Short expensive journey-Limited express from Tokushima to Takamatsu-Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train-lostorwhat.com

8 November 2025

Short expensive journey

Limited express from Tokushima to Takamatsu

$32 for a one hour train journey of 50km that although advertised as a limited express still stopped at nearly every station and 3/4 of the 2 carriage train was unreserved seating. A rip off. Pretty much the only thing that is expensive in Japan is the trains, but this was taking it to a new level. I wonder if it is much cheaper to go in the opposite direction from popular Takamatsu to unpopular Tokushima and the exorbitant train fee is a kind of departure tax.

Anyway, I made a day of it, included a photo of my lunch, and was able to check into my hotel early, so brace for hotel pics, and even a hotel window view pic. Exciting.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - Before departing Tokushima, it was time for another lap, at dawn. Here is the river, with boats, none of them were moving though.

Before departing Tokushima, it was time for another lap, at dawn. Here is the river, with boats, none of them were moving though.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - A random Tokushima street with mostly closed down businesses. I suspect Takamatsu will be quite different in this regard.

A random Tokushima street with mostly closed down businesses. I suspect Takamatsu will be quite different in this regard.

One last view of a basically completely closed down Shotengai.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - Here is my 2 carriage 1/4 reserved seating limited express, covered in cartoon characters, because of course it is. A lot of people were excited to ta

Here is my 2 carriage 1/4 reserved seating limited express, covered in cartoon characters, because of course it is. A lot of people were excited to take photos.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - Inside is a train. I was surprised it is only 2 carriages. Admittedly the bus is cheaper, maybe most people take the bus, but does the bus have cartoo

Inside is a train. I was surprised it is only 2 carriages. Admittedly the bus is cheaper, maybe most people take the bus, but does the bus have cartoon characters on the ceiling, probably.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - Here is my lunch, because I was too early to check in. The fruit and vegetable smoothie drink is a favourite I discovered on a recent trip to Korea, i

Here is my lunch, because I was too early to check in. The fruit and vegetable smoothie drink is a favourite I discovered on a recent trip to Korea, it really is thick like a smoothie, I do not want to know how they thicken it. The sandwich from left to right is, corn, tomato and cucumber, potato salad. All nice enough, even the corn, but the potato salad is my favourite.

Japan-Tokushima-Takamatsu-Train - Now for my hotel room, it is a Daiwa Roynet, same chain as in Tokushima, but an older style of room. Although located a bit away from the station, it

Now for my hotel room, it is a Daiwa Roynet, same chain as in Tokushima, but an older style of room. Although located a bit away from the station, it is attached to the WORLD RECORD HOLDING LONGEST SHOTENGAI, and is on top of a shopping mall too. Annoyingly you have to take a lift up to the 8th floor, where the hotel starts, and then transfer to another lift. Convenience with extra steps. However, under $100 a night, and a great desk and chair.