"LA MALLE SHIMANAMI": Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides information on the JR West sightseeing train "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI," which connects Okayama Station and Mihara Station, including its operating days, times, fares, stations stopped at, 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 SHIMANAMI" is one of the routes operated by JR West's sightseeing train «La Malle de Bois». It connects Okayama Station and Mihara Station and can be used for sightseeing in the Onomichi and Shimanami Kaido areas. It is a two-car train converted from the 213 series, and all seats are reserved Green Car seats.

What is "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"?

"LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" is a sightseeing train that operates from Okayama Station towards Mihara 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 most distinctive feature of the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" train is that it is equipped with dedicated bicycle racks, allowing passengers to bring their bicycles onto the train without disassembling them. This makes it an extremely convenient train for travelers who want to enjoy cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. From the train windows, passengers can enjoy the tranquil scenery along the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Imabari. Crossing the bridge from Imabari Station, a magnificent cycling route unfolds, passing through Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima islands, all the way to Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Cycling across the bridges offers exhilarating views of the Seto Inland Sea below, captivating many cyclists. Along the route, you can also see the calm inlets of the Seto Inland Sea and rolling hills covered with mandarin orange groves, offering a unique Shikoku landscape. Rest stops and other facilities are also provided at the foot of bridges along the cycling route, creating a safe and enjoyable environment even for beginners.

Timetable for "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

Southbound (towards Imabari) timetable

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

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Takamatsu)

This train will operate from Mihara Station towards Okayama Station. Please check the latest departure and arrival times and stations stopped at 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 SHIMANAMI" before planning your trip.

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

"LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating 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 use it. The Setouchi area has a relatively mild climate, but operations may be affected during typhoon season.

Operating Section of "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

Main sections

• Okayama Station to Mihara Station (Sanyo Main Line)

Imabari Station is the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido on the Shikoku side, and the area in front of the station is well-equipped with facilities for cyclists. The Shimanami Kaido is a route approximately 60km long connecting islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and cyclists from all over the world come to aim for completing the entire route by bicycle. Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island is a historic shrine known as the guardian shrine of all of Japan, and is a popular rest stop for Shimanami Kaido cyclists. Hakata Island is known as the production area of ​​"Hakata Salt," and there is a facility where you can see the traditional salt-making method. Dogo Onsen is a historic hot spring resort counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, and is a popular tourist attraction in Matsuyama, popular with both domestic and international visitors. Omishima Island also has a rest facility known as a sacred place for Shimanami Kaido cyclists, and is bustling with many cyclists.

Stations Stopped At by "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

Main stops

• Takamatsu Station
• Marugame Station
• Matsuyama Station
• Imabari Station

Access from Onomichi Station to the Shimanami Kaido

You can walk from Onomichi Station to Onomichi Port and take a ferry to Mukaijima to begin your Shimanami Kaido cycling trip. Rental bicycles are available at multiple locations in Onomichi, but during high season, your desired bicycle type may be in short supply. For beginners, a shorter course, cycling from Onomichi to Innoshima or Ikuchijima and returning by ferry or bus, is more practical. If you plan to cycle all the way to Imabari, the distance and elevation changes are significant, so consider your physical condition, sunset time, and luggage weight, and plan for a trip of one night or more. To bring your bicycle onto the train, check the designated cycle space sections and reservation methods in advance.

Fares for "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

Representative section fare

Breakdown of tickets and fares

The fare for "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" is the sum of the basic fare to the destination plus a special car fare 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 common to other JR West sightseeing trains and is priced to match the high-quality service provided.

Bicycle rack usage fee

If you use the dedicated bicycle racks, an additional fare may be required in addition to the regular basic fare ticket and seat fare for bringing your bicycle. Please check the JR West official website for details. Imabari's local specialty, "Imabari Yakitori," is known for its bold style of grilling on a griddle and can be enjoyed at local restaurants. Matsuyama city has many tourist attractions that you might want to visit together, such as Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle. Matsuyama Castle is a valuable castle that is counted as one of the 12 remaining original castle keeps and can be easily accessed by ropeway or lift. Imabari city is also known nationwide for its towel production, and there are many specialty stores that handle Imabari towel brand products.

Recommended 1-night, 2-day itinerary

On the first day, we'll take the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" from Okayama Station towards Onomichi and sightsee at Senkoji Park, the shopping street, and the coastal road. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a short cycling trip to Mukaijima and stay overnight in Onomichi or Ikuchijima. On the second day, we'll either visit Kosanji Temple and the island's cafes on Ikuchijima, or head towards Omishima depending on our energy levels. Deciding on the bicycle return location and the return bus/ferry times in advance will help create a manageable plan.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

How to Buy Tickets for "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

e5489 (JR West online reservation)

You can reserve Green Car tickets and other tickets for the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" 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 handle reserved seat tickets for "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" and tour packages that include cycling along the Shimanami Kaido.

How to buy for foreign tourists

For the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" 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 may be required. Please check the official website of each pass for usage conditions.

e5489 booking procedure for foreign travelers

To reserve a Green Car reserved seat ticket for the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" train, specify Okayama Station and your destination station on the day of travel using e5489. After payment, some products require you to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket machine or ticket office. If using a JAPAN RAIL PASS, please check with the ticket office regarding the handling of the Green Car reserved seat portion and whether there are any additional charges. Travelers bringing bicycles should check the conditions for using the cycle space separately from seat reservations. Since the seat map on e5489 may differ from the actual seat orientation, please also refer to the official train layout map.

 

 

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 the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" train, 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 basic fare portion in some sections around Takamatsu and Matsuyama, 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 SHIMANAMI"

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

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

Distinctive seating

Seats equipped with bicycle racks allow passengers to leave their bicycles propped up on a special fastener, eliminating the need to pack them into a bike bag. This offers great convenience for travelers who want to enjoy cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. The seats have large tables, making them convenient for breaks and meals before and after cycling. Some seats are positioned facing the sea, allowing passengers to better enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea along the Yosan Line. The windows are large, ensuring excellent views of the Seto Inland Sea along the Yosan Line and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido. Since only a limited number of seats with bicycle racks are available on each train, early reservations are recommended for those who wish to use them.

Large luggage storage area

In addition to bicycle racks, the train also has space for regular 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 onboard amenities for cycling trips

Even on trains with designated cycle spaces, there are conditions regarding the number of stations and spaces available. Some sections require bicycle bags, so please follow the instructions given when making your reservation. Pack your helmet, drinks, sunscreen, rain gear, and mobile battery in an easily accessible bag. Secure your bicycle and large luggage inside the train to prevent movement and ensure they do not block aisles or emergency exits.

 

 

Ekiben and In-train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

At "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI," you can sometimes find pre-booked meal plans featuring ingredients from Kagawa and Ehime prefectures, as well as complimentary drinks. Imabari City is also known for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) culture, and many travelers look forward to enjoying the local cuisine. The areas around Takamatsu Station and Imabari Station are well-stocked with souvenir shops selling local specialties. Enjoying regional cuisine made with fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea is another highlight of visiting this area.

Enjoying meals in Onomichi and the Setouchi region

At Okayama Station, you can purchase bento boxes featuring Setouchi conger eel and other seafood. Upon arrival in Onomichi, Onomichi ramen, sweets made with Setouchi lemons, and citrus juices from the island are popular among travelers. During your cycling trip, there are long distances between shops, so be sure to bring water and easily portable snacks. If you plan to use the pre-ordered bento box service on the train, check the application deadline and pick-up method separately from your seat reservation.

Points to Note When Riding "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI"

"LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, it is recommended to check the operating days and make a reservation in advance. If you wish to use seats with bicycle racks, it is advisable to check the JR West official website in advance regarding how to transport your bicycle. Alternatively, you can also use the general method of boarding with a bicycle bag, so you can flexibly adjust your plan depending on the availability of bicycle racks. Depending on the renovation status of Dogo Onsen Main Building, the areas where you can bathe may be limited, so it is advisable to check the latest information in advance. If you have a lot of cycling equipment, organizing your luggage in advance will make transfers and travel smoother.

If you plan to combine this with cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, it's a good idea to arrange for rental bicycles and plan your itinerary considering your arrival time at your accommodation.

Summary

"LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" is a JR West sightseeing train connecting Okayama Station and Mihara 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 Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido area aboard the "LA MALLE SHIMANAMI" train.

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.