Iyonada Monogatari Sightseeing Train: 'Double Passenger Achievement Commemorative Event' Details

This official guidance is for travelers planning to ride the Iyonada Monogatari (伊予灘ものがたり) sightseeing train in Shikoku, Japan, during June 2026. It outlines the commemorative events celebrating two major passenger milestones, including special in-train activities and limited-edition meal offerings.

Who This Applies To

This information is directly relevant to passengers who have booked or intend to book seats on the Iyonada Monogatari train during its scheduled operating days in June 2026. It is also pertinent for those interested in the train's special commemorative activities and limited-run food services.

Event Details and Steps to Participate

The "Double Passenger Achievement Commemorative Event" (ダブルご乗車人数達成記念イベント) is organized by JR Shikoku to celebrate two anticipated milestones: the 2nd-generation train reaching 100,000 regular-service passengers in May 2026, and the total (including the 1st-generation train) reaching 250,000 regular-service passengers in July 2026.

1. Commemorative Event Period (June 2026)

The main commemorative activities will take place on the regular operating days in June 2026. The source specifies these dates:

• June 6 (Sat) & 7 (Sun)
• June 13 (Sat) & 14 (Sun)
• June 20 (Sat) & 21 (Sun)
• June 27 (Sat) & 28 (Sun)

Important Note: The event schedule is fixed to these June dates, even if the actual passenger milestones are reached slightly earlier or later than predicted.

2. Event Locations and Activities

Events will occur inside the train carriages and at relevant stations along the route. Key activities include:

• Special In-Train Activities: Attendant-led projects, including the sale of limited-time menu items. Specific details will be announced by JR Shikoku at a later date.
• Original Headmark: A commemorative "Double Achievement" headmark will be attached to the train. This mark will also be used on special temporary services in June, except for the temporary service on June 2 (Tue).
• Destination Display Change: The train's destination curtain will be changed to read "Happy Anniversary." This change will also apply to most June temporary services, except for June 2 (Tue).

3. June-Only Reservation-Required Meal Service

A special, reservation-only meal service will be available onboard during June 2026. Passengers must book their meal at least four (4) days before their travel date. The menu varies by train formation:

Note on Ingredients: The Ozu, Futami, and Yawatahama formations use salmon branded as "SAIMON" (サイモン), produced through JR Shikoku's land-based aquaculture project. The Dogo-hen includes a heart-shaped message cookie as a token of gratitude.

4. Additional Milestone Events (May & July 2026)

Separate, smaller events will mark the actual achievement of the 100,000 and 250,000 passenger milestones. The exact dates for these will be determined by when the milestones are reached and announced by JR Shikoku later.

• 100,000 Passengers (2nd-Gen) Event: Expected in May 2026. Activities include distribution of original commemorative can badges inside the train and the display of original banners at stations (Matsuyama, Iyo-Kaminari, Shimonada, Iyo-Ozu, Yawatahama).
• 250,000 Passengers (Total) Event: Expected in July 2026. Activities include distribution of original commemorative can badges and station decorations at the same stations listed above.

Limits and Exceptions

• The June commemorative event activities (headmark, display change, in-train projects) are scheduled for the specific regular operating days listed above in June 2026. This schedule is fixed regardless of the exact date the passenger milestones are achieved.
• The reservation-only meal service is only available on regular operating days in June 2026. Reservations must be made at least four (4) days prior to the boarding date.
• The commemorative headmark and "Happy Anniversary" display will be used on most June temporary services, but not on the temporary service operating on June 2, 2026 (Tuesday).
• Details regarding the "Attendant-led projects" (e.g., specific menu items for sale) are not yet specified in the source notice and will be provided by JR Shikoku at a future date.
• The source does not specify if additional commemorative items (like badges) will be distributed during the June event period. The can badges are explicitly linked to the May and July milestone events.

What Travelers Should Prepare

Based strictly on the source notice, travelers should prepare the following:

• Advance Meal Reservation: If you wish to partake in the special June-only meal service, you must secure your reservation at least four days before your intended travel date. Booking methods are not detailed in this notice; travelers should check the official JR Shikoku website or their booking platform for reservation procedures.
• Flexible Date Awareness: Be aware that the May and July milestone events have no fixed dates yet. Monitor official JR Shikoku announcements if you wish to participate in those specific badge-distribution events.
• Confirmation of Event Details: Since some details (like in-train project specifics) are pending, it is advisable to check for updates from JR Shikoku closer to your travel date.

Iyonada Monogatari Train Schedule Reference

For planning purposes, here are the regular operating schedules for each formation, as provided in the source:

Historical Passenger Milestones (Reference)

The source provides a history of passenger milestones for context:

First-Generation Iyonada Monogatari (Operational from July 26, 2014)

• 10,000 passengers: March 7, 2015
• 50,000 passengers: December 10, 2016
• 100,000 passengers: May 4, 2019

Second-Generation Iyonada Monogatari (Debuted April 2, 2022)

• 10,000 passengers: July 23, 2022
• 20,000 passengers: November 26, 2022
• 30,000 passengers: May 27, 2023
• 40,000 passengers: October 14, 2023
• 50,000 passengers: March 17, 2024
• 60,000 passengers: August 11, 2024
• 70,000 passengers: January 25, 2025
• 80,000 passengers: June 28, 2025
• 90,000 passengers: November 8, 2025

Cumulative Total Milestones (from 2014 start): The notice states that the total passenger count (including the first-generation train) is expected to reach 250,000 in July 2026.

Official Source

• Source Label: Official Institution (JR Shikoku)
• Original Japanese Headline: 観光列車「伊予灘ものがたり」 「ダブルご乗車人数達成記念イベント」の実施について
• Publication Time: 2026-04-30 00:00 UTC
• Source Site: jr-shikoku.co.jp
• Source Link: Official Press Release (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When exactly will the 100,000 and 250,000 passenger events happen?

The source states these milestones are expected to be reached in May and July 2026, respectively. The exact dates will be determined by actual ridership and announced by JR Shikoku at a later time. The June commemorative events are scheduled regardless of these precise dates.

2. How do I book the special June-only meal?

The source confirms a reservation is required and must be made at least four (4) days before your boarding date. It does not specify the booking method. You should consult the official JR Shikoku reservation channels or your point of ticket purchase for instructions.

3. Will there be commemorative items like badges available in June?

The source notice does not mention the distribution of commemorative can badges during the June event period. The can badges are specifically listed as part of the separate May and July milestone events. The June event focuses on in-train projects, a special headmark, and the destination display change.

4. Are the events happening on temporary train services too?

The commemorative headmark and "Happy Anniversary" display will be used on most June temporary services, with the specific exception of the temporary service on June 2, 2026 (Tuesday). The source does not specify if other activities (like meal service) apply to temporary services.

5. Where can I find the latest updates on the in-train projects and milestone dates?

For updates on unspecified details like the "Attendant-led projects" and the exact dates for the May/July events, travelers should monitor the official JR Shikoku website and their news releases.