“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides information on the JR West sightseeing train “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE,” which connects Okayama Station and Hinase Station, including its operating days, times, fares, station stops, seating, and how to buy tickets. Please note that operating days, times, and fares may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the JR West official website before using the train.
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is one of the routes operated by JR West’s sightseeing train “La Malle de Bois.” It connects Okayama Station and Hinase Station and can be used for sightseeing in the Bizen and Hinase areas. It is a two-car train converted from the 213 series, and all seats are reserved Green Car seats. Item Content Train Name “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” Operating Company JR West Main Operating Sections Okayama Station to Hinase Station Main Starting and Ending Stations Okayama Station / Hinase Station Number of Trains Running Limited Operating Days Seat Green Car Reserved Seats (All Seats Reserved) 
Table of Contents
- What is “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”?
- Timetable for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Operating Sections of “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Station Stops for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Fares for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- How to buy tickets for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seating information for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Points to note when boarding “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
- Summary
What is “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”?
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is a sightseeing train that operates from Okayama Station towards Hinase Station. “La Malle de Bois” means “wooden suitcase” in French, and the train’s exterior and interior design are characterized by their resemblance to a traveler’s toolbox.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” lies in its combination of breathtaking views across the Seto Ohashi Bridge and convenient access to the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum. The Bizen Osafune Sword Museum offers not only displays of actual Japanese swords but also demonstrations of sword-making, making it a special travel destination for sword enthusiasts. Enjoy a journey through the history and culture of the Seto Inland Sea and Okayama Prefecture in the luxurious interior of this dedicated train. At the workshop adjacent to the museum, opportunities are sometimes provided to observe sword-making up close. It is said that the number of younger visitors is increasing, partly due to the influence of popular content such as “Touken Ranbu.” The museum’s gift shop sells sword-themed goods and souvenirs, which are popular as mementos. The traditional techniques that support the sharpness and beauty of swords are passed down through generations of craftsmen, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
Timetable for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
Downbound (towards Bizen-Osafune) Timetable
This train will operate from Okayama Station towards Hinase Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and station stops on Ekitan or the JR West official website.
Upbound (towards Takamatsu) Timetable
This train will operate from Hinase Station towards Okayama Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and station stops on Ekitan or the JR West official website.
Operating days and times vary depending on the course. Please check the operating days for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” before planning your trip.
Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days. Details of the operating days will be announced on the JR West official website as they become available, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. Both the Seto-Ohashi Line and the Ako Line may be affected by severe weather.
Operating Sections of “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
Main Sections
- Okayama Station to Hinase Station (JR Ako Line)
Bizen-Osafune Station is the closest station to the Bizen-Osafune Sword Museum. Bizen-Osafune flourished as the base of the Osafune school of swordsmiths during the Kamakura period, and the traditional techniques of sword making are still passed down today. The Bizen-Osafune Sword Museum sometimes exhibits famous swords designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, making it well worth a visit even for those who are not sword enthusiasts. The area around Osafune Station is the center of Bizen-Osafune, and is dotted with historical sites and monuments related to swords. In the Oku Town area, where oyster farming is thriving, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh oysters during the season. The beautiful inlet of Ushimado is also known for its olive cultivation, and the scenery is reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Station Stops for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
Main Station Stops
- Takamatsu Station
- Sakaide Station
- Okayama Station
- Osafune Station (some trains)
- Bizen-Osafune Station
Access from Osafune Station to the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum and Bizen Area
The Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is a considerable distance from Osafune Station on foot, so consider taking a route bus, taxi, or rental bicycle. While the museum offers exhibits of Japanese swords and opportunities to learn about sword culture, demonstrations and events may be held on limited days. Please check the opening days, admission times, and whether event reservations are required in advance. If you extend your trip to the Hinase area, you can combine it with seafood cuisine in the port town or a boat trip to an island. Public transportation is limited in some areas of eastern Okayama Prefecture, so it’s best to plan your sightseeing time based on your return train schedule.
Fares for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
Fares for Representative Sections
| Section | Fare |
|---|---|
| Okayama Station to Hinase Station | A basic fare ticket and a Green Car ticket are required. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the JR West official website. |
Breakdown of Basic Fare Tickets and Fares
The fare for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the Green Car surcharge. Because it crosses JR West sections, the through fare structure can be somewhat complex. This fare structure is the same as that of other JR West sightseeing trains and is priced to match the high-quality service provided.
Package Deals with the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum
Travel agencies sometimes offer travel packages that include admission tickets to the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum. If you want to thoroughly enjoy viewing swords, you might want to consider using such a plan. There are also Bizen ware kilns scattered throughout Setouchi City, allowing you to experience pottery culture as well. Bizen ware is known for its unique method of firing at high temperatures without using glaze, and is characterized by its simple yet powerful texture. Setouchi City also has the Ushimado district, where you can enjoy the scenery of a beautiful port town called “Japan’s Aegean Sea.”
Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary
On the first day, we will depart from Okayama Station on the “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” train bound for Osafune and Hinase, and visit the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum. Afterwards, we will visit the Bizen ware production area and the port town of Hinase, and stay overnight in or around Okayama or Ako. On the second day, we will visit tourist spots easily accessible from Okayama Station, such as the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Okayama Korakuen Garden. If you plan to participate in an event at the Sword Museum, please check the event times before taking the train and plan your itinerary accordingly.
How to buy tickets for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
e5489 (JR West Online Reservation)
You can reserve Green Car tickets and other tickets for the “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” train through JR West’s online reservation service “e5489.” Please check the ticket collection method and usage conditions, and prepare the necessary tickets before boarding.
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.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seating tickets for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” and visits to the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum.
How to Purchase for International Visitors
For the “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” basic fare ticket portion, you may be able to use the JAPAN RAIL PASS or other passes if they cover the designated section. However, a separate Green Car ticket or other additional charges may be required. Please check the official website of each pass for usage conditions.
e5489 Booking Procedure for International Visitors
Select Okayama Station and your destination station on the day of travel using e5489, then search for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE.” Reserve a Green Car reserved seat ticket and receive your paper ticket at a designated ticket machine or ticket office, depending on the product. If using a JAPAN RAIL PASS, please confirm the handling of the basic fare portion and the Green Car reserved seat portion at the ticket office. Museum admission tickets, demonstration events, and meal packages are not included in the train seat reservation, so please make separate reservations for each facility/service.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
Tickets reserved through e5489 must be picked up at a designated ticket machine or ticket office before boarding, depending on your reservation details. Please confirm the pickup station and method when making your reservation.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
When riding “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE,” you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the special car surcharge. While transportation IC cards such as ICOCA can be used as the basic fare portion in some sections around Okayama, the special car surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card and must be purchased as a separate ticket in advance.
Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding this train on its route.
Seating information for “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved, Green Car Equivalent)
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is a train with all Green Car reserved seating. There are no non-reserved seats. Seat Type Content Green Car Reserved Seat All Seats Reserved Bicycle Space Please check the eligible trains and usage conditions in advance. Non-Reserved Seat None
Unique Seating Features
The interior of the train is unified with a calm, wood-grain design reminiscent of a suitcase. The seating arrangement allows passengers to enjoy the scenery as they cross the Seto Ohashi Bridge, ensuring a comfortable journey even on long trips. The seats have large tables, making it convenient for taking a break or eating while enjoying the view. Some seats are positioned to face the Seto Ohashi Bridge, allowing passengers to enjoy the spectacular scenery as they cross the bridge. The windows are large, providing views of both the beautiful archipelago from the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the tranquil scenery along the JR Ako Line. The spacious seating layout is also designed with group travel in mind.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.
Accessibility Facilities
If you are using a wheelchair, please contact JR West before boarding to confirm available facilities and boarding/alighting procedures.
Onboard Information Gathering for Sword Tourism
Onboard, you can view tourist information and art exhibits for eastern Okayama Prefecture while checking transportation options upon arrival. Travelers who want to better understand the exhibits at the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum can enhance their experience by reviewing the parts of a Japanese sword and the manufacturing process beforehand. Please use the luggage storage area for large items and pack your belongings compactly for entry into the exhibition facilities. Follow the instructions onboard the train and at the museum regarding photography.
Preparation for Enjoying Sword Appreciation
The lighting in the Japanese sword exhibits is subdued, which may make it difficult to see the details. Knowing basic terms such as hamon (temper pattern), jigane (steel), and koshirae (mounting) beforehand will make it easier to appreciate the swords. The swords on display change with each exhibition, so please check the exhibition schedule if you are looking for a specific piece.
Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
At “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE,” they sometimes offer pre-ordered meal plans using ingredients from Kagawa and Okayama prefectures, as well as drink service. Menus featuring local Bizen cuisine are also sometimes available. Around Okayama Station, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies such as Okayama’s famous demi-katsu don and mamakari sushi. Mamakari sushi is a well-known local dish from Okayama, a type of pressed sushi made with mamakari, a fish that has been marinated in vinegar.
Okayama Ekiben, Hinase Seafood, Bizen Souvenirs
At Okayama Station, you can choose from ekiben (station bento boxes) featuring Matsuri Sushi, anago, chicken, and more. Hinase is known for its seafood dishes, and depending on the season, many dishes using oysters are offered. In the Bizen area, Bizen ware pottery and local sweets are also good souvenir options. If you are using the pre-ordered bento service, please apply separately from your seat and check the application deadline and pick-up location. If you are purchasing perishable items, please pay attention to the travel time and how to keep them cool.
Points to note when boarding “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE”
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, it is recommended to check the operating dates and make a reservation in advance. It is also a good idea to plan your itinerary to include time for visiting the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum. In addition, the timing of crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge varies depending on the train, so if you want to enjoy the scenery, it is recommended to check the operating times. If you want to enjoy oyster dishes, it is best to plan your itinerary to coincide with the peak season (winter). If you combine this with sightseeing in Ushimado, access by taxi or rental car is convenient.
Since the lighting in sword exhibits may be subdued, it’s a good idea to check the rules for photography inside the museum beforehand. If you wish to see a sword-making demonstration, you should also check the dates and times of the demonstrations.
Summary
“LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” is a JR West sightseeing train connecting Okayama Station and Hinase Station. All seats are reserved Green Car seats, and both a basic fare ticket and a Green Car ticket are required. Since it operates on limited days, please check the schedule and seat availability in advance.
Enjoy a train journey to Bizen and Hinase on the “LA MALLE BIZEN OSAFUNE” train.
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