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Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass

If you’re planning to explore Japan’s beautiful Shikoku region, the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass is your ticket to a seamless and affordable travel experience. This rail pass allows travelers unlimited access to JR trains across the entire island, providing the perfect way to navigate Shikoku’s scenic landscapes and historical sites without worrying about transportation costs.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass, from how it works to its benefits, pricing, and even tips for getting the most out of your trip to Shikoku.

What is the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass?

The Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass is a special pass available for both foreign tourists and residents of Japan, providing unlimited rides on JR-operated trains across the Shikoku region. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around all four prefectures on the island: Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi.

This pass covers all local, rapid, express, and limited express trains operated by JR Shikoku, which includes both JR buses and the Shikoku ferry services. Designed for travelers seeking to explore the island in-depth, it allows unlimited travel for a fixed period, making it perfect for both short-term visitors and those planning to immerse themselves in Shikoku’s unique culture and natural beauty.

How the Pass Works

The Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass is incredibly easy to use. Once purchased, the pass grants you access to the JR Shikoku train network for a specific number of consecutive days (you can choose between 3, 4, 5, or 7 days pass). Travelers must show their pass when entering and exiting train stations, just like you would with a regular train ticket.

With this pass, you do not need to purchase individual tickets for each ride, as it grants you unlimited travel within its validity period. You can hop on and off trains as you please, making it an excellent option for travelers who love the freedom to explore at their own pace.

To use the pass, simply:

• Purchase it online, like through Traveloka, or at designated JR counters.
• Exchange your voucher for the actual pass at a JR Shikoku station.
• Present your pass when boarding and exiting JR-operated trains, ferries, or buses.

This makes traveling around Shikoku a breeze, allowing you to focus more on sightseeing and less on organizing individual tickets.

Terms & Conditions

Before purchasing the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure you maximize its benefits:

1. Eligibility

The pass is available to both foreign tourists with a temporary visitor status and Japanese residents.

2. Purchase & Exchange

You can buy the pass either online or at specific JR Shikoku counters. If purchased online, like in Traveloka, you’ll receive a voucher, which can be exchanged for the physical pass upon arrival in Shikoku.

3. Valid Trains

The pass covers all JR Shikoku trains, including limited express trains. However, it does not include reserved seating on premium services like the Sunrise Seto sleeper train.

4. Refund

You can submit a 100% refund request at least 2 days before arrival. After that, the voucher will be non-refundable.

5. Usage Period

The pass must be used within the consecutive days stated on the pass (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or 7-day options), with no breaks allowed.

6. Redeem Locations

You can redeem the voucher for the physical pass at one of these locations:

• Kotohira Station: Operating Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
• JR Shikoku Tour Matsuyama Branch (JR Shikoku Travel Service Center): 

Operating Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00

• Matsuyama Station: Operating Hours: 16:50 - 21:00 (Open All Year)
• JR Shikoku Tour Tokushima Branch (JR Shikoku Travel Service Center): 

Operating Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00

• Tokushima Station: Operating Hours: 08:00 - 19:40 (Open All Year)
• JR Shikoku Tour Kochi Branch (JR Shikoku Travel Service Center): 

Operating Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00

• Kochi Station: Operating Hours: 07:40 - 19:40 (Open All Year)
• JR Shikoku Tour Umeda Branch (JR Shikoku Travel Service Center): 

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 13:00 - 17:00 

Saturday: 11:00 - 17:00

• Nippon TiS Okayama Travel Agency: 

Operating Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 (Last Admission) 

Closed on Tuesdays, Year-End Holidays, New Year Holidays, and Other Irregular Holidays

Pricing & Validity Period

One of the biggest draws of the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass price is its affordability. Compared to purchasing individual tickets for each journey, this pass offers significant savings, especially for those traveling extensively across the region. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure:

• 3-day pass: Rp1.278.072 (Adult), Rp639.036 (Children)
• 4-day pass: Rp1.586.153 (Adult), Rp793.017 (Children)
• 5-day pass: Rp1.797.554 (Adult), Rp898.776 (Children)
• 7-day pass: Rp2.114.831 (Adult), Rp1.057.356 (Children)

Each pass provides unlimited train travel within the specified number of consecutive days, allowing you to explore every corner of Shikoku at your own pace. Keep in mind that the pass must be used on consecutive days, and the validity starts from the first day of use.

For travelers looking to plan ahead, the pass is available for online purchase, making it easier to organize your trip before you even arrive in Japan. By buying the Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass online, you can avoid any potential hassle of waiting in lines at ticket counters and start your adventure immediately upon arrival.

Benefits for Buyers

The Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass online offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for travelers:

• Cost Savings: The biggest benefit of the pass is the substantial savings on transportation costs. For example, a single round trip between Takamatsu and Matsuyama can cost as much as ¥10,000, which is more than the price of the 3-day pass. With this pass, you’ll save money if you plan to take just a few train rides.
• Convenience: The ability to hop on and off any JR Shikoku train without worrying about individual tickets allows for a flexible travel schedule, perfect for spontaneous trips or exploring hidden gems off the beaten path.
• Unlimited Travel: With unlimited travel, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Shikoku without restrictions. Whether you want to explore the stunning coastlines of Kochi or visit historical sites in Matsuyama, the pass gives you the freedom to move around without added costs.

Coverage Area

The Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass online covers the entire Shikoku island, which includes:

• JR All Shikoku Rail
• Non-Reserved Seats in Ordinary Cars on Limited Express, Rapid, and Local Trains on All JR Shikoku Lines and All Tosa Kuroshio Railway Lines
• All Asa Kaigan Railway Lines, All Iyo Railway Lines, All Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railway Lines, and All Tosaden Kotsu Lines
• Shodoshima Ferry Line Between Takamatsu and Tonosho
• Shodoshima Olive Bus Line

Tips for Visiting Shikoku

To make the most out of your Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass, here are a few tips for a smooth and memorable trip:

• Plan Your Route: Shikoku’s public transport system is comprehensive, but some areas are best accessed via specific train lines. Make sure to map out your itinerary in advance to avoid long train transfers.
• Take Advantage of the JR Shikoku App: Download the JR Shikoku app to track train schedules, find route information, and check for service updates. This will help ensure you make the most efficient use of your pass.
• Visit During Awa Odori Festival: If you’re visiting in August, the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima is a must-see event, featuring traditional Japanese dance performances.
• Don’t Miss the Local Cuisine: Be sure to try Shikoku’s famous udon noodles, especially in Kagawa Prefecture, which is known as the "Udon Prefecture."
• Explore Nature: If you love the outdoors, consider visiting the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, famous for its vine bridges, or the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, which is perfect for river cruises and kayaking.

The Japan Jr All Shikoku Rail Pass is the perfect way to explore Shikoku’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and charming towns without worrying about transportation costs. With flexible travel options, significant cost savings, and wide coverage, this pass offers everything a traveler needs for a hassle-free and unforgettable journey.