"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides information on the JR West sightseeing train "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA," which connects Okayama Station and Kotohira Station, including operating days, times, fares, 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 KOTOHIRA" is one of the routes operated by JR West's sightseeing train "La Malle de Bois." It connects Okayama Station and Kotohira Station and can be used for sightseeing in the Kotohira Shrine area. It is a two-car train converted from the 213 series, and all seats are reserved Green Car seats.

What is "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"?

"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" is a sightseeing train that operates from Okayama Station towards Kotohira 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 KOTOHIRA" lies in its ability to provide a high-quality travel experience in a relatively short time, particularly for journeys from Takamatsu to Kotohira. Enjoying the rural scenery along the JR Dosan Line and the tranquil views of the Sanuki Plain heightens the anticipation for visiting Kotohira Shrine. The tranquil atmosphere unique to a dedicated train creates a special travel experience befitting a pilgrimage. Onboard, guided tours sometimes introduce the history of Kotohira Shrine and the highlights of the approach. The 785 stone steps of the approach are known as a challenging journey for many pilgrims, and many visit seeking a sense of accomplishment. Upon reaching the top of the 785 steps, the main shrine offers a beautiful view of Mount Iino, also known as Sanuki Fuji. Within the grounds, there is also a statue of a Konpira dog, a unique and beloved figure based on the legend of a dog entrusted with making a pilgrimage on behalf of its owner during the Edo period. The temple grounds are surrounded by nature that changes with the seasons, and you can enjoy even more beautiful scenery during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Timetable for "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

Downbound (Towards Kotohira) Timetable

This train will operate from Okayama Station towards Kotohira Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and stations on Ekitan or the JR West official website.

Upbound (Towards Okayama) Timetable

This train will operate from Kotohira Station towards Okayama Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and stations 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 KOTOHIRA" before planning your trip.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days. Details of the operating days are announced on the JR West official website as they are updated, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to ride it. The JR Dosan Line includes sections that pass through mountainous areas, so operations may be affected in case of severe weather.

Operating Section of "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

Main Sections

• Okayama Station to Kotohira Station (JR Seto-Ohashi Line, JR Yosan Line, JR Dosan Line)

Kotohira Station is a base for visiting Kotohira Shrine. Kotohira Shrine is known for its 785 stone steps to the main shrine and 1368 steps to the inner shrine, and has long been revered by fishermen and sailors as the god of the sea. From the main shrine of Kotohira Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sanuki Plain, and on a clear day, you can even see the Seto Inland Sea. If you extend your visit to the inner shrine (Iwakon Shrine), you will reach a spot with particularly beautiful views within Kotohira Shrine. The area around Marugame Station is also known as the production center of Marugame fans, and there are shops selling traditional crafts scattered throughout the area. The entire town of Kotohira has a history of developing as a temple town centered around pilgrimages to Konpira-san, and you can feel the atmosphere just by walking around the town. Along the approach to the shrine, there is an iconic gate called Daimon, which is a familiar landmark on the pilgrimage route.

Stations Where "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" Stops

Main Stops

• Takamatsu Station
• Sakaide Station
• Marugame Station
• Kotohira Station

Access to Kotohira Shrine from Kotohira Station

You can walk from Kotohira Station to the entrance of the approach to Kotohira Shrine. Since there is a long flight of stone steps leading to the main shrine, please wear comfortable shoes and bring drinks. The approach has attractions other than worship, such as Sanuki udon restaurants, souvenir shops, and the former Konpira Grand Theater. Continuing to the inner shrine will require more time and stamina. Leaving large luggage in coin lockers near Kotohira Station or at your accommodation will make walking easier. If combining this with Takamatsu or Marugame, please check the station names as some JR and private railway stations are far apart.

Fares for "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Tickets and Fares

The fare for "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination plus a special car fare equivalent to a Green Car. Due to its relatively short distance, the fare may be more affordable compared to other trains in the La Malle de Bois series. This fare structure is consistent with other JR West sightseeing trains and reflects the high quality of service offered. The short distance also makes it easy to incorporate into day trips for pilgrimage.

Combining Your Trip with a Visit to Kotohira Shrine

Some travel agencies offer package deals that include a visit to Kotohira Shrine. If you want to have plenty of time for your visit, you might consider using one of these packages. Along the approach to the shrine, there are many long-established souvenir shops, such as Kyuman Honpo, which are fun to stop by between visits. Exploring the local cuisine along the approach, such as the stone steps leading to Kyuman Honpo and the famous Sanuki udon restaurants, is also part of the enjoyment of a pilgrimage. At the shrine's treasure hall, you can admire valuable works of art and crafts passed down through generations at Kotohira Shrine. At the Takahashi Yuichi Museum on the shrine grounds, you can view a collection of works by Takahashi Yuichi, a pioneer of modern Japanese Western-style painting.

Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary

On the first day, take the "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" train from Okayama Station to Kotohira Station and visit the main shrine, the main hall, and the approach to Kotohira Shrine. If you stay at Kotohira Onsenkyo, you can relax in the hot springs after walking the stone steps. On the second day, you can visit Zentsuji Temple and Marugame Castle, or travel to Takamatsu and visit Ritsurin Garden. The time required for visiting shrines varies greatly depending on your walking speed, so please allow at least 2-3 hours before your return train.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

How to Buy Tickets for "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

e5489 (JR West Online Reservation)

You can reserve Green Car tickets and other tickets for the "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" 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 Ticket Offices

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 handle reserved seat tickets for "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" and tour packages that include a visit to Kotohira Shrine.

How to Buy for International Travelers

For the "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" train ticket portion, you may be able to use the JR 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 Travelers

On e5489, specify Okayama Station and Kotohira Station, and select "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" which will be displayed on the operating day. Confirm the necessary items, including the Green Car ticket, and after payment, pick up your paper ticket at the designated station. The section from Okayama Station to Kojima Station is operated by JR West, and the section from Kojima Station to Kotohira Station is operated by JR Shikoku, so travelers using JR Pass or similar should check the pass coverage area and seat ticket handling at the ticket office. Reservations for meals and tourist facilities are not included in the train reservation.

Do I Need 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 KOTOHIRA," you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the special car fare. While transportation IC cards such as ICOCA can be used as the fare portion in some sections around Takamatsu, the special car fare 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 KOTOHIRA"

Seat Type (All Seats Reserved, Green Car Equivalent)

"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" is a train with all Green Car reserved seating. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

The interior of the train is unified with a calm, wood-grain design reminiscent of a suitcase. Despite being a short-distance service, it is designed to provide a high-quality journey that calms the mind before visiting Kotohira Shrine. The seats have large tables, making them convenient for resting before or after visiting Kotohira Shrine. The windows are large, ensuring that passengers can fully enjoy the peaceful rural scenery of the Sanuki Plain. The interior is also decorated with motifs inspired by traditional crafts of the Sanuki region, creating a space rich in local character. From the connecting sections of the train, passengers can experience the changing scenery outside the window as the train moves more closely.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you are using a wheelchair, please contact JR West before boarding to confirm available facilities and boarding/alighting procedures.

Luggage and Seat Selection for Your Pilgrimage

For travelers who plan to walk the stone steps after arriving in Kotohira, it's convenient to plan to leave large suitcases at a storage facility near the station rather than carrying them directly from the train. Window seats on the train offer views of the Seto Inland Sea and rural scenery. Please avoid blocking the aisle for extended periods while taking photos or viewing the exhibits inside the train. If using a mobile device, it's advisable to charge it before boarding and save maps of tourist spots and return times so you can check them offline.

Enjoy Ekiben and In-Train Gourmet Food on "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

At "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA", they sometimes offer pre-booked meal plans using ingredients from Kagawa Prefecture, as well as menus inspired by Sanuki udon noodles. There are also many famous Konpira udon restaurants scattered around Kotohira Station. The area around Kotohira Station is also full of restaurants where you can enjoy Kagawa's unique cuisine, such as bone-in chicken. Bone-in chicken is a local specialty said to have originated in Marugame City, and is characterized by its spicy seasoning. Along the approach to the shrine, there are many shops that serve freshly made Sanuki udon noodles, including Konpira udon.

Sanuki Udon and Pre-Ordered Ekiben

In Kotohira, you can enjoy Kagawa Prefecture's specialties such as Sanuki udon noodles, bone-in chicken, and Japanese sweets. Popular restaurants often have long lines at lunchtime, so it's a good idea to decide whether to eat before or after visiting the shrine to ensure a smooth journey. If you plan to use the pre-ordered ekiben service on the train, please apply through the designated service separately from your seat reservation via e5489, and check the deadline and pick-up method. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of strongly scented foods and how you spread out large luggage.

Points to Note When Riding "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA"

"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" 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. Visiting Kotohira Shrine can take more than an hour round trip to the main shrine, so it is a good idea to plan your itinerary with plenty of time to spare. Also, the stone steps can become slippery in rainy weather, so it is wise to prepare according to the weather. There are tea houses scattered throughout the shrine grounds where you can rest, so you can adjust your pace according to your physical condition while visiting the shrine. You can also access Kotohira Shrine from Kotoden Kotohira Station, so some travelers use it in conjunction with JR. After visiting the shrine, it is recommended to enjoy a day trip to Kotohira Onsen to soothe your travel fatigue.

Since the pilgrimage involves climbing stone steps, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Walking sticks are also available for rent along the approach to the shrine.

Summary

"LA MALLE KOTOHIRA" is a JR West sightseeing train connecting Okayama Station and Kotohira 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 Kotohira Shrine aboard "LA MALLE KOTOHIRA".

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.