Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Shikoku sightseeing train "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN," which connects Okayama Station to Kotohira Station (with some sections using trolley cars). It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the Sanuki region, 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.
The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" is a sightseeing train operated by JR Shikoku, connecting Okayama Station and Kotohira Station. Its greatest feature is the spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea from the trolley cars as it crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The train is decorated with Anpanman characters both inside and out, making it a popular choice for families. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. It mainly operates on weekends and holidays, so you should check the operating dates if you plan to ride. The experience of crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge while feeling the breeze is a unique attraction of this train. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it's a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"?

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" is one of the Anpanman trains operated by JR Shikoku. JR Shikoku operates several Anpanman trains in honor of Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, who is from Kochi Prefecture. The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a bridge approximately 9.4 kilometers long that connects Honshu and Shikoku, and is used by both rail and road. For safety reasons, the trolley cars can only be used on certain sections of the bridge; passengers ride in regular cars for the rest of the journey.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" lies in the fact that you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from the trolley car. The experience of gazing at the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea while feeling the breeze is precious. The interior of the train is decorated with Anpanman characters and is popular with children. The interior expresses the world of Anpanman and adds a fun touch to family trips. Kotohira is a temple town for Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as Konpira-san. Kotohira-gu Shrine is known for its pilgrimage of climbing 785 stone steps to the main shrine. Marugame is a town known for its production of fans and Marugame Castle. Kagawa is nationally famous as the home of Sanuki udon noodles. 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.

Timetable for the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

*The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays.

Downbound (Towards Kotohira Station) Timetable

Timetable for Upbound Trains (Towards Okayama Station)

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" operates seasonally, mainly on 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 hours, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the day. 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 Notes on Operating Days and Suspensions

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" 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. Use of the trolley cars may be restricted during strong winds.

Operating Sections of the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

Main Sections

• Okayama Station to Kojima Station (JR Uno Line / JR Seto-Ohashi Line)
• Kojima Station to Utazu Station (JR Seto-Ohashi Line)
• Utazu Station to Kotohira Station (JR Yosan Line / JR Dosan Line)

Kotohira Station is the gateway to Kotohira-gu Shrine. Kotohira-gu Shrine is revered as the god of the sea, and souvenir shops line the approach to the shrine. The Old Konpira Grand Theater (Kanamaru-za) is the oldest existing theater in Japan. Marugame Castle is known as the castle with the tallest stone walls in Japan. Kojima is known as the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans. At Seto Ohashi Memorial Park, you can get a close-up view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. There are many famous Sanuki udon restaurants scattered throughout Kagawa Prefecture. Since getting to nearby tourist spots is mainly done 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 station where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well.

Stations Where the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" Stops

Main Stops

• Okayama Station
• Kojima Station
• Utazu Station
• Marugame Station
• Tadotsu Station
• Kotohira Station

*The stations where the train stops vary depending on the service.

Fares for the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

Representative Section Fares

All seats are Green Car reserved seats. A Green Car reserved seat ticket is required to board. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the JR Shikoku official website.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Green Car Reserved Seat Ticket

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" consists entirely of Green Car reserved seats. To board, you will need a basic fare ticket (fare) to your destination and a Green Car reserved seat ticket. There are no ordinary reserved seats or unreserved seats.

Trolley Car Usage Sections

For safety reasons, the open-air trolley car is only available on certain sections of the route. For other sections, passengers will travel in regular carriages. When making a reservation, seats for both the trolley car and the regular carriage will be assigned. Use of the trolley car may be restricted during strong winds or other adverse weather conditions.

How to Buy Tickets for the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

JR Shikoku Online Reservations

JR Shikoku's online reservation service 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.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat Limited Express tickets at ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. 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 can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

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

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" runs on JR Shikoku and JR West lines, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or other passes for the Shikoku area. 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 information 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?

Paper tickets reserved through services like e5489 must be picked up at the designated ticket vending machines or ticket offices at the corresponding stations before boarding. If you are using a ticketless service for sightseeing trains, please follow the on-screen instructions and prepare the necessary tickets separately.

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

Within the ICOCA area around Okayama, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of your ticket. However, some sections on the Shikoku side 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 the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

Seat Types

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" is all reserved seating. It consists of trolley cars and regular cars. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Unique Seating Features

The open-air trolley cars have no windows, allowing you to feel the breeze of the Seto Inland Sea. The interior is decorated with Anpanman characters. Even the seats in the regular cars are decorated with the world of Anpanman. The section crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge is a particularly scenic highlight. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Luggage Storage

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

Accessibility Features

There are steps inside the trolley cars. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact JR Shikoku in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben (Station Bento) and Onboard Dining on the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

On the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN", commemorative goods may be sold on board. In Kagawa Prefecture, Sanuki udon noodles are a nationally renowned specialty. In Okayama Prefecture, kibidango and mamakari sushi are local specialties. The temple town of Kotohira is lined with udon restaurants and souvenir shops. Onboard sales vary depending on the service and time of year, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Important Notes for Riding the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN"

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY 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. The trolley cars are only used for certain sections of the route. Use of the trolley cars may be restricted in case of strong winds. Due to its popularity, reserved seats may fill up quickly. Before boarding, be sure to 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.

Since the trolley cars are located in an area close to the outdoors, please dress appropriately for the season. Before boarding, please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN" is a sightseeing train operated by JR Shikoku, connecting Okayama Station and Kotohira Station. Its greatest appeal is the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea from the trolley cars as it crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge. As it is a popular train for families, early reservations are recommended.

Enjoy a memorable family trip aboard the "SETO OHASHI ANPANMAN TROLLEY TRAIN," where you can feel the breeze of the Seto Inland Sea.

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.