Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Shikoku sightseeing train "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO," which connects Tokushima Station and Awa-Ikeda Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations stopped at, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card support status. As it serves as an access train to the Yoshino River and the Awa Indigo Village, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train that connects Tokushima Station and Awa-Ikeda Station via the Tokushima Line. It runs along the Yoshino River, also known as Shikoku Saburo, allowing passengers to enjoy the majestic river flow from the train windows. The "Ai" in the train's name comes from Awa indigo, a traditional industry of Tokushima. The train includes open-air trolley cars with no windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery while feeling the river breeze. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. It mainly operates on weekends and holidays, so if you plan to ride, you should check the operating days. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"?

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train themed around the scenery of the Yoshino River and the culture of Awa indigo. The JR Tokushima Line runs west from Sako Station along the Yoshino River to Tsukuda Station. The Yoshino River is the largest river in Shikoku and is known by the nickname "Shikoku Saburo." Awa indigo is a traditional indigo dyeing industry that has continued in Tokushima for centuries. The train's exterior is designed primarily in indigo blue.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" lies in the fact that you can enjoy the scenery of the Yoshino River from the open-air trolley cars. The majestic flow of the Yoshino River is on a scale befitting Shikoku's largest river. The train may slow down in sections with good views. Meals and sweets made with local ingredients may be served on board. Awa-Ikeda is known for the Awa Odori dance and as a town in the middle reaches of the Yoshino River. Oboke and Koboke can be accessed by transferring to the JR Dosan Line from Awa-Ikeda. Tokushima's Awa Odori is one of Japan's representative summer festivals. There are workshops along the line where you can experience indigo dyeing. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose.

Timetable for "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

*The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays.

Downbound (towards Awa-Ikeda Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Tokushima Station) Timetable

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening hours, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the day. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is a train that operates only on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. Use of the trolley cars may be restricted due to weather conditions.

Operating Section of "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

Main Sections

• Tokushima Station to Ishii Station (JR Tokushima Line)
• Ishii Station to Anabuki Station (JR Tokushima Line)
• Anabuki Station to Awa-Ikeda Station (JR Tokushima Line)

Awa-Ikeda Station is the gateway to the towns in the middle reaches of the Yoshino River. From Awa-Ikeda, you can also access Oboke and Iya. The Iya Kazurabashi Bridge is known as a suspension bridge made of Shirakuchi vine. From Anabuki, you can access Wakimachi, known for its Udatsu townscape. The Udatsu townscape of Wakimachi is a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. In Tokushima City, you can enjoy Awa Odori dance performances throughout the year at the Awa Odori Hall. At the Aizumi-no-Yakata (Indigo Museum) in Aizumi Town, you can learn about the history of Awa indigo and indigo dyeing. As getting to the surrounding tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are often tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. From Tokushima Station, you can also access the Naruto whirlpools.

Stations Stopped At by "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

Main Stops

• Tokushima Station
• Ishii Station
• Kamojima Station
• Anabuki Station
• Awa-Ikeda Station

*The stations stopped at may vary depending on the train.

Fares for "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Seat Reservation Fare

The fare for the "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the seat reservation fare. It is not a limited express fare. Since all seats are reserved, please secure your seat and have your basic fare ticket and seat reservation ticket ready before boarding.

Sections Where Trolley Cars Can Be Used

For safety reasons, the open-air trolley car may only be available on certain sections of the route. For other sections, passengers will travel in ordinary cars. When making a reservation, you may be assigned seats in both the trolley car and an ordinary car. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the use of the trolley car may be restricted.

How to Buy Tickets for "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

JR Shikoku Online Reservations

JR Shikoku's online reservation service allows you to purchase reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Ticket Offices

You can purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket machines or at the ticket office. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in the Tokushima area with train travel.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is a JR Shikoku train, so it can be used with the JR Pass or other passes for the Shikoku area. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Even if you purchase your tickets online, you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

There are sections of the JR Tokushima Line where IC cards cannot be used. It is advisable to prepare to purchase tickets with cash or from a ticket vending machine. While some transportation IC cards can be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service, the service area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Even in sections where IC cards can be used for the basic fare, a separate seat reservation fare is required.

Seating Information for "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

Seat Types

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is an all-reserved-seat train. It consists of open-air trolley cars and ordinary cars. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The open-air trolley cars have no windows, allowing you to feel the breeze from the Yoshino River. The interior is decorated in a predominantly indigo color scheme. From the seats on the Yoshino River side, you can fully enjoy the scenery of Shikoku's largest river. Depending on the weather, it can get chilly, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. The view changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

There are steps inside the trolley cars. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact JR Shikoku in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

Enjoy Station Bento Boxes and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" Train

On the "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" train, meals and sweets made with local ingredients may be served on board. In Tokushima, Tokushima ramen and Awao-dori chicken are well-known specialties. Naruto wakame seaweed and sea bream are also representative flavors of Tokushima. Along the route, you can also enjoy sweets made with local agricultural products. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO"

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a reserved seat. The use of the trolley cars may be restricted due to weather conditions. Meals on board may require advance reservations. Due to its popularity, reserved seats may fill up quickly. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since the trolley cars are located in an area close to the outdoors, please dress appropriately for the season. It's a good idea to check the operating status for the day on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train connecting Tokushima Station and Awa-Ikeda Station. From the open-air trolley car, you can enjoy the scenery of the Yoshino River, Shikoku's largest river, along with the river breeze. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy a trip to Tokushima on the "AI YOSHINOGAWA TOROKKO," which traces the history of the indigo dyeing region and Shikoku Saburo.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), conventional trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the route search service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.