Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley Train - Tokushima to Awa-Ikeda
My day revolved around riding the Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley Train (藍よしのがわトロッコ). I’ve taken many sightseeing trains in Japan, but this one stood out for its open-air trolley car.
Most sightseeing trains in Japan sell out quickly, so I planned to buy my ticket as soon as I landed in Japan. I wanted to ride three weeks later and expected it to be sold out, but there were still plenty of seats available at the ticket machine. I thought I’d need to reserve seats separately for the trolley and covered cars, but one reservation gives you the same seat number in both.
On the day, I arrived 15 minutes early to admire and photograph the train. Only five other passengers joined me. At first, we couldn’t go to the trolley car as it was being prepared.
I had pre-ordered the train’s special bento (reservation required three days in advance). It’s made with local Awaodori chicken, known for its rich, firm meat. The lunch was delivered directly to my seat.
As we departed, onboard commentary introduced the scenery—mountains, farmland, rivers, and bridges. Soon we could move to the open-air trolley car. Dress for the weather; you don’t want to miss the unobstructed views of rural Tokushima.
We stopped at Sadamitsu Station, where local high school students gave a short talk about the area and sold goods to raise funds—a charming touch.
After about two and a half hours, we arrived at Awa-Ikeda Station. It was a wonderful trip, and I’d gladly do it again.
Background
The Ai Yoshinogawa Trolley Train, launched in 2020, runs between Tokushima and Awa-Ikeda along the Yoshino River valley. Its open-air trolley car provides unobstructed views of rivers, forests, and farmland, while onboard guides share local stories and folklore. The train’s blue exterior, called “Ai” (indigo), celebrates Tokushima’s traditional indigo dyeing, and passengers can order local bentos in advance. It blends nature, culture, and cuisine for a memorable Shikoku sightseeing experience.
Getting There
You can reach Tokushima by flying from Tokyo to Tokushima Airport (about 1.5 hours) or by taking a highway bus from Osaka (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours). I arrived in Tokushima via the overnight ferry from Tokyo on the Ocean Tokyu Ferry (you can read more about my experience here).
Route Overview
Train: Tokushima Station (徳島駅) →Awa-Ikeda Station (阿波池田駅)
Duration: 2 hr 24 min (5 stops)
Route note: Reservation required. The train mainly runs on weekends, with limited weekday service. Always check the schedule before planning your trip.
Booking Info: Tickets can be booked at any JR station ticket machine or at the counter — just provide the train name, date, and time. Confirm the train name and choose your seat; your reservation covers both the covered car and the open-air trolley car. Bento boxes can be reserved via the partnered station bento website up to three days before departure. Provide your train details, seat number, bento choice, and quantity, and it will be delivered onboard. For the latest information, see the official JR Shikoku website; a YouTube video is also available (Japanese only, use Google Translate if needed).
Cost Breakdown
Train: Tokushima Station → Awa-Ikeda Station — ¥2,360
Train Bento: ¥1,300
Souvenir: ¥1,500
