[2024-2025] Ultimate Guide to JR Okayama Prefecture Shinkansen Stations: Gourmet Food, Souvenirs, and Transfer Tips

• Table of Contents
• 2nd floor / Shinkansen platform (JR Okayama Station Chuo ticket gate)
• The toilet inside the ticket gate is here
• The convenience store inside the ticket gate is here
• "Azuma Sushi Shop" where you can buy local sushi from Okayama
• Cafe Bar Muscat: Enjoy Okayama gourmet food
• The waiting area inside the ticket gate is here
• "Momotaro Souvenir Street" where you can find all the Okayama souvenirs
• "Eemon Museum" displays traditional crafts from Okayama
• Escalator going up to the platform
• Elevator to the platform
• Transfer gate for conventional lines
• 3rd floor home floor

2nd floor / Shinkansen platform (JR Okayama Station Chuo ticket gate)

During the New Year and other long holiday periods, Shinkansen platforms become extremely crowded. When boarding a Shinkansen or transferring to a local train, a safe and smooth journey is important, especially if you are carrying large luggage, a stroller, or a child.

Here is a guide to the Shinkansen area at JR Okayama Station. First, go through the Chuo ticket gate on the second floor of the station. The Shinkansen Chuo ticket gate is available from 5:45am.

Use this guide to make sure you enjoy your stay in Okayama to the fullest!

Okayama Ekiben: A wide variety of bento boxes available

Immediately after passing through the ticket gate, diagonally to the left, there is an ekiben sales corner. Here, you can purchase a variety of ekiben to enjoy on the Shinkansen train. For example, there is the "500 Series Hello Kitty Bento" and the "Doctor Yellow Gudetama Bento". The second edition of the "Container Bento" series, "Taimeshi" and the third edition, "Torimeshi", are also attractive choices. When choosing an ekiben, please be careful not to be late for your train's departure time.

[Okayama Station Bento]

TEL: 086-801-0043

Business hours: 6:50-20:30

Yakumo Express: Lunch box on the journey to Sanin

I bought a bento box commemorating the changeover of the old and new Yakumo trains. It contained festival sushi and Hiruzen okowa, specialties of Okayama. It also contained horse mackerel, black soybeans, and Kibi Dango. It also contained clam tsukudani rice and crab chirashi (topped with salmon roe pickled in soy sauce), dishes characteristic of the San'in region. It was very delicious. The packaging had pictures of the previous Yakumo trains, which was very cool and impressive.

The toilet inside the ticket gate is here

The toilets are located diagonally to the right just after you pass through the ticket gates. It's a good idea to remember where they are. There is one wheelchair-accessible toilet on the Seven-Eleven side (to the left). It is equipped with ostomate facilities and baby seats. Women's toilets and wheelchair-accessible toilets are often adjacent to each other, so we recommend that you use the toilet early.

*The toilet at the very back of the restaurant floor on the 2nd floor of the Sanste South Building is relatively spacious. There are 2-3 steps. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is also available.

The convenience store inside the ticket gate is here

There is a convenience store beyond the toilets. After March 2024, in-car sales on the Sanyo Shinkansen will end in ordinary cars (only the 16-car Nozomi and Hikari Green Cars will continue). If you are traveling long distances, we recommend purchasing your ticket before boarding the Shinkansen.

[Seven-Eleven Heart-in Shinkansen ticket gate store]

TEL: 086-235-0311

Business hours: 6:00-22:00

There is also a refrigerator just for ice cream from the local Okayama company, Ohayo Dairy!

In front of the convenience store, there was a large sign that read, "Ohayo Dairy is a local Okayama company." There was a special freezer just for Ohayo Dairy's popular product, BRULEE ice cream. I had just seen it on a TV program the other day, and it was said to be popular overseas. I couldn't help but buy it right away. The surface was crispy. The ice cream was rich. A blissful treat in the car.

In front of the convenience store, there is a large sign that reads, "Ohayo Dairy is a local Okayama company." There is a special freezer for Ohayo Dairy's popular product, BRULEE ice cream. This ice cream has been featured on a TV program recently as being popular overseas, so I immediately bought one. The outside is crunchy and the ice cream has a rich flavor. It's perfect for enjoying in the car.

Ohayo Dairy Official Website

"Azuma Sushi Shop" where you can buy local sushi from Okayama

Azuma Sushi, famous as a local sushi of Okayama, has a history of over 110 years since its establishment. You can experience Okayama's food culture with dishes such as bara sushi and refreshing sawara donburi. It is recommended to enjoy it on board the Shinkansen or limited express train. The shop inside the Shinkansen ticket gate is located to the left of the 7-Eleven.

*If you have time, we recommend Azuma Sushi Sun Station Terrace Okayama Branch (South Building 2F) before the ticket gate. Here, you can enjoy nigiri sushi at your leisure at the counter seats.

[Azuma Sushi Shop] (Kibi no Kuni Azuma)

Business hours: 9:00-20:00

Cafe Bar Muscat: Enjoy Okayama gourmet food

If you missed out on trying Okayama cuisine, we recommend the cafe next to the Azuma Sushi Shop. Menu items include shrimp rice and Chiya beef yakiniku bowl. From B-grade gourmet to Okayama wagyu beef, you can easily enjoy it while you wait. It is convenient for both individuals and groups, and takeout is also available.

[Cafe Bar Muscat]

TEL: 086-235-0345

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

Closed: None

The waiting area inside the ticket gate is here

The waiting area is located to the left of Cafe Bar Muscat. There is a train information monitor and wireless LAN (public Wi-Fi). It is separated by an automatic door, so it is comfortable regardless of the season. There are eight counter seats with power outlets so you can charge your devices. At the back is the private shared office "STASION WARK", which is also suitable for teleworking. There is a trash can outside the waiting area, which is convenient for cleaning up after your lunch.

[STASION WARK] (private office)

Opening hours: 7:00-21:30

Usage fee: 275 yen for 15 minutes

"Momotaro Souvenir Street" where you can find all the Okayama souvenirs

If you forgot to bring a souvenir, head to "Omiyage Kaido Momotaro" at the very back of the ticket gate floor. In summer, seasonal fruits such as Okayama white peaches and Shine Muscat grapes are lined up. In the refrigerated section, you can also find "Yamachin" stuffed pork buns. There is a wide selection of Okayama specialties. For snacks to enjoy on the train, we also recommend the tempura from "Hasei", a long-established Okayama paste shop.

[Momotaro Souvenir Road]

TEL: 086-235-0255

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

"Eemon Museum" displays traditional crafts from Okayama

In the show window on the pillar near "Momotaro Souvenir Street," there is a seasonal exhibition of traditional crafts from Okayama by "Harenokuni Okayamakan" in Omotemachi Shopping Arcade. On display are indigo blue hand-woven "Sakushu Kasuri," openwork "Nadeshiko Uchiwa" fans, and "Bizen Pottery dog chopstick rests." You can see simple and warm crafts that represent Okayama.

*For inquiries about the exhibited products, please contact "Harenokuni Okayamakan."

Learn more

Escalator going up to the platform

If you are heading to Shin-Osaka or Tokyo, go up to platform 23 or 24 on the third floor. After entering through the Chuo ticket gate, take the escalator diagonally to the left (towards Okayama Ekiben).

If you are heading towards Hiroshima or Kagoshima Chuo, go up to platform 21 and 22 on the 3rd floor. Chuo entering through the Chuo ticket gate, take the escalator diagonally in front of you to the right (convenience store side).

If the train has 16 cars, it will arrive near car 10; if the train has 8 cars, it will arrive near car 6 (near the reserved seat car).

Elevator to the platform

Wheelchair users, stroller users, people with disabilities, and people with large luggage should use the elevators located at the very back of the floor, on either side.

To go to the platform for Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, enter through the Chuo ticket gate and take the elevator to the left of "Omiyage Kaido Momotaro."

To go to the platform for Hiroshima and Kagoshima Chuo, please use the elevator on the right.

If the train has 16 cars, you will arrive near car 11; if the train has 8 cars, you will arrive near car 7 (there are also stairs available).

Immediately after passing through the Chuo ticket gate, there are stairs on both sides (parallel to the escalators coming down from the platform), which provide the shortest route to the unreserved seating cars.

Transfer gate for conventional lines

There is a ticket gate that connects the conventional line and Shinkansen concourses. You can transfer efficiently without leaving the Chuo ticket gate. This is convenient for those who have a ticket for the conventional line.

Immediately to the left after exiting the transfer gate is the soba noodle shop "Mensho Kibi." You might want to have a meal here before enjoying your journey on the conventional line.

The standard transfer time from the Shinkansen to conventional lines at JR Okayama Station is 8 minutes.

JR Okayama Station Layout Map | JR Odekake Net

JR Okayama Station Layout Map PDF version

3rd floor home floor

Seven-Eleven kiosk (banner platform)

First, let's start with the uphill platform for Tokyo and Osaka (platforms 23 and 24). In front of the uphill escalators and stairs is an indoor 7-Eleven. There are conveniently placed products you may want to purchase before Seto Inland Sea, such as the Chu-Hi series made with fruits from the Setouchi region. As you head towards Tokyo, you will find a shelter from the wind and rain, elevators, and a smoking area.

[Platform for trains bound for Osaka and Tokyo]

◎ Seven-Eleven, up escalator: Near car 10 (16-car train) and car 6 (8-car train)

◎ Elevator: Near car 11 (16-car train) and car 7 (8-car train)

◎ Waiting area: Near car 12 (16-car train) and car 8 (8-car train)

[Seven-Eleven Kiosk Nobori Home Store]

Business hours: 7:00-20:30

TEL:086-211-8556

Encounter with the Hikari Railstar

Luckily, JR West's own Shinkansen, the Hikari Railstar, was parked at platform 21. There are rumors that it may soon be retired, and the number of trains running has been reduced, but I was able to catch the first morning service in Okayama. This lucky encounter gave me a feeling that today would be a good day.

Station bento, souvenir and drink shop

Let's head towards Hiroshima from the down escalator located in the Chuo of the platform. There is a shop that specializes in ekiben and souvenirs. There are samples of souvenirs that represent Okayama, such as Otemanju, Takasebune Yokan, and Murasuzume, lined up, and you can order by number to make a smooth purchase.

[Tokyo/Osaka bound platform] ◎Down escalator → Near car 8 (16-car train) and car 4 (8-car train)

◎Souvenir and drink shop → Near car 7 (16-car train) and car 3 (8-car train)

[Souvenir Street Okayama Shinkansen Upbound Shop]

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

TEL:086-221-8552

Shinkansen ice cream vending machine

If you continue towards Hiroshima from the bento and souvenir shops, you will find a vending machine selling Shinkansen ice cream, which once garnered attention as "Amazingly Hard Ice Cream." These vending machines have been installed at Nozomi stations to coincide with the discontinuation of wagon sales in 2023. As the ice cream is not cooled with dry ice like the one sold on the train, it is not as hard as the original, but it is still just the right firmness to enjoy.

In addition to the classic vanilla, you can choose from a variety of flavors, including strawberry and matcha. Be especially careful not to forget to take a spoon. There are plenty of spoons available at the outlet. [Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎ Shinkansen ice cream vending machine → Near car 6 (16-car train) and car 2 (8-car train)

Bukkake Udon "Furuichi"

I also found a store of "Furuichi", a bukkake udon restaurant, also known as "Marubu", which is popular as Kurashiki udon. After paying at the ticket machine outside, I went inside the restaurant. The udon was served as soon as I handed over the ticket. It was served with shredded seaweed, quail eggs, and a sweet and spicy sauce with wasabi dissolved in it. It was exceptionally delicious.

Of course you can eat and drink inside the restaurant, but you can also bring the bukkake udon menu onto the Shinkansen. Because it comes in a deep container with a sturdy lid, you can eat it safely and deliciously even in your Shinkansen seat.

[Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎ Bukkake Furuichi (JR Okayama Station Shinkansen Upbound Platform Store) → Near Car 5 (16-car train) and Car 1 (8-car train)

Business hours: 9:00-19:00

TEL:086-212-0050

Bukkake Udon

Wrapping vending machine

At the end of the platform (towards Hiroshima), there is a three-unit wrapping vending machine. It sells Okayama nori-ten (seaweed tempura) for when you're feeling a bit hungry, and drinks made with local fruits. You can also take home frozen local delicacies such as horumon udon and matsuri-zushi.

I Kibi Dango a box of six Kibidango (sweet bean dumplings) from a snack vending machine. It is a product of Yamawaki Sangetsudo, a Kibi Dango Kibidango (sweet bean dumpling) store founded in 1881 that also produces a health-conscious Japanese cafe called "Mame to Mochi." The packaging design of the Kibi Dango is both sophisticated and cute.

[Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎Wrapping vending machines → Near car 4 (16-car train) and car 1 (8-car train)

Seventeen Ice Vending Machine (Kudari Home)

Next, we will introduce the outbound platform for platforms 21 and 22 (for Hiroshima and Hakata). Right in front of the upbound escalator is a vending machine for the beloved Seventeen Ice Cream. It is an attractive sight that you cannot pass up once you see it, and families were queuing up to get in. Behind it are an elevator, stairs, and a smoking area. [Platform for Hiroshima and Hakata]

◎ Seventeen Ice vending machine → Near car 11 (16-car train) and car 7 (8-car train)

View of Momotaro Boulevard

From platform 21, you can get a panoramic view of the tramway and Momotaro Boulevard in front of JR Okayama Station (East Exit). A tramway project is currently underway in front of the station, scheduled for completion in 2026. Please note that the famous Momotaro statue has been relocated to near McDonald's on the first floor of Sunste.

Waiting area

There is also a comfortable glass-enclosed waiting room on the outbound platform, allowing you to wait for your train in comfort, avoiding the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

[Hiroshima/Hakata bound platform] ◎ Waiting room → Near car 9 (16-car train) and car 5 (8-car train)

Seven-Eleven kiosk (downhill platform)

There is also a 7-Eleven kiosk on the outbound platform. Souvenirs and snacks are lined up on three sides, and they also sell "Kajitani's Cigar Fries," a biscuit snack that originated in Kurashiki. Behind the 7-Eleven, there is also a vending machine for Shinkansen ice cream and cup drinks. [Platform for Hiroshima and Hakata]

◎ Seven-Eleven kiosk → Near car 7 (16-car train) and car 3 (8-car train)

[Seven-Eleven Kiosk Kudari Home Store]

Business hours: 7:30-20:30

TEL:086-227-7768