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Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass

Shikoku
Highway Bus

Free Pass

Shikoku Highway Bus
Free Pass

The Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass is a bus pass that allows unlimited rides on express buses within Shikoku.
You can choose from 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day passes, and you can set the boarding dates to any days you like within the validity period. There is also no limit to the number of times you can ride.
Enjoy exploring Shikoku conveniently and affordably by express bus!

  • Tosaden Kotsu
  • Iyotetsu Bus
  • JR Shikoku Bus
  • Shikoku Kosoku Bus
  • Okawa Bus
  • Tokushima Bus

Pass Types

2-day Free Pass

10,000 yen

Valid for any two days within the validity period

Purchase

3-day Free Pass

11,000 yen

Valid for any three days within the validity period

Purchase

5-day Free Pass

12,000 yen

Valid for any five days within the validity period

Purchase

Validity period: One month from the date of purchase
*To purchase the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass, JBL membership registration (free) is required.
JBL member registration

About the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass

Unlimited rides on 7 bus routes within Shikoku

Unlimited rides on 7 bus routes within Shikoku

With the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass, enjoy unlimited rides on eligible express bus routes within the validity period. Simply set your desired travel dates and hop on and off as much as you like.

> See routes eligible for unlimited rides
Choose your desired travel dates within the validity period of each pass.

Choose your desired travel dates within the validity period of each pass.

Choose from 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day passes, and set your preferred travel dates within the validity period of each pass.

Ride as many times as you want! There's no limit to the number of rides.

Ride as many times as you want! There's no limit to the number of rides.

There's no limit to how many times you can ride. Feel free to hop on and off the eligible bus routes as much as you want on your travel dates.

Complete your pass purchase and bus reservations online.

Complete your pass purchase and bus reservations online.

No need to exchange for bus tickets locally. You can complete both pass purchase and bus reservations on this website.

Must-see destinations in Shikoku

Shikoku boasts a wealth of must-visit attractions, including abundant nature, historic castles, and popular hot springs. We highly recommend using the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass to explore Shikoku's recommended spots.

  • 1Matsuyama Castle
  • 2Dogo Onsen
  • 3Kotohira-gu Shrine
  • 4Ritsurin Garden
  • 5Otsuka Museum of Art
  • 6Iya Kazurabashi Bridge
  • 7Hirome Market
  • 8Kochi Castle
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage
    (88 Temples)

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve castles in Japan that still possess a castle tower built before the Edo period. In 2006, it was recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. From the top floor of the main keep, you can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views overlooking the Matsuyama Plain and the Seto Inland Sea.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Okaido

Eligible Routes

Botchan Express
Yoshinogawa Express
Whale Express
Nangoku Express

Access

Approx. 5 minutes on foot to the ropeway/lift station.

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is a hot spring located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. It is said to be one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, with its existence known since ancient times. It was also featured in Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan" and has become a 대표적인 tourist destination in Ehime Prefecture. The Dogo Onsen area is bustling with tourists, centered around the "Dogo Onsen Honkan," the symbol of Dogo Onsen.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Okaido

Eligible Routes

Botchan Express
Yoshinogawa Express
Whale Express
Nangoku Express

Access

From Okaido to Dogo Onsen (Tram: approx. 12 minutes)

Kotohira-gu Shrine

Kotohira-gu Shrine, located in Kagawa Prefecture, is affectionately known as "Konpira-san." Kotohira-gu is the guardian deity of the sea, and is also believed to bring blessings for medicine, healthcare, and business. The long stone steps leading to the shrine are famous, with 785 steps from the entrance to the main shrine (Gohongu) and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine (Okusha).

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Takamatsu Station

Eligible Routes

Botchan Express
Kuroshio Express
Kotoku Express

Access

From Takamatsu Station to Kotohira Station (Train: approx. 1 hour) , 15-minute walk (to the climbing entrance).

Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa Prefecture is a Special Place of Scenic Beauty designated by the national government, completed around 300 years ago. It's Japan's largest cultural heritage garden, featuring rolling hills and valleys around expansive ponds. This daimyo garden is designed for strolling, offering diverse and captivating scenery as you explore its vast grounds.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Ritsurin Koen Mae

Eligible Routes

Botchan Express
Kuroshio Express
Kotoku Express

Access

1-minute walk

Otsuka Museum of Art

The Otsuka Museum of Art displays over 1,000 Western masterpieces from more than 190 museums in 26 countries. These treasured works are reproduced to their original size using special ceramic technology. Unlike art books, you can truly appreciate the inherent artistic value of the originals and experience world-class museums without leaving Japan.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Tokushima Station

Eligible Routes

Yoshinogawa Express
Kotoku Express
Kochi Tokushima Express

Access

From Tokushima Station to Otsuka Museum of Art (Route bus: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)

From Takamatsu Station
Express Bus: Kotoku Express (approx. 80 minutes by direct bus)

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

The Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, located in Nishiiyayamamura, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's three most unusual bridges. Surrounded by trees, the kazurabashi offers a view overlooking the Iya River gorge below. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery in any season, including flowers, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Tokushima Station

Eligible Routes

Yoshinogawa Express
Kotoku Express
Kochi Tokushima Express

Access

From Tokushima Station to Awa-Ikeda Station or Oboke Station or Kazurabashi Bridge (Train/Bus: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)

Hirome Market

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is a vibrant hub in Kochi where the local "food" scene comes together. The market is divided into seven blocks, featuring a diverse range of unique shops, including fishmongers, butchers, and various eateries. Tables and chairs are scattered throughout the market, allowing visitors to buy their favorite dishes from any vendor and enjoy them together in a communal setting.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Kochi Station

Eligible Routes

Whale Express
Nangoku Express
Kuroshio Express
Kochi Tokushima Express

Access

15 minutes walk

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle

Located in the heart of Kochi City, Kochi Castle is hailed as "the finest castle in Nankaido" for its graceful appearance and is one of the twelve castles in Japan with a surviving castle tower. Buildings such as the three-story, six-level main keep and the Ote-mon gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are well worth seeing.

Major bus stop covered by free pass

Kochi Station

Eligible Routes

Whale Express
Nangoku Express
Kuroshio Express
Kochi Tokushima Express

Access

From Kochi Station to Kochi-jo Mae (Bus: approx. 10 minutes)

The Shikoku Pilgrimage (88 Temples)

The Shikoku Pilgrimage (88 Temples)

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a journey to visit 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi Kukai. The route characteristically begins in Tokushima Prefecture and continues through Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa Prefectures, spanning approximately 1,450 kilometers. It is believed that completing the pilgrimage to all 88 temples will dispel earthly desires and grant wishes.

How to Use the Pass

The purchase and usage methods for the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass are the same as for the JBL Pass. Please refer to the user guide below.

  • Purchase a pass
  • Cancel a pass
  • Book a bus using the pass
  • Change / cancel a reservation

Bus Operating Companies

  • Tosaden Kotsu

    Tosaden Kotsu
  • Iyotetsu Bus

    Iyotetsu Bus
  • JR Shikoku Bus

    JR Shikoku Bus
  • Shikoku Kosoku Bus

    Shikoku Kosoku Bus
  • Okawa Bus

    Okawa Bus
  • Tokushima Bus

    Tokushima Bus

Product Outline

Available period One month from the date of purchase
Eligible Users
  • Tourists visiting Japan (limited to those holding non-Japanese passports).
  • Purchasers of the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass (multiple passes for the same route can be purchased; however, the purchaser must be one of the passengers).
  • Registered members of Japan Bus Line (free registration).
  • Credit card holders (credit card payment only).
Eligible Routes
  • Matsuyama ↔ Takamatsu: Botchan Express
  • Matsuyama ↔ Tokushima: Yoshinogawa Express
  • Matsuyama ↔ Kochi: Whale Express
  • Matsuyama ↔ Kochi: Nangoku Express
  • Kochi ↔ Takamatsu: Kuroshio Express
  • Takamatsu ↔ Tokushima: Kotoku Express
  • Kochi ↔ Tokushima: Kochi Tokushima Express

*If you reserve a bus through the linkabove, it will not be eligible for the free pass.
Please be sure to reserve your bus from "My Page" on the JBL website (this site).
Bus usage limit per day None
Important Notes Purchasing the Pass
  • The pass can only be purchased through the website. Purchases via phone, email, or at bus terminals are not accepted.
  • The pass is limited to one purchase per person. Multiple passes can only be purchased by one individual if all group members have the same planned itinerary. The purchaser of multiple passes must travel themselves. If group members have different plans, each member should purchase and reserve as individual passengers.
  • The pass is a ticketless service.

Canceling the Pass
  • You cannot change the type of pass after purchase. Please cancel your existing pass and purchase a new one.
  • You can cancel your pass through your My Page.
  • A full refund is available if the pass is unused and still within its validity period. Partial refunds are not offered.

Reservations
  • There is no limit to the number of bus rides per day.
  • Early reservations are recommended. Partial refunds are not available.
  • All routes require seat reservations. As this is a web-exclusive ticket, please make a reservation before boarding.

Boarding
  • Please bring your reservation confirmation email (printed or displayed on your mobile phone) and your passport.
  • If you miss your reserved bus, you will not be able to board another bus. Please arrive at the bus stop with plenty of time to spare.

FAQ

Is there anything I need to show when boarding?

Please bring your reservation confirmation email (printed or displayed on your mobile phone) and your passport.

How many passes can I purchase?

The pass is limited to one purchase per person. Multiple passes can only be purchased by one individual if all group members have the same planned itinerary. The purchaser of multiple passes must travel themselves. If group members have different plans, each member should purchase and reserve as individual passengers.

Do you give discounts for children?

For Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass, we do not offer any discounts for children or elderlies.

Can I purchase the pass from a ticket counter?

The pass can only be purchased through the website. Purchases via phone, email, or at bus terminals are not accepted.

If I have the pass, can I take a bus without reservation?

All routes require seat reservations. As this is a web-exclusive ticket, please make a reservation before boarding.

Can I change the type of the pass, from a 3-day pass to a 5-day pass?

You cannot change the type of pass after purchase. Please cancel your existing pass and purchase a new one.

Is there a trunk to check luggage on the buses?

Depends on the bus types. Please check the "Luggage check-in" when making a booking.

Pass Types

2-day Free Pass

10,000 yen

Valid for any two days within the validity period

Purchase

3-day Free Pass

11,000 yen

Valid for any three days within the validity period

Purchase

5-day Free Pass

12,000 yen

Valid for any five days within the validity period

Purchase

Validity period: One month from the date of purchase
*To purchase the Shikoku Highway Bus Free Pass, JBL membership registration (free) is required.
JBL member registration