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

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Shikoku Limited Express train "NANPU", which connects Okayama Station to Kochi Station and Nakamura 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 for Kochi, Shimanto, and the JR Dosan Line area, 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 "NANPU" is a JR Shikoku Limited Express train connecting Okayama Station with Kochi Station and Nakamura Station. It crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge to connect Honshu and Shikoku, and heads towards Kochi via the JR Dosan Line. The train uses 2700 series diesel railcars, which are high-performance Limited Express trains equipped with tilting functions. Some services use trains with Anpanman-themed wrapping. There are unreserved seats, so you can easily board without a reservation. From the train windows, you can enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the beautiful gorges of Oboke and Koboke along the Yoshino River. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "NANPU"?

"NANPU" is a JR Shikoku Limited Express train bound for Kochi Prefecture in southern Shikoku. The JR Dosan Line runs from Tadotsu Station through Kotohira and Oboke to Kubokawa in Kochi. It is a mountainous route that traverses the Shikoku Mountains and is known for its challenging sections with continuous steep gradients and sharp curves. The 2700 series is a tilting diesel railcar that debuted in 2019, enabling high-speed travel on curves. Kochi is the birthplace of Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, and Anpanman-themed trains also run along the line.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the "NANPU" train lies in its convenience, offering direct access from Honshu to Kochi without transfers. The section crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge offers breathtaking views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Oboke and Koboke are gorges carved by the Yoshino River, known for their scenic beauty and unique rock formations. Trains operating as the Anpanman train feature Anpanman characters both inside and out. Katsurahama in Kochi is a representative scenic spot, where a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazes out at the Pacific Ocean. The Shimanto River is known as Japan's last pristine river, famous for its submersible bridges. Kotohira's Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san," is a temple town. The 2700 series trains utilize a tilting mechanism to maintain speed on the winding JR Dosan Line. Checking the stops and travel times before boarding makes it easier to plan itineraries that include stops along the way. Since the view from the train window changes significantly depending on the season and time of day, it's recommended to choose different times of day for your outbound and return journeys.

"NANPU" Timetable

*The "NANPU" train operates more than ten round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Kochi Station) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Okayama Station)

The "NANPU" 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 Ekitan before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush 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.

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

The "NANPU" train operates daily throughout the year. However, direct services to Nakamura Station are limited. The JR Dosan Line is susceptible to heavy rain, which may cause service disruptions.

"NANPU" Operating Section

Main sections

• Okayama Station to Utazu Station (JR Uno Line/JR Seto-Ohashi Line)
• Utazu Station to Tadotsu Station (JR Yosan Line)
• Tadotsu Station to Kochi Station/Nakamura Station (JR Dosan Line)

Kochi Station is the gateway to Kochi tourism. Katsurahama Beach, a scenic spot where a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma stands, is accessible by bus from downtown Kochi. Kochi Castle is a nationally rare castle in which both the keep and the main palace remain intact. At Hirome Market, you can enjoy Kochi's local cuisine, including katsuo no tataki (seared bonito). At Oboke Gorge, you can take a sightseeing boat tour to see the spectacular gorge scenery. Kotohira's Kotohira-gu Shrine is known for its pilgrimage, which involves climbing 785 stone steps to the main shrine. Nakamura is called "Little Kyoto of Tosa" and serves as a base for sightseeing along the Shimanto River. 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 often tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures.

"NANPU" Stations Served

Main stops

• Okayama Station
• Kojima Station
• Utazu Station
• Tadotsu Station
• Kotohira Station
• Oboke Station
• Kochi Station
• Nakamura Station

The stations a train stops at may vary. Please check the stations your train stops at on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

"NANPU" Fares

Representative section fare

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetables - Ekitan

Breakdown of basic fare ticket and limited express surcharge

The fare for the "NANPU" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. The limited express surcharge differs for reserved and unreserved seats, with reserved seats being slightly more expensive. If you use a Green Car, you will need to pay the Green Car surcharge in addition to the limited express surcharge. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. JR's limited express surcharges are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a regular season, high season, or low season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the Limited Express train. Note that you cannot ride the Limited Express train with just a basic fare ticket; you must purchase both.

About the Anpanman Train

Some "NANPU" trains operate with Anpanman-themed wrapping. The Anpanman trains feature seats decorated with characters and photo opportunities. The Anpanman seats are reserved seats and require advance reservations. The trains that operate with the Anpanman trains vary from day to day, so please check in advance if you wish to ride one.

How to Buy "NANPU" Tickets

JR Shikoku Internet 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 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 high seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation and train travel in the Kochi/Shimanto area.

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "NANPU" train runs on JR Shikoku and JR West lines, so it can be used with the JR Pass or other passes for the Shikoku area. Even when using a pass, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket if you wish to use a reserved seat. Unreserved seats can be used with the pass alone. 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.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

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?

Within the ICOCA area around Okayama, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of the ticket. However, most of the JR Dosan Line is outside the IC card 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 area.

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

*Please note that you cannot ride the Limited Express train using only your IC card. A Limited Express surcharge must be purchased separately.

"NANPU" Seating Information

Seat type

The "NANPU" train is operated using 2700 series diesel railcars and consists of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats, Ordinary Car Unreserved Seats, and Green Car seats. During high seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive 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 large windows allow passengers to fully enjoy the scenery of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and Oboke Gorge. The Anpanman train features seats decorated with Anpanman characters. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better suited for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check seat locations and make reservations in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large luggage storage area

A luggage rack is provided at the end of the train car.

Barrier-free 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 In-Train Gourmet Food on "NANPU".

On the "NANPU" train, there is no in-car sales service. If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops or stalls at Okayama Station. In Okayama, mamakari sushi and Matsuri sushi are well-known as ekiben (station bento boxes). In Kochi, katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) and Tosa maki (rolled omelet) are local specialties. Around Oboke, you can enjoy Iya soba noodles and local dishes made with mountain produce. Since the shops inside the station may have limited operating hours, it is best to prepare in advance if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors, etc., to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "NANPU"

Since there are only a limited number of "NANPU" trains that go directly to Nakamura Station, please check your destination. If you use the unreserved seats, you may not be able to find a seat during high season. The Anpanman train operates on different days, so please check in advance if you wish to ride it. The JR Dosan Line is susceptible to heavy rain, so please check the operating status in advance. Due to the tilting mechanism, you may feel swaying in sections with many curves. Before boarding, please 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, if you plan to eat, be sure to prepare before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "NANPU" is a JR Shikoku Limited Express train connecting Okayama Station with Kochi Station and Nakamura Station. It crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge and passes through the scenic Oboke Gorge on its way to Kochi, offering many scenic views from the train windows. Some services operate as the Anpanman Train, making it a popular choice for family trips.

Enjoy your journey to Tosa aboard the "NANPU" train, which crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the valley.

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.
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.