Minami・Mugi・Shishikui

Dual Mode Vehicle（DMV）

This vehicle runs on both tracks and roads and Asa Coast Railway began operating the world's first DMV here in 2021 between Tokushima and Kochi prefectures. It is attracting a lot of attention as both a unique mode of transportation and as a tourist attraction. You can enjoy a train and bus trip while visiting tourist spots along the line.

Highlights

1

Mode Change

There are two mode interchanges along the way. It changes to rail mode with the steel wheels appearing from the car body, and then changes again to bus mode with the steel wheels retracted. The mode change takes only 15 seconds and is performed with passengers on board.
2

Operating Route

The bus operates in bus mode from Awa Kainan Cultural Village to Awa Kainan Station, in rail mode from Awa Kainan Station to Kaifu Station, Shishikui Station, and Kouura Station, and in bus mode to Sea Station, Toyo-cho and Road Station Shishikui Onsen Round-trip service is available.
3

Vehicle Design

There are three vehicles: blue for the Asa Higashi area, green for Tokushima Prefecture's sudachi fruit, and red for Nangoku Tosa. The train has 18 passenger seats and 3 standing seats, with a maximum capacity of 22 passengers including the driver.

Details

Driver

DMV drivers must be certified with two different types of licenses to drive on both railway tracks and roads.

Transfer Stations

At Awa Kainan Station, passengers can connect to the JR Mugi Line, and at Umi-no-Eki Toyo-cho, the connection point for Kochi Tobu Kotsu and Southern Tokushima Bus service.

Saturday and Sunday Operating Routes

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, in addition to the regular service, the bus makes one round trip per day from Umi no Eki Toyo-machi to Muroto, stopping at Muroto Haikou Aquarium, Muroto World Geopark Center, Cape Muroto, and Umi no Eki Toromu (Muroto Dolphin Center).