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

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" where bicycles can be brought to trains as they are. There are plenty of rich nature and delicious gourmets 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.

Introduction

The JR Yodo Line is a local railway connecting Kochi Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture. The train runs between Kubokawa Station in Shimanju-cho, Kochi Prefecture and Uwajima Station in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. Among them, Kubokawa Station, which is a section within Kochi Prefecture, Nishigaho Station runs almost along the clear stream and Shimanto River. There are scenic views on the train window, and tourist attractions are dotted along the line.

Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce the "Cycle Train" on the JR Yodo Line where you can bring your bicycle into the train as it is. Take a bicycle to a 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 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.

It is forbidden to ride bicycles on station platforms and cars. Also, the inside of the car can shake, so be sure to support your bicycle so that it does not fall or slide. The number of bicycles brought in is determined to be up to 5 per train (first come, first served per person).

In the train, you can enjoy a spectacular 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. Especially between Tosa-Taisho Station and Ekawasaki Station, trains run through the meandering Shimanto River, so each time you cross a tunnel or iron bridge, Shimanto River is visible to the left to the right, and you can enjoy the scenery unique to 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!

In addition, the JR Yodo Line cycle train may be canceled when congestion is expected due to events, etc., or when there is a problem with train operation. In addition, depending on the congestion in the car, it may be less than the available number and bicycles may be refused. There is also a train called "Shiman Trolley" on the JR Yodo Line, but you can't 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 - Ekawasaki Station"

The first course we will guide you to the west from Kubokawa Station, which is the east side of the Yodo Line, and at Ekawasaki Station, you will see the superb view of Shimanto River and return. On the way, please enjoy the mysterious Kappa world.

The first stop is "Utsuigawa Station". Here is the Kaiyodo Kappa Museum, a unique Kappa Newsium by figure maker Kaiyodo. Approximately 600 figures submitted to the Shimanto River Kappa Sculpture Grand Prize 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 Shimanto River, take the train again from Ekawasaki Station to Kubokawa Station. The last fun of the trip is sweet sweets. Old folk house Cafe Hanpei, a tea cafe renovated from the 120-year-old old folk house, offers seasonal Japanese sweets, zenzai and parfaits. Take a break with matcha and coffee.

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

Next, we will introduce recommended plans for those who take the Yodo Line from Ehime Prefecture. There are plenty of roadside rest area at Ekawasaki Station and Togawa Station near the prefectural border, and you can find many 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 Shimantogawa in salt, Handmade cake shop "Straw Vail" is also popular.

After leaving Nishi Tosa by roadside rest area, let's leisurely go south through the area. Immediately beyond Nishitosa Ohashi, there is the Shimanto / River 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 campsites 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". Delicious Towa products, such as specialty tea, chestnut sweets, and fresh vegetables, are gathered. The "Toowa Shokudo" is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal regional cuisine. There is also a "Shimanto River Zip Line" which runs exhilaratingly over Shimanto River.

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

Other Recommended Spots & Rental Bicycles

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 using local ingredients such as sweetfish, eel and wild vegetables. Across from 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 subsidence bridges in Shimanto River, including the main stream and tributaries, but this is the only two subsidence bridges. Until the bridge was built in 1967, a ferry was in operation.

Iwaki Shokudo

Get off at 'Ekawasaki Station'. It is a popular local dining hall where you can enjoy Shimanto's happiness. The location overlooking Shimanto River is also great, so please enjoy the full-volume cuisine. 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 bikes (2,000 yen) that can be recommended for long distances (2,000 yen).
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 bicycle. This service allows you to rent or return bicycles at seven terminals: Ekawasaki Station, Nishi Tosa, Canoekan, Shimanto Rakusha, Kawarakko, Shin Royal Hotel Shimanto, 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. The 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 1,900 mm in length and 600 mm in handle width. In the car, please fix the bicycle firmly with the provided binding band so that it fits in the cycle zone inside the train.

You can bring up to 5 bicycles per train. 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. Also, as with the JR Yodo Line Cycle Train, please push your bicycle at your own risk at the station building or platform.

This time, we introduced a train and cycling trip in western Kochi Prefecture. Care should be taken with the handling of bicycles in the station building, platform, and car, and safety while driving. A peaceful landscape, a refreshing Shimanto wind, exquisite gourmet and warm local people are waiting for customers from all over the country.