JR Shikoku operates three “ryori-densha” (cuisine trains) on three different lines on Japan’s smallest main island of Shikoku. Sitting in a sumptuous train car and enjoying a fine meal of local cuisine is a perfect way to enjoy this magical green island.
Shikoku Cuisine Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the Shikoku Cuisine trains. You can also find interactive Google maps further down the page.
Iyonada Monogatari (JR Shikoku)
Running between Matsuyama and Izu Ozu on the northwest coast of Shikoku, this charming little train offers brilliant coastal views of the Iyonada Sea, which lies between Shikoku and Kyushu. The train boasts comfortable table and counter seats, at which you enjoy a fantastic meal en route. Few foreigners take this train, which is a shame, because it’s a beauty.
Iyonada Monogatari train en route – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Iyonada Monogatari Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Iyonada Monogatari train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Visit the Iyonada Monogatari official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Dining car on the Iyonada Monogatari – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
There’s one departure daily in each direction between Matsuyama and Iyo Ozu. See the official JR Shikoku website for schedules (in Japanese).
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets at any JR Station in Japan.
- Buy tickets from any Japan travel agency.
Sample Fare
The total fare (fare ticket, express ticket, lunch course) between Matsuyama and Yawatahama is ¥9830.
Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (JR Shikoku)
Running from Tadotsu on the northern coast of Shikoku into the mountainous heart of the island, the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (“Inner Shikoku Thousand Year Fairy Tale”) is a great way to combine a great meal of traditional Japanese food with amazing mountain scenery. Both inside and out, this little train is a stunner.
Sennen Monogatari on a bridge in Shikoku – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Sennen Monogatari Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Sennen Monogatari train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Visit the Sennen Monogatari official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Dining car on the Sennen Monogatari – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
There’s one departure daily in each direction between Tadotsu and Oboke. See the official JR Shikoku website for schedules (in Japanese).
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets at any JR Station in Japan.
- Buy tickets from any Japan travel agency.
Sample Fare
The total fare (fare ticket, express ticket, lunch course) between Tadotsu and Oboke is ¥9930.
Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari (JR Shikoku)
Running along the southern coast of Shikoku, the Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari (“Shikoku Tosa Time Sunrise Fair Tale”), this “rail restaurant” is a wonderful way to enjoy southern Shikoku. The train slows down en route so you can enjoy some of the most scenic portions of the route. Along the way, local performers appear on train platforms to welcome the train. It’s as charming as it sounds.
Tosa no Yoake – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Tosa no Yoake Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Tosa no Yoake train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Visit the Tosa no Yoake official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Tosa no Yoake dining car – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
There’s one departure daily in each direction between Kochi and Kubokawa. See the official JR Shikoku website for schedules (in Japanese).
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets at any JR Station in Japan.
- Buy tickets from any Japan travel agency.
Sample Fare
The total fare (fare ticket, express ticket, lunch course) between Kochi and Kubokawa is ¥10,040.
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
