"AMETSUCHI" Train Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR West's sightseeing train "AMETSUCHI", which connects Tottori Station and Izumo City Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This sightseeing train allows passengers to enjoy the rich food culture and spectacular scenery of the San'in region, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
"AMETSUCHI" is a JR West sightseeing train that debuted in July 2018, connecting Tottori Station and Izumo City Station via the San'in Main Line. Operated with specially modified diesel railcars, the train's name is derived from an archaic word meaning "heaven and earth," and is themed around the magnificent nature and history of the San'in region. All seats are reserved and equivalent to Green Car seats. Since its launch, it has been featured in numerous media outlets as a train symbolizing the promotion of tourism in the San'in region. The dedicated train operates as a two-car formation and features a calm exterior design that evokes the local atmosphere of San'in. In the section of the route that is closest to the Sea of Japan, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the horizon stretching across the entire window. The hospitality of the onboard attendants is also highly praised, and their attentive service in conveying the charm of the region enhances the satisfaction of the journey. Item Content Train Name "AMETSUCHI" Operating Company JR West Main Operating Sections Tottori Station to Izumo City Station (via the San'in Main Line) Main Starting and Ending Stations Tottori Station / Izumo City Station Number of Trains Running Limited Operating Days Travel Time (Estimated) Tottori to Izumo City: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes Seat Standard Class Reserved Seats (Green Car Equivalent Fare System) 
Table of Contents
- What is "AMETSUCHI"?
- "AMETSUCHI" Train Timetable
- "AMETSUCHI" Operating Section
- Stations Where the "AMETSUCHI" Train Stops
- Fares for "AMETSUCHI"
- How to Buy Tickets for "AMETSUCHI"
- Is Ticket Issuance Required?
- Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
- Seating Information for "AMETSUCHI"
- Enjoy Ekiben (Train Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "AMETSUCHI" Train
- Points to Note When Riding "AMETSUCHI"
- Summary
What is "AMETSUCHI"?
"AMETSUCHI" is a sightseeing train operated by JR West that debuted on July 20, 2018, connecting Tottori and Shimane prefectures. The name "AMETSUCHI" (天地) embodies the wish that passengers experience the long history and magnificent nature of the San'in region during their journey. It is a representative sightseeing train of the San'in Main Line, where passengers can enjoy the scenery along the Sea of Japan and the shores of Lake Shinji. The San'in Main Line is one of the longest operating lines in Japan, running along the Sea of Japan from Kyoto to Shimonoseki. The exterior of "AMETSUCHI" is decorated with designs inspired by Izumo stone lanterns and Kimachi stone, which are traditional crafts of the San'in region.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of "AMETSUCHI" lies in its luxurious meal plan featuring ingredients from the San'in region and the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and Lake Shinji. Onboard, passengers are served dishes that are adaptations of local cuisine from Tottori and Shimane prefectures, using local ingredients. The views of the Sea of Japan and the sunset over Lake Shinji seen through the large windows will be a special and memorable experience. The onboard attendants sometimes introduce stories related to Izumo mythology and the history of the San'in region during their commentary along the route. Near Kurayoshi Station is the Utsubuki Tamagawa district, known for its white-walled storehouses, making it a recommended stopover for sightseeing. From Yonago Station, you can transfer to the Sakai Line to access Sakaiminato, home to Mizuki Shigeru Road, where you can also encounter the unique train known as the Kitaro Train. Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato is lined with numerous bronze statues of yokai (Japanese monsters), making it a popular tourist spot for families. In Kurayoshi's white-walled storehouse district, there are facilities where you can tour traditional sake breweries and soy sauce breweries, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the local food culture.
"AMETSUCHI" Train Timetable
* "AMETSUCHI" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days.
Downbound (Towards Izumo City) Timetable
| Stations Where the Train Stops | Example |
|---|---|
| Tottori Dep. | morning |
| Yonago | ― |
| Izumo City Arr. | Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes later |
Upbound (Towards Tottori) Timetable
| Stations Where the Train Stops | Example |
|---|---|
| Izumo City Dep. | afternoon |
| Yonago | ― |
| Tottori Arr. | Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes later |
The "AMETSUCHI" train operates between Tottori Station and Izumo City Station on select operating days. Operating days are mainly Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays; details can be found on the JR West official website.
Important Notes Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
"AMETSUCHI" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days. Details of the operating days are announced on the JR West official website as they occur, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. Due to the strong winds and heavy snow characteristic of the Sea of Japan side, train service is likely to be suspended or delayed during severe weather.
"AMETSUCHI" Operating Section
Main Sections
- Tottori Station - Yonago Station - Izumo City Station (via San'in Main Line)
Izumo City Station is the closest station to Izumo Taisha Shrine, known as the shrine of the god of matchmaking. Yonago Station, along the way, is the central city of western Tottori Prefecture and a base for sightseeing in Mt. Daisen. Mt. Daisen is known for its beautiful shape and is also called "Hoki Fuji," attracting many tourists for hiking and viewing autumn foliage. Izumo Taisha Shrine is known as the shrine of the god of matchmaking and is a historically significant shrine that enshrines Okuninushi-no-Okami, attracting worshippers from all over the country. The Utsubuki Tamagawa district is known for its beautiful scenery of white-walled storehouses and red-tiled roofs and is designated as a nationally important traditional building preservation district. In Kurayoshi City, the area known as the "White-Walled Storehouse District" is particularly famous, and you can stroll along the charming streets along the Tamagawa River.
Stations Where the "AMETSUCHI" Train Stops
Main Stations Where the Train Stops
- Tottori Station
- Kurayoshi Station
- Yonago Station
- Matsue Station
- Izumo City Station
*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the day of operation.
Fares for "AMETSUCHI"
Fares for Representative Sections
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare | Green Car Equivalent Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tottori Station to Izumo City Station | Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the railway company's official website. | ― | ― |
*The "AMETSUCHI" fare system includes a special car fare equivalent to a Green Car fare in addition to the regular basic fare. Additional charges apply for meal plans.
Breakdown of Fares
The fare for "AMETSUCHI" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination plus a special car surcharge equivalent to a Green Car. Because all seats are reserved and equivalent to Green Car seats, a different fare system applies compared to regular limited express and rapid trains. This fare system is also shared with other JR West sightseeing trains and is priced to match the high-quality service provided.
Meal Plan Fares
If you choose to use the advance-reservation meal plan (such as a course meal using ingredients from Tottori and Shimane prefectures), you will need to pay for the meal separately in addition to the basic fare and seat fare. These plans are very popular and can fill up quickly. Lake Shinji is a scenic spot that has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunset Spots," and is known for the beauty of the sunset that colors the lake's surface. Matsuba crab is a representative delicacy of the San'in region in winter, and many travelers visit during this time. Kimachi stone is a tuffaceous sandstone produced around Matsue City and has been used in traditional stone crafts such as lanterns and garden stones. Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato is also a popular tourist spot that you might want to visit in conjunction with this trip.
How to Buy Tickets for "AMETSUCHI"
e5489 (Online Reservation)
JR West's online reservation service "e5489" allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets and meal plans using a credit card. Because it's a popular sightseeing train, seats often sell out immediately after going on sale, so early booking is essential.
Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi
You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office).
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seating tickets and meal plans for the "AMETSUCHI" train.
How to Buy for Foreign Tourists
The "AMETSUCHI" train is operated by JR West and may be eligible for the JAPAN RAIL PASS. However, since all seats are equivalent to Green Car seats, an additional fare may be required with a regular pass. Please check the JR West official website for details in advance. The entire JR West section is eligible for the pass.
*The types of passes eligible and the applicable conditions may change.
Is Ticket Issuance Required?
Even if you purchase your tickets through an online reservation service, in most cases you will need to pick them up at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.
*Whether or not a ticket is required depends on the type of reservation service.
Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
When riding the "AMETSUCHI" train, you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the special car surcharge. While IC cards such as ICOCA can be used as the basic fare portion in some sections around Tottori, Yonago, and Matsue, some sections of the San'in Main Line may be outside the IC card usage area. The special car surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased as a separate ticket in advance.
On the routes served by "AMETSUCHI", contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.
*Please note that you cannot ride using only an IC card. A separate surcharge is required for special cars. Some sections of the San'in Main Line may be outside the IC card usage area.
Seating Information for "AMETSUCHI"
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved, Green Car Equivalent)
The "AMETSUCHI" train is operated using specially modified diesel railcars, and all seats are reserved seats equivalent to Green Car seats. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Reserved Seat | Wood-grain interior, some seats facing the Sea of Japan |
| Counter Seats | Space where you can enjoy a meal |
| Unreserved Seat | None (All seats are reserved) |
Distinctive Seating
The train's interior is unified with a calming design inspired by traditional crafts and calligraphy from the San'in region. Many seats face the Sea of Japan, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery from the windows. The seat tables are large and designed to be suitable for enjoying meals. Some seats are positioned to face the Sea of Japan, making it easier to enjoy the magnificent scenery from the windows. The windows are large, ensuring that passengers can fully enjoy the scenery of two different bodies of water: the Sea of Japan and Lake Shinji. The high-quality seats, comparable to those of Green Cars, are designed to ensure comfort even on long journeys. Some window seats also have counter space, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery. The warmth of the wood in the space further enhances the excitement of the journey.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
Please check the railway company's official website for the latest information.
*Details of seating arrangements may vary depending on the train configuration.
Enjoy Ekiben (Train Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "AMETSUCHI" Train
At "AMETSUCHI", they offer pre-booked meal plans (course meals, sweets, etc.) using ingredients from Tottori and Shimane prefectures. Dishes using ingredients unique to the San'in region, such as snow crab and clams from Lake Shinji, are popular. Around Matsue Station, there are also plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy Izumo soba noodles and the lake delicacies known as the "Seven Treasures of Lake Shinji." Lake Shinji boasts one of the highest clam catches in Japan, and clam soup is a popular local dish.
*The contents and availability of meal plans may vary depending on the train and time of year.
Points to Note When Riding "AMETSUCHI"
"AMETSUCHI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, we recommend checking the operating days and making a reservation as early as possible. If you wish to book a meal plan, you will need to make arrangements early along with your basic fare and seat fare reservation. Also, since many tourist spots in the Matsue and Izumo areas are accessible by bus or taxi from the station, it is advisable to check transportation options in advance. When visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine, there are many sights to see, including the main hall, worship hall, and Kagura hall, so we recommend visiting with plenty of time to spare. If you are combining your trip with sightseeing in Sakaiminato, it is a good idea to check the transfer times to the Sakai Line as well. Operating days are updated seasonally, so please check the latest schedule when planning your trip.
If you want to enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan, it's a good idea to request a seat on the ocean side. If you want to enjoy the sunset over Lake Shinji, it's also helpful to check the train's passing times.
Summary
"AMETSUCHI" is a JR West sightseeing train connecting Tottori Station and Izumo City Station, offering passengers the rich food culture of the San'in region and the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and Lake Shinji. All seats are reserved and equivalent to Green Car seats, so a special car surcharge is required in addition to the basic fare. Since the operating days are limited, it is important to check in advance. This is a special sightseeing train where you can experience the long history of the San'in region and the blessings of its abundant nature all at once. It is a special railway experience unique to the San'in region where you can feel the timelessness of heaven and earth. It offers a luxurious railway journey where you can enjoy the food, history, and nature of the San'in region with all your senses. It is a precious opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the rich food culture of San'in on a luxurious railway journey. It is a special journey where you can savor the food and history nurtured by the climate of San'in along with the spectacular views from the train window. It is a train that you should ride at least once, a train that condenses the charm of San'in.
Enjoy a special journey from Tottori to Izumo on "AMETSUCHI", where you can experience the long history and rich food culture of the San'in region.
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