Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

This article provides information on the JR Shikoku sightseeing train "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI", which connects Kochi Station and Kubokawa Station, including operating days, times, fares, stops, seating, and how to buy tickets. Please note that operating days, times, and fares may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the JR Shikoku official website before using the train.

"YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train connecting Kochi Station and Kubokawa Station via the JR Dosan Line. All seats are reserved Green Car seats, and normally there is one round trip scheduled, consisting of the "Risshi no Sho" and "Kaika no Sho" services. It is not a train that normally operates towards Nahari.

What is "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"?

"YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train that debuted on July 4, 2020, and is themed around the history and culture of Kochi Prefecture. The name "Shikoku Tosa" embodies pride in Tosa, which produced many talented individuals who contributed to Japan's modernization from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, including Sakamoto Ryoma. Starting from Kochi Station, there are two routes: one heading east towards Nahari and the other west towards Kubokawa. The phrase "Dawn of a New Era" embodies the passion of the people of Tosa during the transition from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. The Tosa Domain produced many talented individuals during the end of the Edo period and is known as the birthplace of many patriots who contributed to Japan's modernization, including Sakamoto Ryoma, Goto Shojiro, and Itagaki Taisuke.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of this train lies in the fact that you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Ocean and the food culture of Tosa while visiting places associated with Sakamoto Ryoma. The eastern course offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean towards Cape Muroto, while the western course allows you to enjoy the nature of the Shimanto River basin. Onboard, there are historical explanations related to Ryoma and meal plans using local ingredients. Some trains also have exhibition panels on board that tell the story of Ryoma's life and the history of the Tosa Domain. Katsurahama Beach is a must-see pilgrimage site for Ryoma fans, as a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma stands overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Along the route, there are also many birthplaces and memorial halls of figures who were active in the late Edo period, making it a route with many points of interest for history buffs.

Timetable for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

Timetable for the southbound "Risshi no Sho" (towards Kubokawa)

The "Risshi no Sho" train runs from Kochi Station to Kubokawa Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and stops on Ekitan or the JR Shikoku official website.

Timetable for the northbound "Kaika no Sho" (towards Kochi)

The "Kaika no Sho" train runs from Kubokawa Station to Kochi Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and stations on Ekitan or the JR Shikoku official website.

Normally, the southbound "Risshi no Sho" and the northbound "Kaika no Sho" trains operate between Kochi Station and Kubokawa Station. Please check the operating days and times in advance.

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

This is a sightseeing train with limited operating days. Details of the operating days and routes will be announced on the JR Shikoku official website as they become available, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. Because it runs along the Pacific coast, which is susceptible to typhoons, it may be suspended in case of severe weather.

The Route of "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

Main sections

• Kochi Station - Tosa-Kure Station - Kubokawa Station (JR Dosan Line)

Nahari Station is the gateway to Cape Muroto, an area where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Ocean, including the Muroto Geopark. Kubokawa Station is a tourist hub in the Shimanto River basin, offering views of the beautiful flow of the Shimanto River, often called Japan's last pristine river. Cape Muroto is known for its geologically valuable topography and is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Buses also run from Nahari to Muroto, allowing you to visit the Muroto Lighthouse and other geopark attractions. Buses also run from Kubokawa Station to the headwaters of the Shimanto River, allowing you to enjoy a journey tracing the source of the pristine river. Historic townscapes, such as the merchant houses of Tano Town, remain around Nahari Town.

Stations Along the "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" Route

Main stops

• Kochi Station
• Tosa-Kure Station
• Kubokawa Station

Access to tourist destinations from Kochi Station, Tosa-Kure, and Kubokawa.

From Kochi Station to Katsurahama, you can take a local bus and enjoy views of the Sakamoto Ryoma statue and the Pacific Ocean. Around Tosa-Kure Station, Taisho-machi Market and Kure Hachimangu Shrine are within walking distance, and some travelers get off the train to enjoy bonito dishes. If you are heading to the Shimanto River basin from Kubokawa Station, you can combine the JR Yodo Line, Tosa Kuroshio Railway, local buses, and rental cars. Many of the Shimanto River's submersible bridges are far from the station, so it is efficient to book a local tour or taxi in advance. In sections with infrequent return train service, decide on your return time from sightseeing spots to the station beforehand.

Fares for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of tickets and fares

To use the "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" train, you will need a basic fare ticket, a limited express ticket, and a Green Car ticket. All seats are reserved Green Car seats; there are no unreserved seats.

Meal plan price

Depending on the tour, a meal plan featuring local ingredients is available by advance reservation. In addition to the basic fare ticket and seat fare, a separate meal fee is required. The Shimanto River is also known as "Japan's last pristine river," and its railing-less bridges, called submersible bridges, create a unique landscape. Submersible bridges are railing-less bridges designed to be submerged during floods and are a beloved symbol of the Shimanto River basin. The area around Tosa-Kure Station is a port town known for its skipjack tuna fishing using the single-line method, and there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Recommended 1-night, 2-day itinerary

On the first day, we will visit Kochi Castle, Hirome Market, and Katsurahama Beach, and stay overnight in Kochi City. On the second day, we will take the "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" train towards Kubokawa, enjoying the onboard cuisine and the scenery along the Pacific coast. Possible itineraries include enjoying bonito dishes in Tosa-Kure, or traveling from Kubokawa towards the Shimanto River area and staying overnight. Since the conditions for boarding and alighting at intermediate stations vary depending on the train service, please choose your sightseeing destinations according to the course you have booked.

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetable - Ekitan

How to Buy Tickets for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

Midori-no-madoguchi and Major Travel Agencies

Basic fare tickets, limited express tickets, and Green Car tickets for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" can be purchased at Midori-no-madoguchi nationwide and major travel agencies. Please check the JR Shikoku official website for sales conditions and how to reserve meals.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase basic fare tickets, limited express tickets, and Green Car tickets at Midori-no-madoguchi. All seats are reserved, so please reserve your seat before boarding.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also offer reserved seat tickets for this train and tour packages that include sightseeing at places associated with Sakamoto Ryoma.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

"YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" is an all-reserved Green Car train. Even when using a JR Pass or similar pass, additional purchases of limited express tickets, Green Car tickets, etc. may be required depending on the type of pass. Please check the applicable sections and additional charges in advance.

Procedures for Booking Passes and Meals for Foreign Tourists

Before boarding, purchase your basic fare ticket, limited express ticket, and Green Car ticket at a Midori-no-madoguchi or major travel agency, and confirm your seat number. If you wish to have a meal, you must apply separately through the designated web service or travel package. You cannot board the train with just a meal voucher. Travelers using the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass or JR Pass should check at the ticket office the scope of basic fare tickets and limited express tickets covered by the pass, as well as any additional purchases required, such as Green Car fares. For products using electronic tickets, prepare to display the information on your smartphone screen on the day of travel.

 

 

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

If you purchased your ticket at a ticket office or travel agency, you will need to receive a paper ticket before boarding. If you have a meal reservation voucher, please pick it up using the method specified.

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

There are sections of the route where transportation IC cards cannot be used. Since it is not possible to use only an IC card for the entire route, please purchase your basic fare ticket, limited express ticket, and Green Car ticket in advance.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding this train on its route.

Seating Information for "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

Seat Types (All Seats Reserved, Equivalent to Green Car)

"YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" consists entirely of reserved Green Car seats. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

The train's interior is unified with a calm color scheme inspired by the patriots of the late Edo period. The seating arrangement offers views of the Pacific Ocean and the Shimanto River, allowing passengers to enjoy the magnificent nature of Tosa. The seats have large tables, making it convenient for meals and breaks while enjoying the scenery. Some seats are positioned facing the Pacific Ocean, making it easier to enjoy the magnificent ocean views. The windows are large, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the scenery of the Pacific Ocean on the eastern route and the Shimanto River basin on the western route. The seats, equivalent to those in Green Cars, have ample legroom, ensuring comfort even on long journeys.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you are using a wheelchair, please contact JR Shikoku before boarding to confirm available seats and boarding/alighting procedures.

Seats and Preparations to Enjoy the View of the Pacific Ocean from the Train Window

You can enjoy coastal scenery around Susaki and Tosa-Kure, but the view will vary depending on the direction of travel and the location of the tracks. Since meals are served and information about the route is provided on board, it's best to follow the attendant's instructions when it's time to leave your seat. For a more comfortable journey, leave large luggage at your accommodation or in a station locker before boarding and only bring essentials on board. While Kochi Prefecture has seasons with strong sunshine, a light jacket will also be useful to cope with the air conditioning on the train.

Best Time to Visit Kochi and What to Wear

Kochi has a mild climate, but the summer sun is strong, and it can be windy along the coast. If you plan to walk along Katsurahama Beach or the Shimanto River, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinks. Spring and autumn are good times for sightseeing, but trains and buses may be affected during typhoon and heavy rain seasons.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" Train

This train offers a pre-booked meal plan featuring ingredients from Kochi Prefecture. You can enjoy Kochi's unique cuisine, such as seared bonito and dishes using local Tosa sake. Around Kochi Station, there are plenty of spots where you can easily enjoy Kochi's food, such as Hirome Market. At Hirome Market, you can casually sample Kochi's famous dishes, including seared bonito, in a street food style setting.

Reservation-Only Meals, Bonito, and Local Cuisine Along the Railway Line

The pre-ordered meals feature dishes using seafood, vegetables, meat, and citrus fruits from Kochi Prefecture, and the menu may differ between the outbound and inbound routes. In Tosa-Kure, you can enjoy bonito tataki and seasonal fish, while in Kochi City, you can enjoy sarabachi cuisine, street food dumplings, and local sake. The reservation deadline and pick-up method for meals vary depending on the item, so please apply after securing your seats. Please check with the provider before making a reservation regarding their ability to accommodate food allergies.

Points to Note When Riding "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI"

This is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to use it, we recommend checking the operating days and routes and making a reservation as early as possible. If you wish to have a meal plan, you will need to make arrangements early, along with booking your basic fare ticket. Also, if you plan to visit Katsurahama, it will be helpful to check the bus access from Kochi Station at the same time. If you plan to get off at Tosa-Kure, it will be helpful to check the time of the next train service at the same time.

Since the operating days and the tourist destinations visited differ between the eastern and western routes, it's important to choose the route that suits your purpose. Tourist destinations associated with Ryoma, such as Katsurahama Beach and Cape Muroto, are often accessible by bus or taxi from the station, so it's a good idea to check transportation options in advance.

Summary

"YOAKE NO MONOGATARI" is a JR Shikoku sightseeing train connecting Kochi Station and Kubokawa Station. All seats are reserved Green Car seats, and a basic fare ticket, limited express ticket, and Green Car ticket are required. Please check the operating days and times and make your reservation early.

Enjoy a special journey to Tosa with "YOAKE NO MONOGATARI", a tour that combines the stories of the patriots of the late Edo period with the magnificent nature of Kochi Prefecture.

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.