Limited Express ""ASHIZURI"" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Shikoku limited express train ""ASHIZURI"", which connects Kochi Station to Nakamura Station and Sukumo Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to Shimanto and Ashizuri Cape, 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 ""ASHIZURI"" is a JR Shikoku limited express train connecting Kochi Station with Nakamura Station and Sukumo Station. The train's name comes from Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost point of Shikoku. It is a major access train to Nakamura, a base for sightseeing along the Shimanto River. The train uses 2700 series diesel railcars. Beyond Kubokawa Station, it travels on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway line, a third-sector railway company. Since there are unreserved seats, you can easily board without a reservation. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the departure information display for the correct train name and destination before boarding.

What is ""ASHIZURI""?

""ASHIZURI"" is a JR Shikoku limited express train named after Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost point of Shikoku. The Dosan Line runs from Tadotsu Station through Kochi to Kubokawa Station. From Kubokawa Station towards Nakamura and Sukumo, it is the Tosa Kuroshio Railway line. Nakamura is a town known as "Little Kyoto of Tosa." The Shimanto River is a pristine river known as Japan's last clear stream.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the ""ASHIZURI"" train lies in its direct access from Kochi to the Shimanto and Ashizuri areas without transfers. The Shimanto River is known for its scenery featuring submersible bridges. Submersible bridges are bridges without railings that are designed to be submerged during floods. Cape Ashizuri is the southernmost cape of Shikoku, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Ashizuri Cape lighthouse is striking with its white appearance. Tatsukushi Coast is a scenic spot with a series of strangely shaped rocks. Nakamura is a town with a grid-like street layout, known as "Little Kyoto of Tosa." You can enjoy activities such as canoeing and houseboat rides on the Shimanto River. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. 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. The Tosa Kuroshio Railway is a third-sector railway that runs through western Kochi Prefecture. Around Cape Ashizuri, there is a walking path lined with camellia trees.

""ASHIZURI"" Timetable

Downbound (towards Nakamura Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Kochi Station) Timetable

The ""ASHIZURI"" train operates more than ten round trips a day. 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 peak hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. 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 Days When the Service is Suspended

The ""ASHIZURI"" train operates daily throughout the year. There are direct services to Sukumo Station and services that terminate at Nakamura. The Dosan Line is susceptible to heavy rain, so service may be suspended.

Operating Sections of ""ASHIZURI""

Main Sections

• Kochi Station to Kubokawa Station (Dosan Line)
• Kubokawa Station to Nakamura Station (Tosa Kuroshio Railway)
• Nakamura Station to Sukumo Station (Tosa Kuroshio Railway)

Nakamura Station is a base station for sightseeing along the Shimanto River. Canoeing and houseboat tours are popular activities on the Shimanto River. Several submersible bridges span the Shimanto River, and their rustic appearance is impressive. Cape Ashizuri can be accessed by bus from Nakamura Station. The lighthouse at Cape Ashizuri is a symbol of the southernmost point of Shikoku. Tatsukushi Coast is a scenic spot with a series of strangely shaped rocks. Sukumo is a town at the westernmost tip of Kochi Prefecture. Since travel to surrounding tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Straw-grilled bonito is a local specialty in Tosa Saga and Kuroshio Town.

Stations Served by ""ASHIZURI""

Main Stops

• Kochi Station
• Ino Station
• Sagawa Station
• Susaki Station
• Kubokawa Station
• Nakamura Station
• Sukumo Station

Fares for ""ASHIZURI""

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the ""ASHIZURI"" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express fare. Beyond Kubokawa Station, the line is operated by the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, so the fare is calculated separately from the JR line. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express fare. JR limited express fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a regular season, peak season, or off-peak season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. You must purchase both to ride the limited express train, so please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket.

Sections Running on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway

The ""ASHIZURI"" train runs on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway line, which is not a JR line, between Kubokawa and Nakamura/Sukumo. Because this section is not a JR line, JR passes such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS may not be applicable. In that case, you will need to pay the basic fare and limited express fare separately. When purchasing your ticket, be sure to check the route.

How to Buy Tickets for ""ASHIZURI""

e5489 (Internet Reservation)

JR West's internet reservation service, "e5489," 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 Counters

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-Madoguchi. If you wish to use an unreserved seat, you only need to purchase a basic fare ticket and an unreserved limited express ticket. Ticket vending 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 seasons, 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 Shimanto and Ashizuri areas with train travel.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The ""ASHIZURI"" train runs on JR Shikoku and Tosa Kuroshio Railway lines. Since the Tosa Kuroshio Railway is not a JR line, it may not be covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. If you wish to use a reserved seat, 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's advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Tickets purchased through online reservations may require you to pick up a paper ticket. Please check the reservation completion screen to see if you are eligible for a ticketless product and to see how to receive your ticket. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, please complete the procedure at a designated ticket machine or ticket counter before boarding.

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

IC cards can be used on some sections of the line around Kochi. However, the western part of the Dosan Line and the Tosa Kuroshio Railway are outside the IC card service area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable 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.

Seating Information for ""ASHIZURI""

Seat Types

The ""ASHIZURI"" train is operated using 2700 series diesel railcars and consists of ordinary car reserved seats and unreserved seats. During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats.

Features of Seating

The 2700 series is a diesel railcar equipped with a tilting mechanism, ensuring a comfortable ride even on curves. Some seats have power outlets, convenient for charging devices during travel. The seats also recline. From the windows, you can enjoy the scenery of the mountainous and coastal areas of western Kochi Prefecture. Since the view changes depending on the direction of travel, it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are ideal for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location in advance before booking for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Accessibility Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting a JR Shikoku ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on ""ASHIZURI""

There is no onboard sales service on the ""ASHIZURI"" train. If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at a shop at Kochi Station. In Kochi, seared bonito is a classic local delicacy. Along the Shimanto River, river shrimp, sweetfish, and green laver are well-known specialties. Since the shop at the station may have limited operating hours, it is best to stop by early. There is a wide variety of bento boxes available, so it is fun to take some time to choose one before boarding. Some stations along the line have shops selling local specialties. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors, etc., to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding ""ASHIZURI""

The ""ASHIZURI"" train has both direct services to Sukumo Station and services that terminate at Nakamura, so be sure to check your destination. Since it goes via the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, an additional fare may be required if you are using the JAPAN RAIL PASS. If you use the unreserved seats, you may not be able to find a seat during peak hours. To reach Cape Ashizuri, you will need to take a bus from Nakamura Station. The Dosan Line is susceptible to heavy rain, so be sure to check the operating status. During peak seasons, both stations and trains will be crowded, so allow plenty of time. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. It is also a good idea to check the train's operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The ""ASHIZURI"" is a JR Shikoku limited express train connecting Kochi Station with Nakamura Station and Sukumo Station. It serves as a base for sightseeing along the Shimanto River in Nakamura, and for travel to Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost point of Shikoku. Since it travels via the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, it is necessary to check the route when purchasing tickets.

Enjoy a journey through Shimanto and Ashizuri aboard the ""ASHIZURI"" train, which heads to the southernmost tip of Shikoku.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular 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 train transfer information 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.