"LA MALLE SETOUCHI" Train Schedule, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article introduces the operating days, times, fares, stops, seating, and ticket purchasing methods for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI," a JR West sightseeing train connecting Okayama Station and Uno Station. 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 SETOUCHI" is one of the routes operated by JR West's sightseeing train "La Malle de Bois." It connects Okayama Station and Uno Station, and can be used for sightseeing in the Seto Inland Sea and Uno Port area. It is a two-car train converted from the 213 series, and all seats are reserved Green Car seats.

What is "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"?

"La Malle Setouchi" is a sightseeing train that operates from Okayama Station towards Uno 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 SETOUCHI" lies in the beautiful archipelago scenery of the Seto Inland Sea visible as it crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the high-quality interior space unique to its dedicated carriages. From the large windows, you can enjoy views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the ships passing by. Designed so that the ride itself becomes a sightseeing activity, it is one of JR West's representative sightseeing trains. Some train sets have exhibition spaces introducing traditional crafts and local products of the Seto Inland Sea. The driver's announcements sometimes include anecdotes related to the construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, making it a train with many highlights for railway enthusiasts. Onboard sales and events vary depending on the route, so it is recommended to check the details in advance to enhance your experience. In years when the Setouchi Triennale is held, some travelers combine their trip with an art tour of the surrounding islands.

Timetable for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"

Downbound timetable

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

Timetable for northbound trains

This train will depart from Uno Station and head towards Okayama Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and 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 SETOUCHI" before planning your trip.

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

"LA MALLE SETOUCHI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days. Details of the operating days and routes are announced periodically on the JR West official website, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. The Seto Inland Sea region has a relatively mild climate, but operations may be affected in case of severe weather.

Operating section of "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"

Main sections

• Okayama Station to Uno Station (Uno Minato Line)

The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a 13km-long bridge connecting Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture and Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture, carrying both rail and road traffic. It is known as a scenic route offering breathtaking views of the numerous islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Sakaide City is located at the foot of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bridge from Seto Ohashi Memorial Park. The ships sailing beneath the bridge and the tidal flats that appear at low tide offer different views depending on the season and time of day. The area around Kojima Station is known as the mecca of Japanese-made jeans, and Kojima Jeans Street is a popular tourist spot. The Setouchi Triennale is a contemporary art festival held every three years on islands such as Naoshima and Teshima, attracting attention from both domestic and international visitors.

Stations on the "LA MALLE SETOUCHI" line

Main stops

• Okayama Station
• Sakaide Station
• Kojima Station (some routes)
• Okayama Station (some routes)

Access to Naoshima from Uno Station/Uno Port

You can walk from Uno Station to the ferry terminal at Uno Port. Ferries and passenger ships bound for Naoshima arrive at different ports depending on the service, so please check whether you will arrive at Miyanoura Port or Honmura Port. Popular attractions on Naoshima include the Chichu Art Museum, the Art House Project, and seaside art installations. Some museums require reservations, so plan your visit including both the ferry arrival time and the museum entry time. Island buses are infrequent, so if you plan to use a rental bicycle, consider the hills and weather. It's also a good idea to check the schedule for the last ferry back and trains to Okayama in advance.

The price for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"

Representative section fare

Breakdown of tickets and fares

The fare for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the special car fee equivalent to a Green Car. Because all seats are reserved and equivalent to Green Car seats, a different fare system applies compared to regular rapid and local trains. This fare system is also shared with other JR West sightseeing trains and is priced to match the high-quality service provided.

Availability of meal-inclusive plans

Depending on the course, meal plans featuring local ingredients may be offered by advance reservation. For details, please check the JR West official website or your travel agent. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautiful tourist destination with its white-walled streets and is also known as a popular spot across the Seto Ohashi Bridge. Kagawa Prefecture is also known as "Udon Prefecture," and many tourists visit seeking the chewy Sanuki udon noodles. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is also home to many cultural facilities, including the Ohara Museum of Art, and is a popular base for sightseeing in the Setouchi region. The Ohara Museum of Art is known as Japan's first private museum focusing on Western art, and you can admire its valuable collection.

Recommended 1-night, 2-day itinerary

On the first day, travel from Okayama Station to Uno Station via "LA MALLE SETOUCHI" and explore the art and port town around Uno Port. Afterwards, take a ferry to Naoshima, sightsee around Miyanoura Port, and stay overnight on the island or in Uno. On the second day, visit the museums and Art House Projects you have booked, and return to Uno Port by afternoon ferry. Since the schedules of ferries, buses, and museums may not always be synchronized, it is recommended to avoid over-scheduling your visits.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

How to buy tickets for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"

e5489 (JR West online reservation)

You can reserve Green Car tickets and other tickets for the "LA MALLE SETOUCHI" 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 counters

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-Madoguchi (ticket office).

travel agency

Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for "LA MALLE SETOUCHI".

How to buy for foreign tourists

For the "LA MALLE SETOUCHI" train ticket portion, you may be able to use the JAPAN RAIL PASS or other passes if they cover the designated section. However, a 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 foreign travelers

On e5489, specify your travel date and Okayama Station/Uno Station, then select "LA MALLE SETOUCHI". Since the seating chart may differ from the actual train layout, please also check the official seating chart for window seats and counter seats. After payment, you will receive your paper ticket at a designated JR West station according to your reservation. If using the JAPAN RAIL PASS, please check at the ticket counter whether the basic fare portion is eligible and what type of ticket is required for a reserved Green Car seat on a regular train. Meals cannot be reserved through e5489, so please apply through a designated separate service such as tabiwa by WESTER.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Tickets reserved through e5489 must be picked up at a designated ticket machine or ticket counter 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 SETOUCHI," you will need separate tickets for the regular fare and the special car fare. While transportation IC cards such as ICOCA can be used as the fare portion in some sections around Okayama Station, 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 SETOUCHI"

Seat type (All seats reserved, equivalent to Green Car)

"LA MALLE SETOUCHI" 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. Large windows are strategically placed to allow passengers to fully enjoy the beautiful archipelago of the Seto Inland Sea and the scenery from the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The seat tables are large, making it convenient for meals and breaks while enjoying the view from the window. Some seats are positioned to face the sea, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea even more. Some trains also have small windows above the main windows, allowing passengers to enjoy a special view looking up at the suspension bridge section of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The seats, equivalent to those in Green Cars, have more spacious seat pitch than regular express train ordinary cars.

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.

How to enjoy art vehicles and cycle spaces

The train's interior features a travel bag-inspired design, artwork displays, and window-facing seats, all designed to enhance the travel experience. When taking photos, please be considerate and avoid blocking aisles or doorways, and ensure that other passengers' faces are not visible. If you plan to use the cycle space, please check the designated stations, usage conditions, and whether a special cover is required beforehand. Travelers with large luggage or bicycles should check with staff before boarding for a smoother experience.

Enjoy ekiben (train station bento boxes) and in-train gourmet food on "LA MALLE SETOUCHI".

At "LA MALLE SETOUCHI," depending on the course, you may be offered pre-booked meal plans using ingredients from Kagawa and Okayama prefectures, as well as complimentary drinks. You may also find dishes unique to Kagawa, known as the "Udon Prefecture." Many famous Sanuki udon restaurants line the streets around Okayama Station, making it convenient for meals before or after your train journey. Dishes using fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea are also one of the pleasures of visiting this region.

Pre-ordered bento boxes and gourmet food from Uno, Okayama.

The official pre-ordered bento boxes feature ingredients from the Setouchi region and original packaging designed specifically for the train. Since meal reservations do not include train tickets or reserved green car seats, you will need to secure your train seat and bento box separately. At Okayama Station, you can also choose from ekiben (station bento boxes) featuring mamakari (a type of small fish), anago (conger eel), and festival sushi. While you can enjoy seafood dishes and cafes around Uno Port, it can get crowded before the ship's departure, so please prioritize boarding procedures.

Points to note when riding "LA MALLE SETOUCHI"

"LA MALLE SETOUCHI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, it is recommended to check the operating days and routes and make a reservation as early as possible. If you wish to have a meal plan, you will need to make arrangements early along with your ticket reservation. Also, the timing of crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge varies depending on the train, so if you want to enjoy the scenery, it is a good idea to check the details of the operating route. To enjoy the beautiful archipelago of the Seto Inland Sea, it is recommended to request a seat on the ocean side facing the direction of travel. If you plan to use ferry services to islands such as Naoshima, it is also a good idea to check the connecting ferry timetables.

On the route that crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge, the scenery changes dramatically depending on the weather, so many travelers try to book their trips on sunny days.

summary

"LA MALLE SETOUCHI" is a sightseeing train operated by JR West, connecting Okayama Station and Uno Station. All seats are reserved Green Car seats, and both a regular train 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 Uno Port on the Seto Inland Sea aboard "LA MALLE SETOUCHI".

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.