Introducing the Shikoku Rail Pass: One Ticket for Many Operators
Shikoku’s railways are unusual: besides JR Shikoku, there are local operators such as Tosa Kuroshio Railway, Asa Seaside Railway, Kotoden and Tosaden, each guarding a short stretch of line. If you buy tickets one segment at a time, just working out which company runs where can take half a day.
The ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass ties these operators together into one ticket, and in the past it also included the Shodoshima ferry and island buses, which is quite rare among regional passes in Japan (but passes issued from October 1, 2026 no longer include them, as explained in detail below). Below we first lay out eligibility, validity and the major 2026 changes, and then move on to buying and coverage. Amounts in this article follow JR Shikoku’s announcement of August 6, 2026; please check the official announcement of the day.
According to JR Shikoku’s announcement of August 6, 2026, passes issued from October 1, 2026 are available only as 3-day and 7-day passes, and the 4-day and 5-day passes have been discontinued. The 3-day pass is ¥12,000 and the 7-day pass ¥20,000 (children half price), and the domestic Japan price has been reduced to match the overseas price.
Which Pass Are People Searching for as “JR Pass Shikoku”?
Searches for ‘JR Pass Shikoku,’ ‘Shikoku JR Pass,’ ‘JR Shikoku Pass’ or ‘Shikoku Pass’ usually mean the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass for foreign visitors. Unlike JR-only passes, it also covers operators such as Kotoden and Tosaden.
JR Shikoku’s official site for foreign visitors used to offer another pass, the “KAGAWA Mini Rail & Ferry Pass,” valid for 2 consecutive days at ¥6,000 for adults and ¥3,000 for children, covering only some JR sections within Kagawa Prefecture (the Yosan Line Takamatsu to Kanonji, the Kotoku Line Takamatsu to Hiketa, and the Dosan Line Tadotsu to Kotohira), the entire Kotoden network, the Shodoshima Ferry Takamatsu to Tonosho route, and Olive Bus. That pass went off sale on September 30, 2026, so the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass is now the only option; travelers who only visit Kagawa can buy a Kotoden one-day ticket or single-ride tickets instead.
Who Can Buy It: Short-Stay Visitors Only
Like JR Passes elsewhere in Japan, this pass is sold only to foreign visitors who entered with “temporary visitor” status. When exchanging it, you must show your passport, and the passport must carry proof of temporary visitor status for this entry (an entry stamp or electronic entry record).
Residents in Japan on work, student or permanent resident status are ineligible, as are Japanese nationals. Visa-free tourists from Taiwan and Hong Kong have no eligibility problem. Exchange in person with your own passport; companions cannot collect it, and counters strictly check this.
One Ticket Across Many Operators: The Most Special Thing About Shikoku’s Pass
Shikoku’s rail map is cut into many small pieces. JR Shikoku runs the main lines, but the most convenient way from downtown Takamatsu to Kotohira-gu Shrine is Kotoden, downtown Kochi relies on Tosaden’s streetcars, and the way toward Shimanto requires connecting to Tosa Kuroshio Railway.
Show one pass when you board and skip buying new tickets at transfers. Trips covering Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime and Kochi save money and the time spent checking fares. Unlike Kyushu-style passes that cover only JR lines, it includes private railways and streetcars.
How Validity Works: Consecutive Days, No Skipping
The 3-day and 7-day passes (4- and 5-day passes are discontinued) are consecutive-day passes. Starting from the first travel day, you must use them on three or seven days in a row, with no breaks. Even a day at Dogo Onsen without riding a train still counts.
Another deadline is easy to overlook: exchange vouchers (MCOs) obtained through overseas advance purchase expire three months after the purchase date, according to the official announcement. Don’t buy them too early just to catch a discount code, and plan carefully for trips that cross seasons. The start date is set at exchange and usually cannot be changed afterward.
2026 Change: Iyotetsu Leaves the Pass
The most important update: since March 7, 2026, the Shikoku Rail Pass no longer covers Iyotetsu, the streetcars and suburban trains of Matsuyama, Ehime. The vast majority of guides still say it does, and following them means paying a supplementary fare on the spot in Matsuyama.
In addition, according to JR Shikoku’s announcement of August 6, 2026, passes issued from October 1, 2026 no longer include the Shodoshima ferry and Olive Bus, and the 4-day and 5-day passes have been discontinued, leaving only the 3-day and 7-day passes.
In downtown Matsuyama, streetcars from JR Matsuyama Station to Okaido and Dogo Onsen now need separate payment. Iyotetsu’s own one-day pass, sold in the city, is better value if you visit several places in Matsuyama in a day. Coverage may change at any time, so check the latest official announcement before you leave.
How to Buy the Shikoku Rail Pass? The Full Process for Overseas Advance Purchase, On-Site Purchase and Exchange
Buying this pass is simpler than buying a Kyushu pass. You can buy it in two ways: through overseas advance purchase or on site in Japan. From October 1, 2026, the prices are the same both ways. Pay close attention to the limited exchange locations and the three-month validity of the exchange voucher.
Below we explain, in order, where to buy, where to exchange and how, and how to choose your start date.
Overseas Advance Purchase: Same Price, but the Voucher Is Valid for Only Three Months
Most people buy in advance through platforms such as Klook and Trip.com. From October 1, 2026, the Japan domestic price matches the overseas price. The only difference is promotions and whether you need to exchange the ticket. After payment, you receive an electronic voucher or QR code.
Watch the exchange deadline: the official announcement says the voucher is valid three months from purchase. Your booking’s English name must match your passport exactly, which the counter checks first. Klook and Trip.com QR e-tickets need activation within 90 days of purchase.
Buying on Site in Japan: Same Price, Decide at the Last Minute
It is fine to decide to buy only after you reach Shikoku, and you can buy directly at the JR Shikoku Travel Service Center (Warp) at designated stations. From October 1, 2026, the on-site price is ¥12,000 for the 3-day pass and ¥20,000 for the 7-day pass, the same as the overseas advance price, and children pay half price. The 4-day and 5-day passes have been discontinued.
Play a day first, and buy once you’re sure you’ll move between prefectures. Counters get busy, and not every station sells it, so check for a nearby outlet if buying on a whim. Prices may change; follow the on-site announcement.
Where to Exchange: Shikoku’s Five Main Stations, Plus Counters in Osaka and Okayama
Exchange points are fewer than expected; confirm early. On Shikoku, the main points are Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Kochi and Kotohira Stations (cash only at Kotohira). JR Shikoku travel agency (Warp) branches in those cities also exchange.
The JR Shikoku travel agency Umeda branch (Osaka) and the Nippon Travel Agency TiS Okayama branch are especially useful. Entering Shikoku from Kansai or Okayama? Exchange your pass before leaving and use it on arrival in Takamatsu, saving the arrival-day line. Show your passport and voucher and give the start date; it takes about five to ten minutes.
E-Ticket or Physical Ticket: The Spread of QR Codes and Things to Watch
Some platforms now offer e-tickets that need no exchange, so you show a phone QR code and skip the queue. But Shikoku has many unstaffed stations and single-car trains where only the driver collects tickets, so know whom to show when you get off.
Physical tickets are more reliable: a dead phone or weak signal won’t matter. They’re easier to show at small stations and on trams, and often suit older relatives. Show them early; many Shikoku lines lack automatic gates and rely on manual checks.
How to Choose the Start Date: Fit the Long-Distance Travel Into the Validity Period
Shikoku’s four prefectural capitals are not close to one another, and Takamatsu to Kochi or Matsuyama to Kochi each takes more than two hours by limited express. The pass’s validity should line up with these long-distance travel days, not with the whole trip.
A common waste is spending the first two days in Takamatsu with the pass idle. A better plan is to spend a day there unactivated after arrival, then activate on day two to start moving between prefectures. Likewise, if the last day is just a bus from Takamatsu to the airport, that bus doesn’t need to fall within the validity period. This small adjustment can sometimes fit an itinerary into a 3-day pass.
What Does the Shikoku Rail Pass Cover? The Five Railway Operators and Coverage Explained
The coverage is this pass’s biggest selling point and also the most misunderstood part. Below we break down where you can ride with each operator, and flag two common misconceptions: Iyotetsu, which has already left the pass, and the Botchan Train and Sunrise Seto, which were never included.
Coverage may change at any time, so please follow the official page announcement before you leave.
JR Shikoku: All-You-Can-Ride Limited Express Non-Reserved Seats, Including the Anpanman Trains
The backbone of the pass is the whole JR Shikoku network, including non-reserved ordinary-car seats on limited express, rapid and local trains. Shikoku’s cities are almost all linked by limited express, and this alone accounts for most of the pass’s value.
Anpanman Trains, loved by children, are covered too, and you can ride in non-reserved seats. Reserved seats are not included, so arrange any assigned seat separately. Green Car (first class) costs extra, and the pass alone does not allow it.
Tosa Kuroshio Railway: The Extension Toward Shimanto and Nakamura
Tosa Kuroshio Railway connects after the JR Dosan Line and extends the network to Nakamura and Sukumo in western Kochi Prefecture, and it is the main way to reach the Shimanto River basin. The pass covers non-reserved seats on all of its limited express and local trains.
For travelers who want to see the Shimanto River’s submersible bridges, this section is the only way. After arriving at Nakamura Station, you need another bus or taxi to reach them, and service is very sparse, so check the timetable in advance. Along the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, several unstaffed stations face the sea, but few cars run and one-way travel times are long, so plan it as a half-day itinerary.
Asa Seaside Railway: The DMV Amphibious Vehicle, Rare in the World
Asa Seaside Railway is at the southern end of Tokushima Prefecture. Its DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle) looks like a minibus and runs on roads or lowers steel wheels onto rails. Switching takes only ten-odd seconds, which is very rare worldwide.
According to JR Shikoku’s official announcement, the pass covers the DMV at no extra fee. Trips toward Muroto on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays are not covered, and boarding depends on the remaining seats that day, so when the train is full, you cannot board even with the pass, as it does not guarantee a seat. With only a few runs a day in this remote area, plan to set aside a whole day and check the timetable first. Always follow the operator’s latest announcement for the actual rules.
Kotoden: The Most Convenient Link from Downtown Takamatsu to Kotohira-gu
All of Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad’s (Kotoden) Kotohira Line, Nagao Line and Shido Line are covered. Kotoden is the everyday transport of downtown Takamatsu, with more frequent service than JR and stops closer to daily city life.
The most practical use is visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine. Kotoden Kotohira Station is closer to the approach entrance than JR Kotohira Station. Kotoden Kawaramachi Station, in one of Takamatsu’s liveliest commercial districts, is very handy for trips between downtown and your lodging. Riding Kotoden with the pass needs no separate ticket, but how you show the pass varies by station, so it’s safest to confirm with station staff.
Without the pass, buy a Kotoden one-day ticket instead. If you only travel between Takamatsu and Kotohira, Kotoden’s own “1-Day Free Ticket” (1日フリーきっぷ) may offer better value. Per the Kotoden website, from April 1, 2026 it costs ¥1,600 for adults and ¥800 for children. It is valid for the day and covers all Kotoden trains (Kotohira, Nagao and Shido lines). Buy it at staffed stations and show it to staff or the conductor at unstaffed ones. The mobile “Kotoden Digital Ticket” (ことでんデジタルきっぷ) offers a 24-hour ticket at ¥1,500 for adults and a 48-hour ticket at ¥2,800 for adults; neither covers Kotoden buses. If you will make a round trip to Kotohira-gu in one day and also get on and off several times in the city, check the fare lookup on the Kotoden website before buying.
Tosaden: The Whole Streetcar Network in Downtown Kochi
The main way to get around downtown Kochi is the streetcars of Tosaden Kotsu, and the whole network is covered by the pass. From JR Kochi Station to major sights such as Harimayabashi, Kochi Castle and Hirome Market, the streetcar is the most direct. Streetcars are the main public transit option in downtown Kochi, and the whole network is covered by the pass.
Board Kochi streetcars at the rear door and exit at the front, where you pay. With the pass, simply show it to the driver when getting off. The two main lines, east-west and north-south, cross at Harimayabashi, a rare cross-shaped network in Japan. Taking the streetcar to Hirome Market at night for seared bonito is far less tiring than walking, and this free stretch really helps your itinerary.
Shodoshima Ferry: Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port, but Not the High-Speed Boat
The best-value item on passes bought before September 30 was the Shodoshima ferry, but the scope is very specific: only the regular ferry between Takamatsu Port and Tonosho Port, a trip of about one hour. This is the route most commonly taken by visitors from Taiwan going to Shodoshima.
The key limit: the high-speed boat is not allowed. Although it takes only about thirty-odd minutes, it falls outside the pass’s coverage and needs a separate ticket. The Takamatsu Port to Ikeda Port route and other departures from the Okayama side are also not included. Before boarding, show the pass at the ticket office to exchange it for a boarding ticket. Sailing times change by season, so follow the ferry company’s announcements.
Important change in October 2026:The JR Shikoku official website announced that from October 1, 2026, the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass can no longer be used on the Shodoshima ferry and the Shodoshima Olive Bus, while passes purchased before September 30, 2026 can still be used. For those who buy after October, the boat ticket to Shodoshima must be paid for separately; the KAGAWA Mini Rail & Ferry Pass, which also included the ferry, also went off sale on September 30, 2026. With the ferry and bus removed, from October 1 the 3-day pass was reduced to ¥12,000 and the 7-day pass to ¥20,000 (the domestic Japan prices were previously ¥12,500 and ¥20,500).
Olive Bus: Only Passes Bought Before September 30 Can Ride
Passes bought before September 30, 2026 covered the ferry and all Shodoshima Olive Bus routes on the island. You could reach Angel Road, the lower station of the Kankakei Ropeway, Olive Park and the soy sauce town without a rental car. Passes issued from October 1 no longer include the buses.
Watch the timetable, as island buses may run only once an hour, and missing one can mean a long wait. Some routes have seasonal reductions. We suggest that, after reaching the island, you pick up a timetable at the service desk at Tonosho Port and plan backward from your return ferry. The Kankakei Ropeway and admission to various facilities are not included in the pass and must be bought separately.
Also note that according to JR Shikoku’s official announcement, from October 1, 2026 the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass is no longer valid on Olive Bus (except for passes bought before September 30), so before buying please confirm when the pass you are getting was purchased.
No Longer Usable: Matsuyama Streetcars Leave the Coverage
Let us stress this latest change once more: Iyotetsu has no longer been covered by the pass since March 7, 2026. The streetcars and suburban trains in downtown Matsuyama must now be paid for yourself.
On Dogo Onsen trips from JR Matsuyama Station or Okaido, you must buy a separate ticket. Iyotetsu’s city tram one-day pass is usually better value than single tickets if you visit three or more downtown Matsuyama spots a day. Old guides saying it includes Iyotetsu are outdated.
What Else Can’t You Ride: Sunrise Seto and the Botchan Train
Besides Iyotetsu, there are two other common exceptions. The first is the Sunrise Seto, a sleeper limited express running directly from Tokyo to Takamatsu, a special cross-region train that the pass cannot be used on at all, requiring a separate ticket that is very hard to get.
Matsuyama’s Botchan Train (坊っちゃん列車), a retro steam-style sightseeing tram run by Iyotetsu, always needs a separate special ticket, and the pass no longer covers it. Green Car (first class) on all trains costs extra too. Remember these three points and you avoid ninety percent of on-the-spot disputes.
How to Choose the Number of Days: Itineraries for the 3-Day and 7-Day Passes
The 3-day pass (¥12,000) suits trips limited to Kagawa and Ehime, or Takamatsu round trips plus Kotohira-gu. From October 1, 2026, it drops the Shodoshima ferry. The 4- and 5-day passes are discontinued, so four-day trips or longer need the 7-day pass.
A loop around the four prefectures, Takamatsu, Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama, and back to Takamatsu, now requires the 7-day pass (¥20,000), which also suits people who want to go deep into remote lines such as Shimanto, Iya, or the Asa Seaside Railway. The difference between 3 and 7 days is only ¥8,000, and if your trip is longer than three days, the 7-day pass is the only choice.
Is the Shikoku Rail Pass Worth It? Reserved-Seat Ticket Sets and Add-On Suggestions
One-way limited express fares in Shikoku are not low, and the pass usually starts to pay off after just two inter-prefecture trips. But the fact that it covers only non-reserved seats directly affects your experience in peak season, so think it through first.
The amounts below are reference values checked in August 2026, and please follow the official or platform announcement of the day for actual prices.
How to Tell If It’s Worth It: Work Back from One-Way Limited Express Fares
One-way limited express trips between Shikoku prefectures (ticket plus charge) easily cost several thousand yen. Takamatsu to Matsuyama and Takamatsu to Kochi both fall in that range. Roughly, two such trips within three days break even with the 3-day pass; three or more, and you come out ahead.
Conversely, if your itinerary only goes back and forth between Takamatsu and Kotohira, or stays entirely within downtown Matsuyama, buying the pass actually loses money. Especially now that Iyotetsu has left the coverage, the pass is worth much less for a Matsuyama-only trip. Before calculating, list the lines and operators you will ride on each segment, then check them against the official fare lookup, which is more reliable than other people’s reviews.
Reserved-Seat Ticket Sets: Four Tickets Per Set, About ¥300 Per Seat Reservation
This is the biggest difference between the Shikoku pass and Kyushu’s: it covers only non-reserved seats, and assigned seats are not free. To get one, you must buy a “reserved-seat ticket set” separately on site in Shikoku. Each set contains four tickets and costs ¥1,200 for adults or ¥600 for children, which works out to about ¥300 per reservation. Note that Kotohira Station and Nippon Travel Agency TiS Okayama do not sell these ticket sets.
Take the ticket set and pass to the Green Window or travel service center to reserve. Worth it? On Golden Week, summer vacation, and weekends, non-reserved cars on popular limited express trains are often full, and standing for two hours is torture. With older relatives or children, ¥300 for a guaranteed seat is great value. On weekday off-peak times, it is usually unnecessary.
Sightseeing Trains: Make the Ride Itself Part of the Trip
Shikoku has several lines that put scenery first: the Yosan Line’s coastal section along Iyo-nada, the Dosan Line’s gorge section through Oboke and Koboke, and the Asa Seaside Railway’s DMV. These sections are destinations in themselves, not just a means of transport.
Check the sightseeing trains’ operating days first, since most run only on weekends or specific dates, then fit lodging and other sights around them. Most use reserved seating, so arrange seats separately even with the pass. If trains are your focus, a 7-day pass plus a few seat reservations will be more enjoyable than driving the whole way, and you won’t have to worry about narrow mountain roads.
Iya and Shimanto: Where the Rails Don’t Reach, Charter a Car
Shikoku has two major sights rail cannot reach: Tokushima’s Iya Valley (the Kazura Bridges and the Iya Valley’s Peeing Boy statue) and Kochi’s Shimanto River submersible bridges. Both need another bus with very few runs from the nearest station, and relying on public transport will use up almost a whole day.
The more efficient approach is to group these spots and use a chartered car or local sightseeing bus. The pass covers long-distance travel, and the charter covers the last mile in the mountains. The total is often lower than renting a car for the whole trip, and it avoids passing oncoming cars on Iya’s narrow roads. When booking, confirm whether the fee includes tolls and parking.
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![[Japan Shikoku Private Car Day Tour] Departing from and ending in Takamatsu, Kagawa / Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture | Kotohira-gu (Konpira Shrine) / Takayasu Shrine / Naruto Whirlpools / Iya Vine Bridge / Iya Valley / Oboke Gorge | Flexible itinerary combinations](https://image.kkday.com/image/get/w_1200%2Ch_630%2Cc_fill/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_14835/20260323070932_u0UYU/jpg)
Setouchi Island Hopping: How to Plan a Shodoshima Trip
Passes bought before September 30, 2026 include the Takamatsu to Tonosho ferry and island buses. That covers all of a day’s transport on Shodoshima island, the pass’s most underrated value. Using Takamatsu as a base, a day trip with the first boat in the morning and the return in the evening is entirely feasible.
If you want to hop to a few more islands, such as Naoshima and Teshima, you must buy those routes separately. During the Setouchi Triennale, extra sailings are added, but crowds are heavier, so you should line up early. Visit Shodoshima on one of the days within the pass’s validity and arrange the other islands separately to get full value from the pass without being tied to ferry schedules.
The above applies only to passes bought before September 30, 2026. According to JR Shikoku’s official announcement, ALL SHIKOKU Rail Passes bought from October 1 no longer include the Shodoshima ferry and Olive Bus, so transport costs for a Shodoshima trip must be budgeted separately.
What to Watch When Using the Shikoku Rail Pass: Lodging and Pre-Trip Reminders
Shikoku’s service frequency is much lower than Honshu’s, and the success of a trip often depends on whether you check the timetable. The following four things are the most worth handling first.
Where to Stay to Minimize Travel Time: Takamatsu and Matsuyama as Two Bases
The most common setup for a Shikoku loop is two bases, Takamatsu and Matsuyama: Takamatsu covers Kagawa, Shodoshima and the Tokushima direction, while Matsuyama covers Ehime and travel toward Kochi. Staying two to three nights in each, linked by limited express, is much easier than changing hotels every night.
When choosing a hotel, prioritize locations near a JR station, especially around Takamatsu Station and Matsuyama Station, where there are many options at reasonable prices. The Dogo Onsen area is some distance from JR Matsuyama Station, and since Iyotetsu is no longer covered by the pass, staying there means paying for transport into the city every day. If your itinerary is mostly by train, a hotel in front of a JR station is easier than one in the onsen district.
Sparse Service: Treat the Timetable as the Skeleton of Your Itinerary
Shikoku’s local trains run once an hour or even less on some sections, and Tosa Kuroshio Railway and Asa Seaside Railway are sparser still. This means you can’t plan with “roughly what time we’ll arrive” and must work backward from the timetable.
The recommended approach is to first decide which last train you will take each day, then fill in the daytime itinerary backward. Last trains are usually earlier than you expect, and rural lines often stop running by seven or eight in the evening. Transfer-guide apps work just as accurately in Shikoku, and before you go out, take screenshots of the day’s key trains so you won’t panic when there is no signal in the mountains.
Winning Non-Reserved Seats: Line Up Early and Know the Car Position
Because the pass covers only non-reserved seats, competition for seats in peak season is real. Shikoku’s limited express trains are short, non-reserved seats may be only one or two cars, and on weekends the Takamatsu to Matsuyama and Kochi trains are often full.
Get to the platform fifteen minutes early and line up at the non-reserved car. Avoid the return peak on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Board at the starting station, since intermediate stations offer almost no chance of a seat. If you truly must sit, spend ¥300 on a reserved-seat ticket set to guarantee a seat.
Other Costs: Ropeways, Admission Tickets and Iyotetsu
When budgeting, remember there are a few fixed expenses beyond the pass. Iyotetsu in downtown Matsuyama must now be paid for yourself; Shodoshima’s Kankakei Ropeway, admission tickets at various attractions, and the high-speed boat are not covered by the pass.
Shikoku’s long-distance express buses, for example Takamatsu to Tokushima or to Kansai, are also outside the coverage. They are sometimes faster than trains but cost extra, so don’t conflate them when planning. Fares and coverage have been adjusted in recent years, and old online articles often contain outdated information, so check the official page directly before you leave.
Shikoku Rail Pass FAQ
Below are the questions visitors from Taiwan most often ask when buying and using the Shikoku Rail Pass.
Q: Can I reserve assigned seats for free with the Shikoku Rail Pass?
No, the pass covers only non-reserved seats. For assigned seats, buy a “reserved-seat ticket set” on site: four tickets, about ¥1,200, roughly ¥300 per reservation. Book at a Green Window or travel service center. It’s well worth it in peak season or with older relatives.
Q: Can I still use the pass on Matsuyama’s streetcars?
Since March 7, 2026, the pass no longer covers Iyotetsu. Streetcars and suburban trains in downtown Matsuyama must be paid for separately. If you will visit several places in downtown Matsuyama in a day, consider buying Iyotetsu’s own city tram one-day pass. Ignore old articles that say “includes Iyotetsu.”
Q: I bought an e-voucher but haven’t gone to Japan yet. How long can I keep it?
Overseas advance-purchase MCOs expire three months after purchase, per the official announcement. Don’t buy far ahead for a discount, especially for trips crossing seasons. Check the platform’s announced deadline before ordering.
Q: Can I ride the Shodoshima high-speed boat with the pass?
No. The pass covers only the regular ferry between Takamatsu Port and Tonosho Port (about one hour), and the high-speed boat, though much faster, requires a separate ticket. Other routes such as Takamatsu to Ikeda Port, or routes departing from Okayama, are also not included. Before boarding, go to the ticket office and show the pass to exchange it for a boarding ticket. Also note that, according to JR Shikoku’s official announcement, passes bought from October 1, 2026 no longer cover even the regular ferry, while those bought before September 30 are not affected.
Q: How much is the Kotoden one-day ticket in 2026? Do I still need it if I have the pass?
Kotoden’s “1-Day Free Ticket” (1日フリーきっぷ) is ¥1,600 for adults and ¥800 for children from April 1, 2026, with unlimited rides on all Kotoden trains for that day, bought at staffed Kotoden stations; the mobile 24-hour ticket is ¥1,500 for adults. If you already hold the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass, the whole Kotoden network is already covered, so you don’t need to buy a one-day ticket separately.
Q: Is the 3-day pass enough for a loop around Shikoku?
Covering all four prefectures of Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi and Ehime in three days would be very rushed; the 4-day and 5-day passes have been discontinued, so we recommend the 7-day pass. The 3-day pass suits short trips in and out of Takamatsu that cover only Kagawa and Ehime. The difference between 3 and 7 days is only ¥8,000.
Q: How are children’s fares calculated?
Ages six to eleven qualify for the child fare, about half the adult fare. Children under six who don’t take a seat are usually free. Age is counted on the travel day, and you may need a passport as proof at exchange. Follow the day’s announcement from the official or purchasing platform for actual rules and amounts.
Q: If I’m entering Shikoku from Kansai or Okayama, how do I connect the tickets?
The Shikoku Rail Pass does not cover the Honshu section, and the Seto-Ohashi Line from Okayama to Takamatsu requires a separate ticket. You can exchange your pass first at the JR Shikoku travel agency Umeda branch (Osaka) or the Nippon Travel Agency TiS Okayama branch, then use it immediately on arrival in Takamatsu, which saves the separate Seto-Ohashi Line ticket. If your itinerary includes a lot of Honshu travel, evaluate a cross-region pass separately.