Access
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.
Even though Japan is well-connected by various modes of transportation, reaching Kamikatsu can take half to a full day of travel from the main cities. So please enjoy the slow journey as part of the adventure!
Part 1 of your journey: Getting to Tokushima
The closest city to Kamikatsu is Tokushima city.
Flight to Tokushima Airport (TKS)
It is possible to fly (from Tokyo Haneda Airport or other domestic airports) to Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS). Make sure you book a flight to Tokushima Airport, not Takamatsu Airport (TAK) in the neighbouring prefecture of Kagawa.
From Tokushima Awaodori Airport, there are several options to get to Kamikatsu (see below).
Bus from Tokushima Airport to Tokushima Station:
Airport Limousine Bus information (EN)
Bus to Tokushima Station
If you are coming from Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe (or other places in the Kansai region), direct bus options are available to Tokushima Station through various bus companies.
There is also an overnight bus from central Tokyo to Tokushima (departing Tokyo around 22:00 and arriving around 6:30).
From Tokushima Station, there are several options to get to Kamikatsu (see below).
Train to Tokushima Station
Train options are available, but require several transfers. For those using the Shinkansen/JR, please take the train to Okayama Station. Transfer at Takamatsu Station to Tokushima Station.
From Tokushima Station, there are several options to get to Kamikatsu (see below).
Part 2 of your journey: Getting to Kamikatsu
From Tokushima city (Tokushima Airport or Tokushima Station) to Kamikatsu is approximately 1-2 hours depending on your mode of transportation.
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.
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): 30 minutes (400 yen)
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.
Note: Use of the volunteer taxi service requires filling out an application form (English form available) and payment of an annual fee of ¥1,000 per person or a one-time usage fee of ¥300 per person, with a ¥300 pick-up fee in addition to the fare. Inquire with Hidamari regarding fares.
Reservations are required (INOW can help you make a reservation).
Taxi from Tokushima Airport to Kamikatsu is about 6,500-8,000 JPY; from Tokushima Station to Kamikatsu is about 5,000-7,000 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
アクセス (JP)
徳島阿波おどり空港から約1時間20分(約50km)
徳島駅から約1時間(約35km)
※土日・祝・年末年始(12月29日～1月3日)の日中は上勝町営バスは運行しておりません。
横瀬西からはボランティアタクシー等をご利用いただくか、タクシーのみでお越しください。
バス時刻表
空港リムジンバス（徳島阿波おどり空港〜徳島駅）
徳島バス 勝浦線（徳島駅〜横瀬西)
上勝町営バス
タクシー(要予約)
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.
INOW いのう
We are a local organization that acts as a bridge between visitors and Kamikatsu. INOW serves to integrate our guests directly into the community.
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