How to go from Takamatsu to Kochi ?
Takamatsu, Kagawa
©Hazek Cheung, unsplash
Travel in Shikoku with a Japan Rail Pass
From Takamatsu, located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, you can head south on the Dosan Line to Kochi.
0 km - Takamatsu station
22 km -0H14 - Sakaide station
Change here if you want to visit the Kokubun-ji. Take a local train to Kokubu (service operates approximatively every 30 minutes), it is an 11-minute trip. Kokubu Station is a 5-minute walk away from the Kokubun-ji, the 80th temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. The entrance is just o the main road on the left .
26 km - 0H17- Utazu station
As you leave the station you cannot miss Play Park Gold Tower. Inside are amusement arcades and many attractions aimed at younger children. For adults it is also possible to have a fish pedicure. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower for views of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
29km - 0H25 - Marugame station
If you are traveling on an Isizushi Limited Express you will need to change here for Kochi. It is the transfer station on the Limited Express Nanpu from Okayama or on the Shiokaze Limited Express to JR Matsuyama Station.
33 KM - 0H32 -Tadotsu station
The line divides here. The Dosan Line continues to Kotohira and the Yosan Line goes west towards Matsuyama.
39 KM -1H06 - Zentsu-Ji station
The Zentsu-ji temple is a 20-minute walk from the station. The temple is built at the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism and established Koya San. In February, Zentsu-ji is also home to one of Japan’s Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festivals), in which participants are usually dressed in just a loincloth.
44 KM -1H12 - Kotohira station
You can stop here to visit the Kotohira-gu (or Kompira-san) Shrine. There are 785 steps up to the main shrine, then a further 583 steps to the inner sanctuary. It is possible to leave luggage at Kotohira Station.
77 KM - 1H18 - Awa-Ikeda station
This is the main interchange for the Tokushima Line. Try to reserve a window seat on either side of the train so as not to miss the great views from here down to Oboke.
99 KM -1H36 - Oboke station
Not all limited express trains stop here. Learn more about the city bellow.
149 KM - 2H16 - Gomen station
Change here for a visit to Le Jardin de Monet Marmottan au Village de Kitagawa; a copy of Monet’s gardenin Giverny, France. Take the private line Gomen-Nahari to the terminus, from where you can catch a shuttle bus to the garden.
160 KM - 2H26 - Kochi station
A small city with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Kochi has several attractions, including Kochi Castle, located downtown. It is one of twelve original Japanese castles remaining. There is a great view from the top of the main tower.
What to see ?
Oboke Gorge
If you are content to gaze at the rapids from a distance, there are viewing platforms near the station. You can also take a sightseeing cruise. The departure point is about 1 km from the station (daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., may close earlier during the low season, ¥500).
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try white-water rafting or canyoning. Take a local train from Oboke to Tosa-Iwahara in just 7 minutes.
Happy Raft organizes half-day and one-day tours, (Mar-Oct, from ¥5000 pp).
Where to stay ?
Obokekyo Mannaka 大歩危峡まんなか
Obokekyo Mannakais accessed by ropeway, up the side of the mountains surrounding the gorge, but this ryokan offers truly spectacular views for very reasonable prices.
Oboke, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima, 779-5451
Tel : 08-8384-121/click here to access to the website
Japanese ‘Eco-guesthouse’ Ku Nel Asob 空音遊
This cute lttle guesthouse has a very homey feel, from its home- cooked vegetarian meals to its friendly owners, who will even pick you up from the station!
442 Nishiiyayamamura, Enoki, Miyo-shi, Tokushima, 778-0104
Information and reservation on the english website
Hotel Kazurabashi ホテル かずら橋 A 15 minute taxi ride from Oboke station. With nature views from its roo op hot spring bath, this hotel offers Japanese style rooms and a dining room where food is prepared in the hearth at the guest’s table.
33-1 Yamamurazentoku Nishiiya, Miyoshi 778-0102
08-8387-2171/www.kazurabashi.co.jp
Where to eat ?
Alex アレックス
Classic, inexpensive soba with a beautiful view of the Oboke rapids. Located west of the station, up the main road.
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel :08-8384-1489 /www.yamashiro-info.jp/lapis/cafe.htm
Iyab In 祖谷美人
Noodle and rice dishes, as well as the local specialty, barbecued sh on a stick. Outdoor seating.Located south of the intersection of routes 45 (to the station) and 32.
Open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel : 08-8387-2009 /http://iyabijin.jp/
