Shikoku: is it for a return trip
You have done the main Japan circuit and want somewhere slower, but you worry about getting around.
Trains, roads and flights
Flying into Shikoku: Matsuyama or Takamatsu
Shikoku feels far from the usual routes, and you wonder how to reach it from Malaysia.
You can reach Shikoku by air into Matsuyama or Takamatsu, or by train from Okayama. A flight from Tokyo to Matsuyama takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and Takamatsu is reached by bullet train to Okayama then the JR Seto-Ohashi Line express.
Which airports serve Shikoku?
Takamatsu Airport has domestic flights from Narita, Haneda and Naha, with international routes from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong 1. Matsuyama Airport has flights from Japan’s major cities, and the flight from Tokyo takes about 1 hour 20 minutes 2.
Kuala Lumpur is not on JNTO’s list, so a Malaysian itinerary needs a connection.
How does air compare with the train and bridge?
| Option | Route | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Fly to Matsuyama. | About 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo. | Dogo and western Shikoku. |
| Fly to Takamatsu. | From Narita or Haneda. | Kagawa and udon. |
| Train from Okayama. | Bullet train, then express to Takamatsu. | Heavy bags, flexible days. |
The Shiokaze Limited Express takes about three hours from Okayama to Matsuyama, and a jet ferry runs from Hiroshima 2. See the Okayama base guide and the Shikoku page.
What about luggage and the flight itself?
JAL and ANA each offer a discounted domestic fare for visitors. Low-cost carriers limit free luggage, and flights can be delayed by typhoons and volcanic activity 3.
Read our domestic baggage guide and the low-cost carrier baggage rules. If you connect from Kuala Lumpur, the same-ticket connection guide explains why one ticket helps.
How much does it cost?
Domestic fares depend on date, airline and baggage. We quote a fare against your dates and compare it with the train. Use the ringgit budget tool to test totals.
The Bank Negara Malaysia rate was RM 2.603 per 100 yen on 19 October 2026 4.
When should you choose rail?
Choose rail when you carry big bags, travel with elders or want a flexible day. Choose air when you are short of time and your first stop is far from Okayama. In winter, add a buffer day, as the winter cancellation guide explains.
What should Malaysian travellers know?
Shikoku suits return visitors and slower trips. Public transport is thinner than in Tokyo, so we plan each day around buses and trains. Halal food is limited, so we confirm meals in advance.
Read Shikoku for return visitors for the wider route.
If Shikoku is on your wish list, tell us your arrival airport and how long you have. We compare flying in with the train and bridge route, and we check the baggage rules for each leg.
Keep planning
One ticket or two for domestic connections
You fly on from Tokyo within a day, and wonder what happens if the first plane is late.
Domestic LCC baggage rules in Japan
You bought a cheap domestic flight and now wonder whether your suitcase will cost more than the seat.
Shikoku, planned around your family
Shikoku feels quieter and less known, and you want to be sure the journey is worth it.
Bag allowance on domestic flights in Japan
Your suitcase was fine on the flight from Malaysia, but you worry about the next flight in Japan.
Winter flight buffers in Hokkaido
Snow can slow a flight, and you want your trip home to stay calm.
Questions travellers ask
Which airport is better for Shikoku, Matsuyama or Takamatsu?
Choose Matsuyama for Dogo and western Shikoku, and Takamatsu for Kagawa, udon and an Okayama link. A flight from Tokyo to Matsuyama takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, according to JNTO. Your route and nights decide which suits you, so we compare both.
Can we fly to Shikoku directly from Kuala Lumpur?
JNTO lists Takamatsu international routes from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong, with no Malaysia route. Plan a connection through Tokyo or another gateway, or arrive elsewhere and take the train. We check the current schedule before we plan.
Is the train from Okayama a good alternative?
Yes, and it is more flexible with bags. Takamatsu is reached by bullet train to Okayama then the JR Seto-Ohashi Line express, and the Shiokaze Limited Express takes about three hours from Okayama to Matsuyama. We compare air and rail by door-to-door time.
What should we watch for with domestic flights?
JNTO says low-cost carriers limit free luggage, and flights can be delayed by typhoons and volcanic activity. Allow a buffer day and keep bags within limits. Our baggage guides explain the rules for each carrier.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- JNTO, Kagawaaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Ehimeaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Domestic Air Travelaccessed 2026-10-20
- Bank Negara Malaysia exchange rates (JPY)accessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.