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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari
Take a luxurious ride along samurai paths and experience a taste of the rail travel's golden age
Kochi Prefecture
All aboard the Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari for a splendid journey across Kochi Prefecture! Running along the paths walked by Sakamoto Ryoma (1836-1867), a Kochi-born samurai who played a major role in Japan's modernization during the Bakumatsu period (1853-1867), this magnificent sightseeing train celebrates both the past and future of this fascinating region.
The train made its first voyage in 2020. Starting in Kochi City, home to one of Japan's last original castles, there are two different journeys to choose from. The more frequent one takes you through lush mountains to the charming town of Kubokawa, while there is a limited-time route that follows the coast of the Pacific Ocean to Nahari.
Toki no Yoake no Monogatari means "Stories from the Dawn of an Era", and the elegant decor follows the theme. The train has two cars, Kurofune (“Black Ship”) and Sorafune (“Sky Ship”), which represent the old and the new, and the exterior is decorated with intricate imagery of the sun and moon. The Kurofune car has a glamorous dark wood interior, while the ceiling of the Sorafune car is painted with stars. No matter which seat you choose, you are guaranteed uninterrupted views thanks to the personal seats all facing the large picture windows.
Be sure to book your meals in advance, as you won't want to miss out on the beautifully presented array of Kochi delicacies, served in elegant wooden boxes. Along the way, locals will come out to welcome visitors with banners, dances, and other surprises. For the railroad enthusiasts, there are also two other sightseeing trains running through Shikoku Island: Iyonada Monogatari and Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari.
How to get there
The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari departs from Kochi Station, about 2.5 hours by train from Okayama Station, or a 25 minute taxi ride from Kochi Ryoma Airport.
Kochi Station: Sakaeda-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi-ken
