in Taiwan), and your passport. Please be sure to bring all three documents, as one cannot be omitted. In terms of precautions, Japan drives on the right, which is the opposite direction to Taiwan, so you will need to adapt accordingly. Japanese road signs differ from those in Taiwan; it is recommended to familiarize yourself with them before your trip. There are toll gates on expressways; you can rent a car with an ETC card function for convenient passage. Additionally, parking regulations are strict, so do not park randomly. Some mountain roads are narrow, so drive with extra care. Obey traffic rules and pay attention to speed limits to ensure a safe journey.

The most common and convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Shikoku by Shinkansen is to take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station. Okayama Station is a major transfer point connecting Honshu and Shikoku. Upon arrival, you can directly transfer to the JR Seto-Ohashi Line to enter Shikoku. The Seto-Ohashi Line crosses the spectacular Seto Ohashi Bridge and takes about an hour to reach JR Takamatsu Station in Kagawa Prefecture. After arriving in Takamatsu, travelers can then use the JR Shikoku railway network, local buses, or car rentals to travel to various cities or tourist attractions within Shikoku. If you wish to go to Tokushima, Matsuyama, or Kochi, you will need to transfer trains at Takamatsu or other major hubs.

For island hopping trips in Shikoku, such as to Naoshima or Shodoshima, ferries are the primary mode of transport. Takamatsu Port is the main departure port for these islands, and you can also take ferries from Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture. Ferry schedules vary depending on the season and day, so it is essential to check the latest timetables before your trip. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the port's ticket office. Some popular routes or larger ferry companies also offer online booking services for convenient advance planning. During peak travel seasons or specific art festivals, ferries can be crowded. It is recommended to arrive at the port early to purchase tickets or make reservations to ensure a smooth journey.

Compared to major metropolitan areas in Japan like Tokyo and Osaka, or well-developed tourist regions such as Kyushu or Hokkaido, Shikoku's public transportation network is relatively less developed in some aspects. Shikoku's public transportation primarily uses the JR railway as its backbone, connecting the major cities of each prefecture. However, the branch line network and frequency of services may not be as extensive as in other regions. For those wishing to visit more remote hidden gems, mountainous attractions, or small towns, public transportation options are more limited, with fewer services. Therefore, when traveling in Shikoku, renting a car offers greater flexibility and convenience, allowing travelers to explore the diverse charms of Shikoku more deeply.