Kamikatsu, Japan

Kamikatsu is a village located in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture.

Tokushima is one of four prefectures on Shikoku Island. For many centuries, Shikoku was isolated from the mainland of Japan; however, improved infrastructure in recent decades makes travel to the island accessible.

The nearest major transport hub is Tokushima City, but Kamikatsu does not have a train station, so the final leg requires a local bus, taxi, or rental car.

For international guests, the three main options for arrival are:

• Osaka/KIX
• Tokyo/HND
• Tokushima Airport (TKS)

Part 1: Arriving to Tokushima Station (Tokushima City)

Option A: Arriving via Kansai International Airport (KIX)

KIX is a convenient entry point because it serves Osaka and the wider Kansai region. From KIX, the most straightforward route to Tokushima is a direct highway bus.

There are direct Airport Highway Buses from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka to Tokushima Station. The number of buses departing KIX is limited, so please check to see if it aligns with your flight. If not, you will need to make a transfer at Osaka Station (Herbis Station).

Direct airport bus to Tokushima Station

Estimated total: ¥5,000 | 2 hours, 45 mintues

This is the easiest option for most independent travellers: no train transfers and no need to travel into Osaka first.

1. After immigration and baggage collection, follow signs for the airport limousine and highway buses.
2. Board the bus bound for Tokushima (徳島)
3. Get off at Tokushima Station (徳島駅前).
4. Continue to Kamikatsu using one of the options in Section 3.

Reservations can be made in advance or purchased on the day of departure (please try to arrive early if purchasing on the day). The bus takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Terminal 1, or about 3 hours from Terminal 2.

Official information: Kansai Airport limousine bus — Tokushima route

Option B: Arriving via Domestic Flight to Tokushima Airport (TKS)

If you are flying into Tokyo, the most convenient route is usually to take a domestic flight to Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS).

Estimated total: ¥8,000–¥25,000+

HND → TKS, approximately 1 hr 10 min in the air

1. Arrive at Haneda and follow signs for domestic connections.
2. Take a flight to Tokushima Awaodori Airport.
3. From the airport, take an airport limousine bus to Tokushima Station, approximately 30 minutes.
4. Continue to Kamikatsu by bus, taxi, or rental car.

From Tokushima Awaodori Airport, there are several options to get to Kamikatsu (see below).

Tokushima Airport Bus to Tokushima Station

Airport Limousine Bus information (EN)

Option C: Arriving via Shinkansen to Tokushima Airport (TKS) via Okayama and Takamatsu

If you are flying into Tokyo, the most convenient route is usually to take a domestic flight to Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS).

Estimated total: ¥19,000–¥23,000

Approximately 5.5–7 hours from Tokyo Station, plus airport-to-station travel

• Travel from Haneda to Tokyo or Shinagawa Station.
• Take the Shinkansen to Okayama.
• Transfer to the Marine Liner for Takamatsu.
• Take the JR Limited Express Uzushio to Tokushima Station.

This route is a good choice for people who want to experience Japan’s railway network (or making stops along the journey) but it is usually more expensive and takes longer.

Option C: Arriving via Bus from Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka (others)

If you are visiting from a destination within the Kansai region, Tokushima is easily accessible by Highway Bus. Please check the following routes and times on the English site below. Reservations in advance recommended.

Estimated total: Varies

Japan Bus Online (English)

From Tokushima city (Tokushima Airport or Tokushima Station) to Kamikatsu is approximately 1-2 hours depending on your mode of transportation.

For those who want to take public transportation (bus) from Tokushima Station to Kamikatsu, please note that bus times are limited and you will be required to make a transfer at Yokose-nishi in Katsuura Town. We recommend planning in advance for minimal waiting times.

Bus to Kamikatsu

Please check the bus times in advance of your arrival since the operating frequency can be limited, especially from Yokose Nishi bus stop to Kamikatsu. GoogleMaps shows accurate bus times. PDF version of the bus schedule is only available in Japanese.

Bus from Tokushima Awaodori Airport → Tokushima Station: 30 minutes (440 yen)
Bus from Tokushima Station → Yokose Nishi: 62 minutes (840 yen)
Bus from Yokose Nishi → Kamikatsu (various stops): ~15-30 minutes (400 yen)

Please note that city buses in Tokushima and the Kamikatsu local bus do not take IC cards such as Suica or PASMO. Please have carry with you.

Taxi to Kamikatsu

In Kamikatsu, an organization called Hidamari operates a “paid volunteer” taxi service. Since public transportation in Kamikatsu is limited, and professional taxi service is difficult to maintain due to the distances from Tokushima city, Hidamari cooperates with local residents to operate a taxi service.

Registered “paid volunteer” drivers transport passengers in privately owned vehicles. Drivers are residents of Kamikatsu so they are very familiar with the roads. Many can seem like tour guides (although English is often limited).

The volunteer taxi may be a less stressful option than renting a car for drivers unfamiliar with the area and unsure of driving in mountain roads.

Reservations are required (INOW can help you make a reservation).

Taxi from Tokushima Airport to Kamikatsu is about 10,000-11,000 JPY; from Tokushima Station to Kamikatsu is about 9,000-10,000 JPY (depending on the number of guests and time of day).

Contact:

Hidamari (website only available in Japanese)
Hours: 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. (closed Thursdays)
Tel: +81-90-7627-4455

Driving to Kamikatsu

By car, it’s a 45 minutes-1 hour drive from Tokushima Station (city).

From Osaka city, it’s about a 2.5-3 hour drive.

Do I need a car?

All transportation is covered during your INOW program (including pick up/drop off from your accommodation in Kamikatsu). However, we recommend renting a car if you plan to travel before or after your time in Kamikatsu. Some destinations in Tokushima and Shikoku Island can be inconvenient by public transportation, so you may want a car for flexibility.

Please note that not all accommodation providers (including WHY Hotel) offer dinner, so if you do not have a car, you will need to hire a taxi to get around in the evening after our program is finished.

Please note: All transportation is covered during your INOW program (including pick up/drop off from your accommodation in Kamikatsu) on the days of your program.

A common misunderstanding about Kamikatsu is that the town is walkable (meaning you can get to most places on foot). By population, we’re a small village, but geographically we span wide and high! Transportation (bus or car) is needed to get around.

INOW does not arrange transportation to/from Kamikatsu. Guests are responsible for arranging their own means of arrival/departure. We are happy to connect to explain your options in more detail.