This video documents an ambitious train trip around Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island, completed in just two days. Day 1 focuses on three key train lines: the Yosan Line, the Yodo Line, and the Dosan Line. The journey offers a detailed look at local rail travel, giving viewers an on-the-ground perspective of Shikoku’s unique landscapes and regional culture.

The Yosan Line, operated by JR Shikoku, runs from Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture through Matsuyama in Ehime, then further southwest toward Uwajima. This line is known for its scenic coastal routes, with impressive sea views and stopovers at vibrant provincial towns. Transferring to the Yodo Line, travelers enter some of the island’s most rural areas, where stations are rare and the lush scenery of mountains and rivers prevails. The Yodo Line connects Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture with Kubokawa in Kochi Prefecture.

The final major route for Day 1 is the Dosan Line, which curves through mountainous central Shikoku, linking Tadotsu in Kagawa Prefecture with Kubokawa in Kochi. Fans of Japanese railways will appreciate the in-depth overview of rolling stock, station architecture, and countryside vistas unique to the island. The video provides key highlights for anyone planning a rail adventure across Shikoku, along with visual documentation of local trains and quiet stations seldom seen by tourists.

For visitors, this itinerary is a practical guide to exploring the more remote and natural areas of Shikoku, relying on timely JR connections. Towns like Matsuyama, Uwajima, and rural Kochi are not only great for sightseeing but also provide a glimpse into local life outside Japan’s metropolitan centers. Each stop is an opportunity to sample Shikoku’s famed hospitality, from food specialties to historic temples near the rails.