"SAKUBI SAKURA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR West's sightseeing train "SAKUBI SAKURA," which connects Okayama Station and Tsuyama Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the rural areas of Tsuyama and Okayama, 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.
"SAKUBI SAKURA" is a JR West sightseeing train that connects Okayama Station and Tsuyama Station via the Tsuyama Line. The train's name is a coined word combining the sound of "sakusaku" (crispy) with beauty and fun. It operates as a tourist access route to Tsuyama, a castle town in northern Okayama Prefecture. The train's exterior is designed primarily in pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. As this train operates only on limited days, it is necessary to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is advisable to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "SAKUBI SAKURA"?

"SAKUBI SAKURA" is a sightseeing train introduced by JR West on the Tsuyama Line. The Tsuyama Line runs north from Okayama Station along the Asahi River to Tsuyama Station. Tsuyama is the central city of northern Okayama Prefecture, which flourished as a castle town of Tsuyama Castle. Tsuruyama Park, the site of Tsuyama Castle, is known as one of the leading cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan. Sweets and light meals made with local ingredients may be served on board.

Train features and popular points

The charm of the "SAKUBI SAKURA" train lies in the fact that you can leisurely enjoy the rural scenery along the Tsuyama Line. The interior is bright and open, with seating arranged to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery outside the window. The train may slow down in sections with good views. Sweets and light meals made with ingredients from Okayama may be served on board. Tsuruyama Park, the site of Tsuyama Castle, is a famous spot where approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom. The Tsuyama Railway Museum preserves a roundhouse and railway cars. The townscapes of Joto and Josei retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. From the train windows, you can see the valley along the Asahi River and the rural scenery. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. The Tsuyama Line is a scenic route that runs along the valley of the Asahi River. Okayama is known as the "Land of Sunshine" and is famous for its long hours of sunshine.

Timetable for "SAKUBI SAKURA"

*The "SAKUBI SAKURA" train operates only on specific days.

Downbound (towards Tsuyama Station) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Okayama Station)

The "SAKUBI SAKURA" train operates only on select days (mainly weekends and holidays). Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, but the intervals may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

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

The "SAKUBI SAKURA" is a train that operates only on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. It is especially popular during cherry blossom season and may sell out quickly.

Operating section of "SAKUBI SAKURA"

Main sections

• Okayama Station to Hokaiin Station (Tsuyama Line)
• Hokaiin Station to Fukuwatari Station (Tsuyama Line)
• Fukuwatari Station to Tsuyama Station (Tsuyama Line)

Tsuyama Station is the gateway to the castle town of Tsuyama. Tsuruyama Park, located on the site of Tsuyama Castle, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. At the Tsuyama Railway Museum, you can see a fan-shaped locomotive shed and preserved rolling stock. Edo-period merchant houses remain in the Joto Townscape Preservation District. Shurakuen Garden was built as a daimyo garden for the Tsuyama domain. A large turtle sculpture is installed in the station building of Kamenoko Station. Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle are located around Okayama Station. Since travel to nearby tourist attractions is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Around Fukuwatari Station, a rural landscape unfolds along the Asahi River.

Stations where the "SAKUBI SAKURA" train stops

Main stops

• Okayama Station
• Fukuwatari Station
• Kamenoko Station
• Tsuyama Station

*The number of stops varies depending on the train.

Fare of "SAKUBI SAKURA"

Representative section fare

Breakdown of train tickets and reserved seat tickets

"SAKUBI SAKURA" is a sightseeing train with all reserved seats operating as a regular train. To board, you will need a ticket (fare) to your destination and a reserved seat ticket. There is no "express train surcharge". Please have both your ticket and reserved seat ticket ready before boarding.

Regarding eating and drinking inside the vehicle

The fare for "SAKUBI SAKURA" is the sum of the regular train ticket to your destination and the reserved seat ticket. Since all seats are reserved, please secure your seat before boarding. Reserved seats can be purchased at e5489, Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket vending machines), Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket offices), etc.

How to buy tickets for "SAKUBI SAKURA"

e5489 (Internet reservation)

JR West's internet reservation service, "e5489," allows you to purchase reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket vending machines) and Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket offices)

You can purchase reserved seat tickets at the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket vending machines) and Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket offices) at the station. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket offices) can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in the Tsuyama area with train travel.

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "SAKUBI SAKURA" train is operated by JR West, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or passes for the Kansai and Okayama areas. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer assistance in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "e5489," you may still need to pick up a paper ticket from a Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket vending machine) at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe while you are traveling.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

In the ICOCA area around Okayama, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of the ticket. However, some sections of the Tsuyama Line may be outside the IC card area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot board the train using only an IC card. A reserved seat ticket must be purchased separately.

Seating information for "SAKUBI SAKURA"

Seat Types

"SAKUBI SAKURA" is an all-reserved-seat train. It features an interior design inspired by cherry blossoms. Since the number of seats is limited, it is recommended to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you wish to sit together with your travel companions, booking together will make it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive seating

The train's interior is bright and spacious, featuring a design inspired by cherry blossoms. The seats are positioned to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery outside the window. Tables are provided, making it convenient for eating and drinking on board. From the windows, passengers can enjoy the valley and rural landscape along the Asahi River. The view changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery outside, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location in advance before making a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large luggage storage area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-free facilities

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to consult with JR West's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

Enjoy ekiben (train station bento boxes) and in-train gourmet food on "SAKUBI SAKURA".

On the "SAKUBI SAKURA" train, sweets and light meals made with ingredients from Okayama may be served. Okayama is nationally known as a production area for fruits such as white peaches and muscat grapes. In Tsuyama, hormone udon is a famous local delicacy. In Okayama, mamakari sushi and kibi dango are also classic flavors. The availability of in-train sales varies depending on the train and season, so it is best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is best to stop by early. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to note when riding "SAKUBI SAKURA"

The "SAKUBI SAKURA" train operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a reserved seat. It is especially popular during cherry blossom season and may sell out quickly. Food and drinks on board may require advance reservations. Operating days and sections are subject to change. Stations and trains can be crowded during high season, so allow plenty of time for your journey. Before boarding, check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

The availability of in-train sales may vary depending on the train and time of year. It is recommended to check the operating status on the day of travel via Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

"SAKUBI SAKURA" is a sightseeing train operated by JR West that connects Okayama Station and Tsuyama Station via the Tsuyama Line. Enjoy the bright, cherry blossom-themed interior, the scenic countryside views, and the flavors of Okayama. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy your trip to Tsuyama aboard "SAKUBI SAKURA," adorned in the colors of cherry blossoms.

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 to Japan.
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.