Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Iyonada Monogatari (Futami) 伊予灘ものがたり (双海編), Shimonada JR Station 下灘駅

Travelled on 22.11.2014

Train fan! I am always on a lookout for unique themed trains whenever I visit Japan. In Shikoku, we managed to cover Yu Yu Anpanman Car (from Takamatsu to Tokushima) and Tetsudo Hobby Train (from Kubokawa to Uwajima). The finale of this trip was Iyonada Monogatari (伊予灘ものがたり), one of the newest themed train introduced by JR Shikoku in July 2014, commuting along the scenic sea view section of Yosan line (予讃線海まわり). 

Iyonada Monogatari is only in operation on weekends and public holidays and there are four train services per day. 

(1) Ozu route (大洲編) from Matsuyama to Iyo Ozu, operates in the morning.

(2) Futami route (双海編) from Iyo Ozu to Matusyama, operates in the late morning.

(3) Yawatahama route (八幡浜編) from Matsuyama to Yawatahama, operates in the afternoon.

(4) Dogo route (道後編) from Yawatahama to Matsuyama, operates in the evening.

Highlights:

Strategy. Planned to take the train on the second weekend of our trip in order to stand a better chance to secure the tickets. As themed sightseeing train rides are especially popular with locals, tickets are rapidly sold out as soon as they are released approximately one month before departure date. Checked the seat availability status online every now and then and discovered that more popular routes (Yawatahama and Dogo) were already sold out before we stepped foot onto Shikoku. Had to reshuffle my itinerary to accommodate Futami route (from Iyo Ozu to Matsuyama) and was jubilant when I got hold of the tickets at Takamatsu JR Station on my very first day in Shikoku.

As all seats on board Iyonada Monogatari are green reserved seats, a 980 yen top up is required with All Shikoku Rail Pass. Decided to enjoy the exclusive bento set meal, which was specially created for this train, on board, therefore parted another 4,500 yen to purchase a meal voucher during seat reservation. At this point of time, all reservations have to be made in person at train stations or by phone. 

Grand entrance. We waited eagerly for the arrival of Iyonada Monogatari at Iyo Ozu Station. Door carpets, with the symbol of Iyonada Monogatari imprinted on them, were placed on the station platform. Instead of the conventional voiceover over the public announcement system to inform passengers of train station, music was played instead as the train gradually pulled into the station and eventually came to a complete stop with the train doors accurately positioned in front of the carpets! Attendants with an elegant poise awaited beside the doors, warmly welcoming passengers to board the train.

Exquisite design. Iyonada Monogatari is made up of two carriages, each beautifully wrapped in red and orange colours respectively, to depict a sunset scenery at the coastline of Iyonada Sea. Car 1 is Akane no sho (茜の章), which is translated as red chapter, while Car 2 is Ogon no sho (黄金の章), otherwise known as golden chapter. Wood was utilised extensively in the interior design of the train; from parquet flooring to furniture and other accessories, to create a traditional chic look. Single seats are oriented to face the train windows directly to allow passengers to come up close to Iyonada Sea as the train moves along the coastline. There are several tables set aside for group of two and four passengers. A counter is located in Car 2 where light snacks, drinks and souvenirs can be purchased. Products manufactured in Iyo region, the former name for Ehime Prefecture, decorated the display shelves. Even the basin was made of tobe ware (tobe-yaki 砥部焼), a type of traditional pottery which originated from Ehime Prefecture. For this trip, we were assigned to a table for four in Car 2. There is a decent range of original train souvenirs sold on board which made me spoilt for choice. My eyes eventually landed on a clear folder and a collar pin.

Station with a view. Shimonada (下灘駅) is a unmanned station located along the sea route of Yosan line. Standing at the platform of this small train station, one gets a panoramic overview of Iyonada Sea due its close proximity. Picture of Shimonada Station with Iyonada Sea in the background featured in Seishun 18 ticket (青春18きっぷ) posters led to its fame, attracting numerous train fans (including myself) and avid photographers to pay here a visit. Iyonada Monogatari makes a brief stop of 10 minutes for passengers to explore this famous train station. The main reason why Dogo route is the most popular among all four routes is the spectacular sunset view that passengers get to bask in during the train ride - an exact depiction of what this train is all about! As soon as the train reached the station, I alighted from the train and explored the area enthusiastically like a child playing with a new toy. The picture perfect view of Iyonada Sea with Iyonada Monogatari is truly one of my fond memories captured during this trip.

Extravagant bento box. About 30 mins to an hour later, the staff approached us for the meal voucher and served us each a tall, two tier box made out from Uchiko wood with the characters " 伊予灘ものがたり" beautifully engraved on the cover. Uncovered the bento box carefully and could not contain my excitement when I revealed the sumptuous contents. One tier was divided into four compartments while the other was divided into nine other compartments. Each compartment is artistically arranged with a unique dish. During this autumn period, the menu was crafted to feature the freshest ingredients harvested from rural settlements of Uchiko, an area in Ehime Prefecture. Apart from being visually stunning, some of these flavours were new and refreshing to my taste buds. Overall, very delicious and this is definitely the most extravagant bento meal I have ever eaten.

• Bottom left: Grilled Iyo beef (内子産伊予牛の奉書焼)
• Top left: Fried Uchiko pork in nanban sauce (内子豚南蛮揚げ)

• Top left: Salmon wrapped with chrysanthemum flowers (サーモンの菊花卷)
• Top center: Yam and boiled greens in bonito flavoured sauce海老芋の旨煮　菊菜と椎茸のおひたし
• Top right: Baked Iyo chicken cake (伊予赤健美鶏の松風)
• Center left: Scallion and clams salad (わけぎと蛤のぬた合え)
• Center: Shitake mushroom and turban shell cooked with sesame and miso (椎茸と栄螺の胡麻味噌焼)
• Center right: Vinaigrette shredded daikon and Uchiko produced persimmons (柿膾　内子産富有柿)
• Bottom left: Mackeral wrapped with mushroom and vegetables. (鰆のけんちん焼　木の子　野菜)
• Bottom center: Gelatin of chicken and prawn (海老と鶏のアスピック)
• Bottom right: Lily bulb (花百合根密煮 アーモンドフラワー)

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Iyonada Monogatari 伊予灘ものがたり
http://iyonadamonogatari.com/
Train fares:
- Route (1) and (2) = 1,930 yen
- Route (3) and (4) = 2,260 yen
Bento set meal = 4,500 yen

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Boarding pass and commemorative stamp:

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Uchiko JR Station 内子駅

Uchiko JR Station (U10), on Yosan and Uchiko line.

A rather small scale train station - essentially a house with train tracks running above it. Coin lockers are available at this station - safe keep your luggage here such that you can walk to the main historic preservation district with a lighter load.

Limited express trains that serve Uchiko JR Station:
(1) Limited express Uwakai (宇和海), which commutes between Uwajima and Matsuyama, along Yosan line.

What's nearby?

(1) Tabirian (旅里庵), located just adjacent to the train station.
This is a tourist information center which is constructed to look like one of the preserved houses seen in Uchiko. Visitors can collect town walking maps and brochures to attractions in Uchiko here. A limited selection of specialty goods from Uchiko such as papers, candles and candle holders are also on sale here. As it takes about 25 mins to walk from the train station to the preservation zone, renting a bicycle to speed up the journey becomes a popular option - bicycles rental service are available in Tabiran as well.
Website: http://www.iyokannet.jp/front/spot/detail/place_id/2001/

(2) Uchiko-za Theater (内子座), about 10 mins walk from the train station.
This is the nearest attraction to the train station. A century old wooden theater which was once the town's main entertainment spot where performances such as Kabuki (Japanese classical drama) and Bunraku (puppet theater) took place. This historical building has been preserved and guided tour are provided to explain the various characteristics and features of the theater.
- Admission fee = 400 yen
- Set ticket for Uchiko-za Theater, Japanese Wax Museum & Kamihaga Residence (木蝋資料館上芳賀邸) and Museum of Commercial & Domestic Life (商いと暮らし博物館) = 900 yen

Cherry blossom trees in the background.

(3) Weeping cherry blossom trees along Gonotani River (郷之谷川)
Along the way from the train station to Uchiko-za Theatre, you will cross Gonotani River and spot rows of weeping cherry blossom trees on both sides of the riverbank. The best time to witness the blooming flowers is from mid March onwards.
Website: http://www.we-love-uchiko.jp/spot_suburbs/spot_k7/

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Matsuyama JR Station 松山駅, Iyotetsu Streetcar 伊予鉄道電車, Botchan Train 坊ちゃん列車

Matsuyama JR Station (Y55, U00) is located on the Yosan line.

Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture. Don't be surprise to see a lackluster mood after stepping out from the train station. Matsuyama JR Station is actually not located in the busiest district of the city and one would have to take the Iyo Railway streetcar to Matsuyama city station to experience the vitality of the crowd.

Bottom left: Limited Express Shiokaze; Right: Meet Bari san, the lovable mascot of Imabari city.

Home to mascot celebrities! Ehime Prefecture has two famous mascots (or yurukyara) which have appeared at the top of the list in Yurukyara Grand Prix held annually in Japan.

- Bari san (バリィさん), a plump looking chicken wearing a crown depicting Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge (a bridge which links Hiroshima in Honshu island to Imabari city in Ehime Prefecture) and holding on to a ship. This mascot represents Imabari city, where ship building businesses flourishes and is famous for yakitori. Bari san won the Yurukyara Grand Prix title in 2012 and his popularity has created a wide range of merchandises which can be found in shops located in most tourist attractions in Ehime Prefecture.

- Mikyan (みきゃん), a orange coloured dog which has ears of Mikan leaves and a tail of Mikan flower. This mascot was created in 2011 and is inspired by Mikan or mandarin orange, a citrus fruit which Ehime Prefecture is well known for. Mikyan has participated in Yurukyara Grand Prix and is slowly catching up in terms of ranking - came in 3rd and 2nd in 2014 and 2015 edition, respectively.

Meet Mikyan, an orange coloured dog with mikan leaves ears and heart shaped nose!

Some limited express and special themed trains that serve Ehime JR Station:

(1) Limited Express Uwakai, which commutes between Matsuyama and Uwajima.

(2) Limited Express Ishizushi, which commutes between Takamatsu and Matsuyama, Uwajima.

(3) Limited Express Shiokaze, which commutes between Okayama, Matsuyama and Uwajima

(4) Iyonoda Monogatari (伊予灘ものがたり), a special themed train newly introduced in 2014, which commutes between Matsuyama to Iyo Ozu and Yawatahama via the sea route of Yosan line. 

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What's nearby?

A regular streetcar.

(1) Iyotetsu/Iyo Railway Streetcar 伊予鉄道電車

Streetcar is an important form of public transportation for both locals and tourists in Matsuyama city. The incentive of holding on to All Shikoku Rail Pass is that no additional train fares is charged while on board the streetcar.

There are a total of five routes serving Matsuyama city:

- Route 1: clockwise loop from Matsuyama city station to Okaido, Matsuyama JR Station and back to its starting point.

- Route 2: anti clockwise loop from Matsuyama city station, to Matusyama JR Station, Okaido and back to it starting point.

- Route 3: between Matsuyma city station and Dogo Onsen.

- Route 5: between Matsuyama JR Station and Dogo Onsen.

- Route 6: between Honmachi-6-chrome and Dogo Onsen.

Time seemed to have stopped at Dogo Onsen station.

Navigation: 

- For Matsuyama Castle 松山城: from Matsuyama JR Station, take Route 5 heading for Dogo Onsen, alight at Okaido 大街道 and walk to the ropeway/chairlift station.

- For Dogo Onsen 道後温泉: from Matsuyama JR Station, take Route 5 heading for Dogo Onsen and alight at the terminus station.

- For Matsuyama City Iyotetsu Station 松山市駅: from Matsuyama JR Station, take Route 1 and alight at the terminus station. Iyotetsu Takashimaya (いよてつ高島屋), a large scale departmental mall which contains Kinokuniya and Tokyu Hands, is connected to the train station.

Website: http://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/bus/global/en/

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Botchan Train 坊ちゃん列車

Nostalgia. This is a diesel powered replica of a steam locomotive train which once travelled along the streets of Matsuyama city over a century ago. The name "Botchan" came from title of this popular novel written by famous author, Natsume Soseki, back in 1906. As this steam locomotive train was mentioned in this novel, locals started to call this train by the name of "Botchan" affectionately. The train pulls along one to two wooden carriages and releases the whistling sound as it chugs along the common streetcar railroad, just like how the conventional train does! There are two sets of Botchan Train (No. 1 and 14) that take turns to transport passengers down the memory lane. For those who are unable to make it in time to board the train, one set is usually put up for display at the terminus station in Dogo Onsen. Many would also make it a point to visit Matsuyama city station to witness how the head of Botchan Train is reversed physically by operators after the train pulled into this terminus station.

Experience. Had the opportunity to board Botchan Train from Dogo Onsen (twice in fact) and the ride was amazing! Botchan Train felt so much smaller in size as compared to other steam locomotive trains which I have ridden before. Train conductors were smartly dressed in black coloured overalls, carrying a sling purse containing tickets and money, just like how they do in the older days. Throughout the entire journey, friendly conductor will pop in to introduce/explain the various features of the train (such as the wooden window blinds and overhead lamps which were kerosene operated in the past) and nearby surroundings, and even lend their hats to passengers for photo taking purposes. A ride on Botchan Train is definitely a must-do activity to be arranged in any first time visit to Matsuyama city.

Note: No additional train fare is charged with All Shikoku Rail Pass. Bocchan Train operates on both weekdays and weekends, but with different schedules. Therefore, do check out the schedule published on Iyotetsu website.

Website: http://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/botchan/

Video: 
Botchan Train was featured in Taiwan's travel program 玩乐志.

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Commemorative stamp:

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Tetsudo Hobby Train 鉄道ホビートレイン

Travelled on 20.11.2014 (Thu)

Yodo Line Brothers. Yodo line connects Kubokawa in Kochi Prefecture to Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture, and a section of the railway line runs alongside the beautiful Shimanto River, which is referred to as Japan's last clear river as it has no dams. There are no express train service along Yodo line and the duration to commute from Kubokawa to Uwajima by local train takes more than 2 hours. Despite the long journey, many people (especially city dwellers) are still willing to embark on this slower mode of transportation to soak into the beautiful scenery of the rural areas of Shikoku. To introduce more visitors to the areas around the Yodo Line, JR Shikoku has also introduced three unique sightseeing trains from 2013 onward and gave them a rather amusing name of "3 brothers of Yodo Line" (予土線３兄弟)! For my trip, I boarded Tetsudo Hobby Train (鉄道ホビートレイン), of the 3 brothers, from Kubokawa Station at 1004 hrs and alighted at Uwajima Station at 1217 hrs.

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Highlights:

The front of the train for the trip from Kubokawa to Uwajima. 

A shorter version of Shinkansen? Tetsudo Hobby Train comprises of a single carriage with no reserved seats. The exterior is designed to look like the zero series Shinkansen, the very first high speed train commissioned way back in 1964, travelling along Tokaido line (between Tokyo and Shin Osaka). Similar white and blue coloured body and a structure is attached to one side of the train to model the streamlined head of a Shinkansen. On the trip from Kubokawa to Uwajima, the head becomes the back of the train giving the impression that the train is moving "backwards". This is because the train does not perform a U-turn as it reaches the terminus station since there are driver seats on either end of the train carriage.  

Bottom left: Exhibition of Shinkansen train models; Top right: Commemorative board; Bottom right: Train fare electronic board featuring train stations along Tokaido line.

Shinkansen Museum. The designer was able to make use of the limited space available in a single cabin to showcase Shinkansen, the fastest land transportation in Japan. There were display windows showcasing different generations of Shinkansen in miniature model forms. Four replicas of the seats used in the zero series Shinkansen were assembled here too. A commemorative board held above the seats facilitates photo-taking by passengers on board this unique themed train. Blue coloured curtains and seat covers were imprinted with pictures of trains and Shikoku island. Even the train fare electronic board has the names of all the train stations located along the Tokaido line (such as Tokyo, Odawara, Atami, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin Osaka). Kept myself occupied throughout the journey, scrutinising the details of the train, looking at the exhibits on display, peering out of the window to enjoy the outside scenery and counting down to the number of train stations till we reached our final destination. When the train made a brief stop at Yoshinobu Station (吉野生駅) for the opposite train to arrive, passengers used the time as a toilet break because there are no toilets available in the train.   

Tetsudo Hobby Train: http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/yodo3bros/tetudohobby/index.htm
Yodo Line Brothers website: http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/yodo3bros/

The other 2 brothers... 

- Kaiyodo Hobby Train (海洋堂ホビートレイン), a single carriage train with no reserved seats. Kaiyodo is a well known Japanese company that manufactures figurines and garage kits. Beautifully wrapped with pictures of some of the character figurines that the company produces, there are also display windows inside the train that showcased Kaiyodo's huge range of products. The main reason why Kaiyodo Hobby Train operates along Yodo line is that there is a Kaiyodo Hobby Museum (海洋堂ホビートレ館) located in Shimanto. The nearest train station, Utsuigawa Station (打井川駅), is about 6 km away from the museum and a bus operates between this train station and museum on Sundays and public holidays.
Kaiyodo Hobby Train: http://www.jr-eki.com/hobbytrain/
Kaiyodo Hobby Museum: http://ksmv.jp/hobbykan/

- Shiman Torocco (しまんトロッコ), a yellow coloured train train which requires seat reservation and only operates on weekends and public holidays. "Torocco" (or Torokko) is a Japanese word for truck and Shiman Torocco was actually converted from a truck train. The torocco section is towed by a conventional diesel car and the beauty of such torocco train is its open concept which allows passengers to enjoy the breeze and scenery of Shimanto River at the same time.

Shiman Torocco: http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/01_trainbus/event_train/simantorokko.html

Tip: If you plan to take all three trains within a day, do check the dates of operation of all three trains and refer to this useful guide provided by JR Shikoku.
Recommended course: http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/yodo3bros/pdf/modelcourse.pdf

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Commemorative stamp: 

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Nakamura Station 中村駅

Nakamura Station (TK40) on Nakamura/Sukumo line.
Alight here to visit Shimanto River, the longest river in Shikoku is also referred as the last clear river in Japan because there are no dams constructed along the entire river.

JR Shikoku or Tosa Kuroshio Railway? Even though both Nakamura and Sukumo line are operated by Tosa Kuroshio Railway, limited express trains owned by JR Shikoku also serve the train stations along both lines. When these trains arrived at Kubokawa station, the interchange station between Dosan and Nakamura lines, there is a changeover of service crew between JR Shikoku and Tosa Kuroshio Railway. It is interesting to see a complete change in train conductor, dressed in a different uniform, and hear a different voice over the PA system after the train moves off from this station.

Award wining train station. Nakamura Station undergone a major renovation in 2010. The team (nextstations) behind this project wanted to redefine people's impression of a train station in a rural area. The interior was revitalised with a modern concept, using wood as the core material of construction. A sense of warmth, created by both the yellow lighting and natural lighting that shines in through the huge glass panels, can be felt in the waiting area. Such small interventions within an existing structure has expanded the space for people's movement, making it more passenger-friendly. The team has also won numerous design related awards for this project. This award winning design was featured in many magazines and the high recognition has attracted people to pay this train station a visit.

Apart from local trains, the following limited express trains serve Nakamura station.

(1) Limited Express Shimanto, which commutes between Takamatsu and Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.

(2) Limited Express Nanpu, which commutes between Okayama, Kochi and Nakamura.

(3) Limited Express Ashizuri, which commutes between Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.

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What's nearby?

(1) Bus stop, located in front of train station.
Board the bus covering Nakamura/Shimizu/Ashizuri/Sukumo route (中村・清水・足摺・宿毛線)
to visit Cape Ashizuri (足摺岬). Bus journey takes about 1 hr 40 mins.
Bus schedule: http://www.kochi-seinan.co.jp/local/

(2) Tourist Information Center (Shimanto City Tourism Association), about 5 minutes walk from train station.
Walked to the tourist information center to arrange a sightseeing taxi to cover Cape Ashizuri with the assistance rendered by the staff on duty. One of the best way to explore Shimanto River and its bridges is by bicycles and the tourist information center here provides rental services as well.
Website: http://www.shimanto-kankou.com/ 

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Commemorative stamp:

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Oboke JR Station 大歩危駅, Michi no eki Oboke 道の駅大歩危

Oboke JR Station (D27), on the Dosan line. This unmanned train station is the gateway to several places of interest in Miyoshi-shi (三好市) such as Iya Onsen, Kazurabashi and Oboke/Koboke gorge. A prelude of Oboke gorge can also be experienced from a pathway located on the opposite side of the train station.

A glimpse of Oboke gorge at the train station.

Apart from local trains, the following limited express trains serve Oboke Station.
(1) Limited Express Shimanto, which commutes between Takamatsu and Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.
(2) Limited Express Nanpu, which commutes between Okayama, Kochi and Nakamura.

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What's nearby? 

(1) Bus stop, located just outside the train station. 

There are two buses heading for Kazurabashi (かずら橋) from Oboke Station:
- Shikoku Kotsu Bus (四国交通バス), Iya line (祖谷線)
Bus schedule: http://yonkoh.co.jp/pdf/timetable/009.pdf
* Note that additional buses are operated only on weekends & public holidays between Apr and Nov.
- Miyoshi-shien Bus 三好市営バス, Kazurabashi/Oboke line (かずら橋・大歩危線)
Bus schedule: https://www.miyoshi.i-tokushima.jp/fs/2/0/2/0/9/_/h28nishiiyajikokuhyousasikae.pdf

(2) Michi no eki Oboke 道の駅大歩危; Yokai House and Stone Museum 妖怪屋敷と石の博物館, about 20 mins walk from Oboke JR Station.
This is more than a conventional roadside station. Located just alongside Oboke gorge, this roadside station houses a tourist information center, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria offering Iya Soba (a specialty here) on their menu, a footbath to soak your legs in and an observatory to capture the beautiful scenery of the gorge. On top of the exhaustive list of facilities mentioned, the same building also contains a Yokai House and a stone museum. Oboke and Koboke are both located in Yamashiro-cho, and it is in this quaint (and mysterious) mountainous region where numerous folktales on yokai/spiritual creatures originated from. In fact, Konakijijii (こなきじじい), a yokai featured in "Gegege no Kitaro" manga series created by Mizuki Shigeru, was inspired by here. There are about 70 sculptures/figurines of yokai on display here in Yokai House and they are all handmade by the locals, to preserve and pass down this unique heritage for future generations to appreciate. On the other hand, the stone museum features precious stones consolidated from all over the world and detailed account on how Oboke gorge is formed. Though I did drop by Michi no eki Oboke with Oboke Iya sightseeing tour bus, I spent all my time at the observatory admiring Oboke gorge which was surrounded by autumn foliage.

Michi no eki Oboke 道の駅大歩危
〒779-5452　徳島県三好市山城町上名1553-1
- Yokai House and Stone Museum 妖怪屋敷と石の博物館
Opening hrs: 0900 - 1640 hrs
Admission fee: 500 yen
http://wx07.wadax.ne.jp/~yamashiro-info-jp/cp-bin/wordpress/

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Video: Scroll to 2:28 for Go Go Japan's feature on Yokai House.




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Commemorative stamp: 

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Kochi JR Station 高知駅, TosadenStreetcar どさでん電車, MY Yu Bus MY遊バス

Kochi JR Station (D45/K00) on the Dosan line.

This train station is the gateway to Kochi-shi (Kochi city), the capital city of Kochi Prefecture. However, the surrounding area of the train station is actually quieter than expected, with no connecting hotels and major departmental stores nearby. To experience the busiest and liveliest district of Kochi city, one will need to take the streetcar to Harimaya bashi, which is three stops away from the main train station.

Bottom left: A picture of Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife; Top left: A miniature replica of Harimaya bashi; Bottom right: Statues of three prominent figures, Sakamoto Ryoma, Takechi Hanpeita and Nakaoka Shintaro, who contributed greatly to modernization of Japan.

Some limited express trains that serve Kochi JR Station:
(1) Limited Express Shimanto, which commutes between Takamatsu and Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.
(2) Limited Express Nanpu, which commutes between Okayama, Kochi and Nakamura.
(3) Limited Express Ashizuri, which commutes between Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.

What's nearby?

(1) Kochira Tabi Hiroba (こちら旅広場), a tourist information center located on the right upon exit from the South exit of train station.
This is one of the first places I visited after arrival - to collect brochures of the attractions which I planned to visit in Kochi and to check on the timing of buses departing for Ryoma Kochi Airport which I would take on the last day of the trip. There are shops housed within the same facility selling locally produced goods and souvenirs.

Who is Sakamoto Ryoma? Here in Kochi, you will spot numerous monochrome pictures, statues, caricatures and even souvenirs depicting a Japanese legendary figure. He is Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本龍馬). Born in Kochi in 1836, he made great contributions to the rapid modernisation of Japan which marked the end of 700 years of feudal government. The best way to find out how he shaped the future of Japan is to check out several museums located in Kochi Prefecture. In 2010, NHK created a drama serial, titled Ryomaden (龍馬伝), which portrayed the life of Sakamoto Ryoma. This drama was well-received both locally and internationally, and its popularity has even led to an enclosure being set up (located beside Kochira Tabi Hiroba) to exhibit props and sets which appeared in the drama serial. 

Website: https://www.attaka.or.jp/tabihiroba/

My Yu Bus boarding area located behind Kochira Tabi Hiroba. 

(2) MY Yu Bus (MY遊バス), bus stop located behind Kochira Tabi Hiroba.
This is a very useful bus service covering attractions in secluded locations further from city center such as Makino Botanical Garden (牧野植物園), Chikuriji (竹林寺) and southwards to Katsurahama (桂浜).

My Yu Bus Godaisan 1 day pass.

A one day and two day pass, covering the entire route between Kochi JR Station and Katsurahama, cost 1,000 yen and 1,600 yen respectively. Purchased the Godaisan (五台山) 1 day pass, priced at 600 yen, as we only utilised the bus service between Kochi JR Station and Godaisan to visit Makino Botanical Garden and Chikuriji. For foreign visitors, a 50% discount is given when your passport is shown during the purchase of tickets. Tickets can be purchased at Kochira Tabi Hiroba, Kochi Bus Terminal or from the driver when you board the bus.

* Please note that the bus boarding bay is not at Kochi Bus Terminal (located at the North exit of train station), but just behind Kochira Tabi Hiroba.
Website: https://www.attaka.or.jp/kanko/kotsu_mybus.php

Bought an Anpanman bread from Willie Winkie bakery!

(3) Anpanman Terrace & Willie Winkie, located on the first level of train station.

- Anpanman Terrace (アンパンマンテラス) has a wide range of Anpanman related merchandises for patrons to choose from; such as storybooks, toys, stationery and exclusive Anpanman train models. Bought a small Anpanman drawstring bag from here.  

- Willie Winkie (ウィリーウィンキー) is a bakery owned by JR Shikoku and the branches are located within the train stations. What makes this bakery stands out is their adorable and delicious looking Anpanman characters bread. Spotted them while I was visiting the bakery and could not resist buying some to try. Five characters from this popular anime were transformed into real edible bread here: Anpanman, Creampanda, Omusubiman, Shokupanman and Currypanman.

Tosaden streetcar

(4) Tosaden / Tosa Electric Railway streetcar (どさでん電車)
One of the most convenient way to get around the city is by Tosaden streetcar. Kochi ekimae (高知駅前) is the terminus streetcar station located just in front of the South exit of train station. For foreign visitors holding on All Shikoku Rail Pass, be rest assured that you will not need to top up additional fares to ride the streetcar.

Harimaya bashi

Attractions accessible via streetcar:
- Harimaya bashi (はりまや橋): board any streetcar from Kochi ekimae and alight at Harimaya bashi はりまや橋
- Hirome Market (ひろめ市場): board the streetcar heading for Kagamigawa bashi 鏡川橋/Asakura 朝倉/Ino 伊野 and alight at Ohashi dori 大橋通
- Kochi Castle (高知城): board the streetcar heading for Kagamigawa bashi 鏡川橋/Asakura 朝倉/Ino 伊野 and alight at Kochi jo mae 高知城前
Map: http://www.tosaden.co.jp/train/rosenzu.php

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Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Naruto JR Station 鳴門駅

Naruto JR Station (N10), is the terminus station on Naruto line.

Local trains leave Naruto for Tokushima at approx hourly intervals. Naruto JR Station is a relatively small train station, with no shops or tourist information center found within the same 1 storey building. After visiting Naruto Koen, I took the bus heading for Tokushima and alighted at the bus stop in front of Naruto JR Station. Transferred to the local train here to return to Tokushima.

What's nearby?

Naruto Koen bus stop

(1) Bus stop
Take the bus in front of Naruto JR Station and alight at the last stop Naruto Koen. Bus journey takes about 20 mins. 
At Naruto Koen, most of the attractions are within walking distance:
- Uzunomichi (渦の道): located beneath the road on Onaruto bridge, witness the famous whirlpools just beneath your foot. 
- Eddy Musuem (エデイ): Exhibition featured how Onaruto bridge was constructed and the mechanics of whirlpools in the strait of Naruto. Onaruto bridge can be seen on its rooftop observation deck. However, its elevation is not high enough to capture a aerial/complete view of Onaruto bridge.  
- Eska Hill (エスカヒル): Take a 68 m long escalator to the observatory deck. The view of Onaruto bridge here is much more magnificent as compared to Eddy Museum.

Bus schedule: http://www.tokubus.co.jp/?page_id=4805

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