Uwajima: Getting there and around

How to get to Uwajima

By train from Matsuyama (how to get to Matsuyama)

Uwajima can be reached from Matsuyama by limited express trains (80 minutes, about 3000 yen one way, hourly departures) or local trains (about three hours, 1830 yen one way, one train every 2-3 hours) on the JR Yosan Line. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the All Shikoku Rail Pass.

By ferry from Beppu (how to get to Beppu)

Beppu is connected to Yawatahama by ferry (3 hours, around 4000 yen one way in the cheapest class, departures every 3-4 hours). To get to Uwajima from Yawatahama Ferry Terminal, walk for 20 minutes to Yawatahama Station and take a limited express train (30 minutes, about 1500 yen one way, hourly departures) or a local train (one hour, 670 yen one way, one departure every 2-3 hours) on the JR Yosan Line to Uwajima.

By train from Kochi (how to get to Kochi)

Uwajima can be reached from Kochi by first taking a limited express train on the JR Dosan Line to Kubokawa, followed by a transfer to a local train on the JR Yodo Line to Uwajima. The entire one way journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours and costs approximately 4500 yen. Using only local trains for the whole journey saves about 1500 yen but adds up to two hours to the travel time. The trip is fully covered by the All Shikoku Rail Pass, but Japan Rail Pass holders have to pay a supplement fee of 210 yen, because the trains partially use non-JR tracks.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

The sights of Uwajima are located within walking distance of Uwajima Station. From the station, it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to the gate of Uwajima Castle and about 20-30 minutes to walk to the Date Museum. The town is also suitable for exploration by bicycle. Rental shops can be found close to Uwajima Station. Rental fees are about 100 yen per hour. Taxi rides around the city center are unlikely to cost more than 1000 yen.

Uwajima Bus offers the alternative method to get around town. Hourly buses connect Uwajima Station, Uwajima Bus Center (located at the foot of Uwajima Castle, a short walk from the castle's gate) and the Tenshaen-mae (�V�͉��O) bus stop that serves Tenshaen Garden and the Date Museum. It costs 160 yen for a one way ride between these destinations. Due to a lack of English information, it can be slightly challenging for foreign tourists to use these buses.