Take a train on the cycle train of the JR Yodo Line and take a cycling trip!

On the JR Yodo Line, which connects Shimanto Town in the western part of Kochi Prefecture and Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture, we carry out a "cycle train" that allows you to bring your bicycle to the train as it is. There are plenty of rich nature and delicious gourmet along the line! If you get off on the way and enjoy refreshing cycling, you will surely be healed by the grace of the clear stream Shimanto River.

First of all

The JR Yodo Line is a local railway connecting Kochi Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture. The train runs between Kubokawa Station in Shimantocho, Kochi Prefecture and Uwajima Station in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. Among them, Kubokawa Station, which is a section within Kochi Prefecture, runs almost alongShimanto River. There are scenic views on the train window, and there are tourist attractions along the line.

Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce the "Cycle Train" of the JR Yodo Line where you can bring your bicycle directly into the train. Please take your bicycle to the station near your destination and enjoy the "train & bicycle journey" where you get off by cycling.

What is the JR Yodo Line Cycle Train?

The JR Yodo Line Cycle Train is a service that allows you to bring your bicycle directly into a general train without dismantling it. All trains are available on weekends and holidays. The fare is only a ticket, and there is no charge for bringing in a bicycle. No reservation is required.

Once you have purchased a ticket, move your bicycle to your home and load it in the car. Depending on the station, there are stairs, so it is recommended to check the status of the station used in advance.

Bicycle riding is prohibited on the platform of the station or in the car. Also, the car may sway, so be sure to support your bicycle so that it does not fall or slide. In addition, the number of bicycles brought in is determined to be up to 5 per train (first come, first served per person).

On the train, you can enjoy the superb view that spreads out over the train window. The scenery of the surrounding green mountains, the spreading blue sky, and the sinking bridge over the gently flowing Shimanto River is like a painting. In particular, between Tosa-Taisho Station and Ekawasaki Station, trains run through the meandering Shimanto River, so every time you cross a tunnel or iron bridge, you can see Shimanto River on the right to the left and enjoy the scenery unique to the Yodo Line.

In addition, the individuality of each station is attractive, such as a nostalgic unmanned station, Ekawasaki Station, located in the hottest town in western Japan, and Tosa-Taisho Station, a mountain hut style. After getting off, please run a bicycle exhilaratingly while feeling the Shimanto wind to the spot introduced in the next corner!

The JR Yodo Line Cycle Train may be canceled when congestion is expected due to events, etc., or when there is a problem with the operation of the train. In addition, depending on the congestion in the car, the number of bicycles may be smaller than the available number and bicycles may be refused. There is also a train called "Shiman Trolley" on the JR Yodo Line, but you cannot bring your bicycle to this trolley train as it is. When riding a trolley vehicle, dismantle the bicycle and store it in a special bag (wheeling bag).

Recommended course 1) From east to west "Kubokawa Station to Ekawasaki Station"

First, we will guide you to the west from Kubokawa Station, which is the easternmost part of the Yodo Line, and take a look at the superb view of Shimanto River at Ekawasaki Station. On the way, please enjoy the mysterious Kappa world.

The first stop is "Utsuigawa Station". Here is the Kaiyodo Kappa Museum, a unique Kappa New Stadium by figure maker Kaiyodo. Approximately 600 figures submitted for the Shimanto River Kappa Sculpture Awards are displayed in the museum. Why don't you spend a mysterious time surrounded by many kappa in the rich nature?

After enjoying the mysterious Kappa legend, go to "Utsuigawa Station" again. The next stop is "Ekawasaki Station". Recommended in this area is Iwama sinking bridge, a popular photo spot that often appears on posters and TVs. When you go south on National Route 441, you will see the Iwama Sinking Bridge on your right. Why don't you take photos of the photogenic and magnificent Shimanto River scenery?

After enjoying the Shimanto River, take the train again from Ekawasaki Station to Kubokawa Station. The last fun of the trip is sweet sweets. The 120-year-old old folk house tea café “old folk house Cafe Hanpei” offers seasonal Japanese sweets, zenzai, and parfait. Take a break with matcha and coffee.

Recommended course 2) From west to east "Ekawasaki Station to Togawa Station"

Next, we will introduce recommended plans for those who take the Yodo Line from the direction of Ehime Prefecture. There are plenty of roadside rest area at Ekawasaki Station and Togawa Station near the prefectural border, and you can find plenty of delicious souvenirs. Please go out with a large backpack.

The first stop to get off is "Ekawasaki Station". The first thing I want to stop by is "roadside rest area to Nishi Tosa". In addition to selling local fresh vegetables, handmade processed products, lunch boxes, etc., `` Nishi Tosa Shokudo '' where you can eat lunch, `` Ayu Market '' where you can grill natural sweetfish from Shimantogawana in salt, Handmade cake shop "Straw Vail" is also popular.

After leaving Nishi Tosa by roadside rest area, let's take a leisurely trip south through the area. Immediately beyond Nishitosa Ohashi, there is the Shimanto / Kawano Station Canoekan. We have experiences such as canoeing and family rafting, so please take a challenge if you have enough time. In addition, there are campgrounds and log houses on the premises, so accommodation is possible.

Return to "Ekawasaki Station" again, and then take the train to "Togawa Station". Here is "roadside rest area Shimanto Toowa". Towa's delicious dishes, such as specialty tea, chestnut sweets, and fresh vegetables, are gathered. The "Toowa Shokudo" is a popular restaurant with seasonal regional cuisine. There is also a "Shimanto River Zip Line" which slides over Shimanto River in exhilaratingly.

When you get souvenirs at "roadside rest area Towa", return to "Togawa Station" and take the train to Ehime and return home.
A plan where you can enjoy activities and searching for delicious souvenirs, your mind and body are likely to be full.

Other Recommended Spots & Rental Cycles

There are many other spots along the line that I would like to recommend.
If you can afford it, please stop by.

roadside rest area Shimanto Taisho era

Get off at Tosa-Taisho Station. One of the oldest roadside rest area in Japan, the restaurant offers a menu with local ingredients such as sweetfish, eel and wild vegetables. Opposite roadside rest area is Todoroki Park, known for its stone windmill. It is also a famous spot for azaleas and is perfect for taking a break.

Mishima Sinking Bridge

Get off at 'Tosa Showa Station.' There is "Daiichi Mishimabashi" on Route 381 side across Nakasu and "Daiichi Mishimabashi" on the Todoroki village side. There are 48 sinking bridges in Shimanto River, including the main stream and tributaries, but this is the only two sinking bridges. Until the bridge was built in 1967, a ferry was operating.

Iwaki Shokudo

Get off at 'Ekawasaki Station.' It is a popular local dining hall where you can enjoy Shimanto's happiness. The location overlooking the Shimanto River is also great, so please enjoy a hearty dish. In addition, river dishes such as river shrimp, eel, and Gori are natural products, so you may not be able to order depending on the purchase situation.

There are also spots where you can rent bicycles along the line, so if you do not have your own bicycle, you can enjoy the Yodo Line Cycle Train with a bicycle rental.

Kubokawa Station

Shimanto Town Tourism Association

Bicycles with small baskets (620 yen), Normal type baskets (1,000 yen), fat bikes (1,000 yen), and electric bicycles (2,000 yen) that can be recommended for long distance driving are available.
All usage fees are charged for 4 hours, and an additional 100 yen will be added every hour thereafter. Please borrow and return on the same day.

Ekawasaki Station

Ekawasaki Station / roadside rest area Nishi Tosa / Shimanto / Kawano Station Canoekan, etc.

Implemented the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle, a disposable rental cycle. This service allows you to rent or return bicycles at seven terminals: Ekawasaki Station, Nishi Tosa, Canoekan, Shimanto Rakusha, Kawarakko, Shin Royal Hotel Shimanto, and Shimanto-shi Tourism Association. The fee is 1500 yen per day (8: 30-17: 00), 2000 yen for 24 hours. Apply in advance at the canoe hall (0880-52-2121).

Tosa Kuroshio Railway's "Tosakuro Cycling"

Finally, I would like to introduce "Tosakuro Cycling" on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Sukumo Line. Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Sukumo Line is a local line that is nicknamed the Shimanto Kuroshio Line. It connects Kubokawa Station, which was introduced on the JR Yodo Line, and Sukumo Station in western Kochi Prefecture, and offers a magnificent view of Shimanto River and the Pacific Ocean.

"Tosakuro Cycling" is a service that allows you to load bicycles on all local trains. If you make a reservation at Nakamura Station by 17:00 the day before, you can load it for 100 yen per vehicle. You can get on and off at all stations, so you can enjoy cycling overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean and Shimanto River. Bicycles that can be loaded are road bikes, mountain bikes, cross bikes, cyclocrosses, pisto bikes, mini velos, folding bicycles, but limited to 1,900mm in length and 600mm in handle width. In the car, fix the bicycle firmly with a bundle band provided so that it fits in the cycle zone of the train.

Up to 5 bicycles per train for Tosakuro cycling. However, there is no restriction if you store it in a circular bag (free). If congestion is expected due to the ride of an event or group, it may be canceled. In addition, as with the JR Yodo Line Cycle Train, please push your bicycle by hand at the station building and platform and move at your own risk.

This time, we introduced a train & cycling trip in western Kochi Prefecture. Care should be taken to handle bicycles in station buildings, platforms, and cars, and safety while driving. The peaceful scenery, the refreshing Shimanto wind, the exquisite gourmet and the warm local people are waiting for customers from all over the country.