Kochi Access Guide: Flights, Trains, and Buses from Major Cities in Japan

Planning a trip to Kochi? Whether you’re coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or other nearby cities, there are several convenient ways to reach this beautiful destination in Shikoku. In this guide, we will walk you through the best travel options, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule and preferences. Let’s get started!

Access from Tokyo

By Airplane (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kochi from Tokyo, especially if Kochi or Shikoku is your main destination. Regular flights operate from both Haneda and Narita airports, with a flight time of only about 1.5 hours. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the plane!

From Haneda Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport:

• ANA (All Nippon Airways): 5 flights per day
• JAL (Japan Airlines): 5 flights per day

From Narita Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport:

• Jetstar Japan (Low-Cost Carrier): 1 flight per day

By Train (Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 35 minutes)

If you have a Japan Rail Pass (JRP), the train is another excellent option, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the Shinkansen and limited express trains.

1. Tokyo Station → Okayama Station

Travel Options:

• Hikari (Approx. 4 hours)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid
• Nozomi (Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Not Valid

Notes: The Nozomi is faster but requires an additional fee if you are using the Japan Rail Pass.

2. Okayama Station → Kochi Station

Limited Express Nanpu

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
• How to Transfer: Change to the Limited Express Nanpu at Okayama Station.
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid

Notes: Seat reservations are recommended, especially during busy seasons.

Total Travel Time

• Using Hikari: Approx. 6 hours 35 minutes
• Using Nozomi: Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes (additional fee required)

By Highway Bus (Over 11 hours)

For budget-conscious travelers, the highway bus is an affordable option, with most services running overnight to save on accommodation costs.
● From Tokyo Station and other major stops to Kochi Station

Access from Osaka

By Airplane (Approx. 45 minutes)

For travelers from the Kansai area, flying from Itami Airport(ITM) is the quickest way to reach Kochi. Please note that flights depart from Itami, which handles domestic flights, not Kansai International Airport (KIX).

From Osaka Itami Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport:

• ANA (All Nippon Airways): 6 flights per day

By Train (Approx. 3 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes)

Shin-Osaka Station → Okayama Station

Travel Options:

• Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho (Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid
• Nozomi, Sakura (Approx. 50 minutes)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Not Valid

Notes:

• Hikari, Kodama, and Mizuho are Japan Rail Pass-friendly options, but Nozomi and Sakura are faster if you’re willing to pay an additional fee.

Okayama Station → Kochi Station

Limited Express Nanpu

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
• How to Transfer: Change to the Limited Express Nanpu at Okayama Station.
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid

Notes:

• Seat reservations are advised, especially during peak travel periods.

Total Travel Time

• Using Japan Rail Pass-friendly options: Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
• Using Nozomi/Sakura: Approx. 3 hours 25 minutes (additional fee required)

By Highway Bus (Approx. 5 hours 10 minutes)

Daytime bus services are frequent and offer scenic views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Naruto Strait along the way. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the journey.

•  From JR Osaka Station to Kochi Station

Access from Other Cities in the Chugoku and Shikoku Regions

From Okayama

By Train (Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes)

• Limited Express Nanpu from Okayama Station to Kochi Station
• Japan Rail Pass is valid, so there is no extra charge.

By Highway Bus (Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)

• From Okayama Station to Kochi Station

From Hiroshima

Hiroshima Station → Okayama Station

Travel Options:

• Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho (Approx. 60–70 minutes)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid
• Nozomi, Sakura (Approx. 40 minutes)
  → Japan Rail Pass: Not Valid

Notes:

• For faster travel, Nozomi or Sakura are available with an additional fee, but Hikari, Kodama, or Mizuho are suitable for Japan Rail Pass users.

2. Okayama Station → Kochi Station

Limited Express Nanpu

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
• How to Transfer: Switch to the Limited Express Nanpu at Okayama Station.
  → Japan Rail Pass: Valid

By Highway Bus (Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes)

• From Hiroshima Station to Kochi Station

From Matsuyama

By Highway Bus (Approx. 160 minutes)

• From Matsuyama City Station to Kochi Station

By Car (Approx. 150 minutes)

• Use the toll expressway to reach Kochi city

From Takamatsu

By Bus (Approx. 140 minutes)

• From Takamatsu Station to Kochi Station By Express Bus (Approx. 120 minutes)

By Car (Approx. 110 minutes)

• Use the toll expressway to reach Kochi city