Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari

The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari is a limited express sightseeing train service operated by JR Shikoku in Shikoku, Japan, since July 2020.

Overview

The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari is the third sightseeing train service in the Monogatari series introduced by JR Shikoku, after the Iyonada Monogatari and the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari. Originally scheduled to start operations on April 18, 2020, its launch was delayed to July 4, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The train runs between Kōchi and Kubokawa in Kōchi Prefecture, offering views of Kōchi's natural landscapes. Its theming concept is based on the historical exploits and aspirations of important figures of the Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration, particularly that of native sons such as Sakamoto Ryōma and Nakaoka Shintarō. The name of the train means "Tale of the Dawn of an Era".

Operation status

The train service operates on Fridays, weekends, and holidays between Kōchi and Kubokawa, running one round trip per day. Meals created with local ingredients are served on every route. The service out of Kōchi is named Excerpts of Aspirations, while the service out of Kubokawa is named Excerpts of Blossoming Flowers.
Both services stop at the stations of Kōchi, Tosa-Kure, and Kubokawa. Additional stops include:
Kōchi to Kubokawa

Asakura, Ino, Kusaka, Nishi-Sakawa, Susaki, Awa, Kageno

Kubokawa to Kōchi

Awa, Susaki, Sakawa, Nishi-Sakawa, Ino, Asakura, Asahi

A special service pattern also runs between Kōchi and Nahari, using tracks of the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Asa Line. Originally a limited-time run for group tours between in 2021, the service became permanent afterwards, running every year on Fridays from October to December. For this pattern, the service out of Kōchi is named Excerpts of the Sparkling Sea, while the service out of Nahari is named Excerpts of Heroic Flights. Both services stop at the stations of Kōchi, Yasu, Aki, and Nahari.

Rolling stock

The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari uses a 2-car KiHa 185 series DMU for its services. The first car, painted black, is nicknamed KUROFUNE, while the second car, painted white, is nicknamed SORAFUNE. An image of Sakamoto Ryōma is painted on the exterior of the train, along with images of the sun and the moon.
The interior of KUROFUNE is themed around late 19th century steamships, evoking the Black Ships that brought Japan out from isolation; the interior of SORAFUNE, by contrast, is themed with futuristic sci-fi elements of skyships and stars, signifying dreams for the future.