What You’ll Learn in This Article
- How to ride the Uzushio Limited Express and access the museum
- Highlights and must-see exhibits at Otsuka Museum of Art
- Important warnings about the Ikenotani Station transfer
- Why checking timetables in advance is absolutely essential in Shikoku
First Ride on the Kotoku Line! Why We Chose the Uzushio Limited Express
The Kotoku Line connects Takamatsu and Tokushima — and this was our very first time riding it. The train we chose was the Limited Express “Uzushio.”
At Takamatsu Station, a member of staff helpfully walked us through the return journey options. Given that trains run only once per hour, we were truly grateful for that advice — as we would come to appreciate very deeply later in the day.
Limited Express Uzushio is operated by JR Shikoku between Takamatsu and Tokushima. Running on diesel multiple units (DMUs), this line has limited departures, making advance timetable checks absolutely essential. Miss your train and you could be waiting up to an hour for the next one.
Our Destination: Otsuka Museum of Art | 20 Minutes by Bus from Naruto Station
Our destination was the Otsuka Museum of Art, located approximately 20 minutes by bus from Naruto Station.
“It’s just reproductions, right?” — you might be thinking. But this is truly no ordinary museum. It brings together ceramic-plate reproductions of masterpieces from around the world, offering experiences like no other:
- View all seven of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers paintings side by side in one visit
- See The Last Supper — both the pre-restoration and post-restoration versions — displayed together in the same room
- Experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling reproduced at full scale
I actually visited here once during my student days, and seeing the Sistine Chapel ceiling here for the first time made the experience of seeing the real thing in Rome years later all the more moving. As a place to prepare yourself before encountering the originals, this museum is simply unmatched.
Otsuka Museum of Art is one of the largest ceramic art museums in the world, located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. It features approximately 1,000 Western masterpieces from over 190 museums across 26 countries, all faithfully reproduced at original scale on ceramic panels — including the full Sistine Chapel. Admission: ¥3,300 for adults. Allow a minimum of 3–4 hours for your visit.
Soak Your Tired Feet at Naruto Station’s Free Foot Bath
After a thoroughly satisfying museum visit, we stopped at the free foot bath right in front of Naruto Station to rest our weary legs. The warm water was an absolute blessing after hours of walking.
It’s completely free to use, so make sure to stop by whenever you’re passing through Naruto Station. Your feet will thank you!
Beware of Ikenotani Station! A 20-Minute Wait in the Rain
The painful lesson of the return journey came at Ikenotani (池谷) Station — a transfer point that caught us completely off guard.
Standing in the pouring rain, we waited a full 20 minutes for the next Uzushio Limited Express toward Takamatsu. In Shikoku, where trains are infrequent, missing a connection can mean a very long wait.
Important Warning — Ikenotani Station Transfer: This is the junction between the Kotoku Line and the Naruto Line, but waiting facilities are very limited. On rainy days especially, this transfer requires careful planning. Always check the timetable in detail before you travel.
Why Checking Timetables in Advance Is Non-Negotiable in Shikoku
Despite securing a seat in the unreserved car, we didn’t make it back to Takamatsu Station until after 6:30 PM.
Compared to the mainland, train services in Shikoku are significantly less frequent. Miss a connection and you could be stranded for a very long time. If you have plans later in the day, meticulous timetable planning is absolutely essential.
Key Planning Tips for Shikoku Travel
- Check transfer waiting times at every station in advance
- Always confirm the time of the last limited express of the day
- Build generous buffer time into your itinerary
- Have a plan for waiting in bad weather
Mascots Take on the Oni Stone Statue at Takamatsu Station!
Back at Takamatsu Station, the Mascots immediately set their sights on the Oni (demon) stone statue in front of the station — made from the prized local Aji Stone. They insisted on climbing up for a photo, scrambled their way up… and then couldn’t get back down. Classic Mascots (laughs).
Meanwhile, at Naruto Station, they posed quietly and obediently at the feet of the local mascot Uzuhime-chan. Apparently even the Mascots are a little intimidated by demons (laughs). The contrast in their expressions makes for one of the best photos of the entire trip.
Aji Stone (庵治石) is a premium granite quarried in Kagawa Prefecture. Known for its exceptionally fine grain and beautiful lustre, it is often called the “Diamond of Granite” and is one of Japan’s most prized natural stones.
Summary | Otsuka Museum of Art Is an Absolute Must on Any Shikoku Itinerary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Takamatsu → Uzushio Ltd. Express → Naruto Station → Bus approx. 20 min |
| Key Warning | Ikenotani Station transfer / trains once per hour |
| Foot Bath | In front of Naruto Station (free) |
| Admission | ¥3,300 for adults |
| Recommended Time | Minimum 3–4 hours |
| Top Tip | Check timetables thoroughly the day before you travel! |
Otsuka Museum of Art has far more to offer than a single day can do justice to. For a truly relaxed experience, we recommend staying overnight in Naruto or Tokushima and taking two days to fully explore the collection.