Okayama's sightseeing trains "La Malle de Bois" and "SAKU-bi SAKU-ra"

• Table of Contents
• La Malle de Bois - A travel toolbox for enjoying art and scenery
• Interior Features
• Various operation routes
• [Special Feature] La Mar Setouchi x Okayama Wine
• In-car services
• SAKU-bi SAKU-ra - Enjoy the nature and delicious food of northern Okayama Prefecture
• Route and highlights
• In-car gourmet
• Operation information and reservation methods
• Operating time
• summary

La Malle de Bois - A travel toolbox for enjoying art and scenery

"La Malle de Bois" means "wooden suitcase" in French. This tourist train debuted in 2016 with the concept of a "travel toolbox."

The striking black and white exterior has playful windows resembling suitcases, while the interior features a wooden deck and high-quality seats, creating a stylish cafe-like atmosphere.

Interior Features

One thing to note on the train is the fusion of modern art with other art pieces. Artworks that you can actually touch are on display, such as works by Bunpei Kado and "The Story of the Ferry" by Masahiro Hasunuma, which is based on the Utaka Ferry.

At the counter seats facing the window, you can freely read books about travel and art while watching the ever-changing scenery of Setouchi. You can spend a relaxing time with original background music by Agematsu Agematsu playing.

Various operation routes

From JR Okayama Station, you can travel on the Setouchi to four destinations - Uno, Mihara, Hinase, and Kotohira- and it is popular for its diverse operating routes.

La Mar Setouchi (Okayama Station to Uno Station)

A trip to Uno, the setting for the Setouchi Triennale. You can tour the station decorated with art and enjoy access to artworks scattered across the islands of the Seto Naikai. Cycle spaces are also available, so you can load your bike and enjoy cycling around Uno.

During the Setouchi Triennale, the train will run between JR Okayama Station and JR Uno Station. We recommend taking the art train to the gateway to the island of art (Uno Port). Don't miss the station tickets (JR Unoyama Station, JR Yahama Station, Bizen Tai Station, JR Uno Station)!

[Operating days] Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in August and October (excluding October 18th and 19th)

[Fare] Adults 1,370 yen (JR Okayama Station to JR Uno Station (one way)) *All Green Car reserved seats

Operation time

Departs JR Okayama Station at 10:11 → Arrives JR Uno Station at 11:16

Departs JR Uno Station at 16:18 → Arrives JR Okayama Station at 17:24

Uno Port

70600002 Chikko 1, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture

It is a departure and arrival point for important shipping routes to Naoshima, where the Chichu Art Museum is located, and Teshima, where the Teshima Art Museum is located, which is the venue for the Setouchi Triennale, an art festival held on the islands. There are various art works scattered around Uno Port, and you can walk around them, so we recommend enjoying a stroll while looking out at the port.

Uno's Chinu

706-0002 1-chome Chikko, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture

The object ``Uno no Chinu'' (ⒸYodogawa Technique) was created at the first ``Setouchi Triennale 2010'', which was created using floating debris collected from the coast around Uno Port and mainly Lake Kojima. Waste that has drifted across the ocean from all over the world to the Seto Inland Sea has taken on a new form and is now on display at Uno Port as a work of art. In addition, "Cochinu" next door was created in 2016 and is a slide that goes from head to butt. "Uno no Chinu" Yodogawa Technique © Yodogawa Technique

La Mar Bizen Osafune (Okayama Station - Hinase Station)

A journey to experience the best of traditional crafts. In Imbe , the birthplace of Bizen Pottery , you can visit the charming streets lined with red brick chimneys, and in Osafune, you can visit the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, famous as a mecca for Japanese swords.

From Hinase Station, connect to the tourist boat "NORINAHALLE" and take a 60-minute cruise to see the Hinase Islands and oyster farming rafts. At the final stop, you can enjoy the local specialty "kakioko" and fresh seafood at "Gomi no Ichi."

[Operating days] October 18th and 19th

[Varies depending on the section] *All Green Car Reserved Seats

Operation time

JR Okayama Station 9:40 departure → JR Higashi Okayama Station 10:01 departure

JR Osafune Station 10:23 Arrival → JR Imbe Station 10:34 Arrival

JR Hinase Station 10:52 arrival

JR Hinase Station 14:22 departure → JR Imbe Station 14:38 departure

JR Osafune Station 14:50 departure → JR Higashi Okayama Station 15:06 arrival

JR Okayama Station 15:24 arrival

Gomi market

801-4 Hinase, Hinase-cho, Bizen-shi, Okayama 701-3204

The fish market run by the Hinase Town Fisheries Cooperative is affectionately known as "Gomi no Ichi." We have a wide variety of seasonal fresh seafood sourced from the Seto Inland Sea at low prices. You can also have your fish cleaned on the spot. One of the pleasures of the lively shop is the friendly conversation you can only expect from a fishing town with the staff. Also worth checking out is the famous ``Oyster Fried Soft'', which is a soft serve ice cream topped with two fried oysters and topped with sashimi soy sauce.

La Mar Shimanami (Okayama Station - Onomichi Station)

A journey where you can fully enjoy the spectacular views of the Seto Naikai. From the train window, the calm waters of the Setouchi Sea, the scattered islands, and the beautiful villages in the mountains appear one after another.

It is also convenient for trips from JR Kasaoka Station to the Kasaoka Islands, and from JR Onomichi Station to the Shimanami Kaido. If you transfer from JR Onomichi Station or JR Mihara Station to the tourist high-speed cruiser SEA SPICA, you can enjoy a boat trip to Hiroshima , touring the islands of the Setouchi .

[Operating days] Saturdays and Sundays in July and September

[Varies depending on the section] *All Green Car Reserved Seats

Operation time

JR Okayama Station 10:22 departure → JR Kurashiki Station 10:40 departure

JR Kasaoka Station 10:46 departure → JR Fukuyama Station 11:22 arrival

JR Onomichi Station 11:42 arrival → JR Mihara Station 12:03 arrival

JR Mihara Station 15:20 departure → JR Onomichi Station 15:37 departure

Departs JR Fukuyama Station at 15:58 → Arrives JR Kasaoka Station at 16:26

JR Kurashiki Station 16:52 arrival → JR Okayama Station 17:11 arrival

JR Onomichi Station

7220-036 1-1 Higashigoshocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Onomichi Station, the main entrance to Onomichi City, is close to the city and the sea from Shin-Onomichi Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, and the area around the station offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea. There is also a hotel on the second floor of the station.

Operation information/timetable

[Special Feature] La Mar Setouchi x Okayama Wine

Okayama Hareiro Campaign 2025 Special Project

Wines from Okayama Prefecture will be sold at the counter inside the La Mar Setouchi train. On that day, wineries in Okayama Prefecture will be available for tasting, and tasting and sales will also be available on board the train.

*Those tasting and purchasing train drinks must be 20 years of age or older.

Koresato Winery Day: August 23rd, October 12th

Funao Winery Day: August 9th, October 26th

Hiruzen Winery Day: August 31st, October 4th

[Limited quantity] For every bottle of wine purchased, we will give you one special snack from Okayama Prefecture!

In-car services

The on-board sales counter in car No. 2 sells original goods and local specialties. Popular items include the "mt Masking Tape set," the tin "La Malle de Bois " model, and "White Peach Nectar" made from Shimizu peaches from Okayama .

There is also a wide selection of special menus available by advance reservation, including the "Traveling Setouchi Sweets Box" (a set of five types of mini tarts) and the " Okayama Bara Sushi Travel Box" (packed in a Momotaro furoshiki wrapping cloth), perfect items to take home as mementos of your trip.

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra - Enjoy the nature and delicious food of northern Okayama Prefecture

concept

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra, which will debut in July 2022, offers a journey to enjoy the rich nature, hot springs, and fine cuisine of northern Okayama Prefecture, with the theme of "A journey that warms the body and soul and creates beauty."

The exterior, based on a pale pink color, evokes the image of healing hot springs and the cherry blossoms of the northern part of the prefecture. The gorgeous carriages, designed with petals blown by the wind, add color to the train lines.

Route and highlights

Kikko Station

The Tsuyama(Okayama Station to Tsuyama Station) takes about an hour and a half. Along the way, the train makes short stops at Fukui Station, Yuge Station, and Kameko Station, where passengers can get off and enjoy a tour of the station buildings and take commemorative photos.

Fukuwatari Station : Characterized by the auspicious station sign featuring the Seven Lucky Gods

Yuge Station: One of the oldest wooden station buildings in the prefecture and a senryu poem

Kameko Station: A striking station building shaped like a large turtle

In-car gourmet

The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

A major attraction of the "SAKU-bi SAKU-ra" is the on-board service that allows you to savor the rich cuisine of northern Okayama Prefecture.

All special menus require advance reservation and include:

Okayama Bara Sushi Bento: Traditional bara sushi made by Azuma Sushi: 3,200 yen (tax included)

Okayama Prefecture Kita Irodori Chirashi: Special bento box supervised by one-star chef Makio Terada: 3,200 yen (tax included)

STYLE Original Sweets Set: Set of 5 mini fruit tarts and white peach juice: 2,400 yen (tax included)

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra(SAKUBI SAKURA) | Official website

Operation information and reservation methods

Operation period

Both trains will operate between March 2025 and February 2026, mainly on weekends and holidays.

How to make a reservation

Ticket purchase: From 10:00 a.m. one month before the date of travel

・JR West “e5489”

・JR major station "Midori no Midori" (Green Window)

・Major travel agencies

In-car meals and services: Advance reservations required

・La Malle de Bois: STYLE Co., Ltd., "tabiwa by WESTER"

・SAKU-bi SAKU-ra: "Setouchi Tourism Navigation setowa"

La Malle de Bois reservation page

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra reservation page

Operating time

La Malle de Bois

This varies depending on the route, so please check the official website.

Operation information/timetable

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra

Downbound: Departs Okayama Station at 10:55 → Arrives Tsuyama Station at 12:27 Upbound: Departs Tsuyama Station at 12:56 → Arrives Okayama Station at 14:30

Operation information/timetable

summary

Okayama's two tourist trains each offer different charms to your trip. If you're looking for art and a diverse cultural experience, we recommend "La Malle de Bois," while if you want to enjoy the healing power of nature and delicious food , SAKU-bi SAKU-ra." Both offer a special travel experience that allows you to fully experience the charms of Okayama.

Please check the official JR West website for the latest operation information.

La Malle de Bois

SAKU-bi SAKU-ra