Limited Express "SHIOSAI" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East "Shiosai" limited express train connecting Tokyo Station and Choshi Station, including its timetable, 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 Choshi and Inubosaki, 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 "Shiosai" is a JR East limited express train that connects Tokyo Station and Choshi Station via the Sobu Main Line. It serves as a major access train to Choshi, a port town at the easternmost tip of Chiba Prefecture. The train's name comes from "Shiosai," meaning the sound of the tide. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. It supports ticketless limited express tickets through "Ekinet," making it easy to use. Choshi is known for being one of Japan's leading fishing ports and for the Inubosaki Lighthouse. There are other trains and destinations with similar names, so it's a good idea to check the departure information display for the correct train name and destination before boarding.

What is "Shiosai"?

"Shiosai" is a JR East limited express train named after the sound of the waves. The Sobu Main Line runs from Tokyo Station through Chiba to Choshi Station. Choshi is a port town located at the mouth of the Tone River. Choshi Fishing Port boasts one of the largest catches in Japan. Inubosaki is known as one of the places in Japan where you can see the first sunrise of the year earliest.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the "Shiosai" train lies in its direct access from central Tokyo to Choshi without transfers. Since all seats are reserved, you can secure your seat and travel comfortably. Inubosaki Lighthouse, with its striking white appearance, is a symbol of Choshi. The Choshi Electric Railway is a local line extending from Choshi Station to Togawa Station. Choshi Electric Railway's wet rice crackers are a nationally renowned specialty. At Choshi Fishing Port, you can enjoy fresh seafood. Byobugaura is a scenic spot where sheer cliffs stretch for approximately 10 kilometers. Using the ticketless express ticket from "Ekinet," you can ride without a paper ticket. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stopovers. The scenery outside the window changes greatly depending on the season, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is recommended. Choshi is also nationally known as a production area for soy sauce. The mouth of the Tone River offers a unique landscape where the river meets the sea. The Sobu Main Line is a railway line that crosses Chiba Prefecture. The Choshi Electric Railway is a local line known for its business efforts and unique products. Some stations along the line have shops selling local specialties. Choosing different routes for the outward and return journeys, depending on your travel purpose, is one way to enjoy the trip.

"Shiosai" train timetable

*The "Shiosai" train operates several round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Choshi Station) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Tokyo Station)

The "Shiosai" train operates several round trips per day. 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, while the intervals between trains 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 "Shiosai" train operates daily throughout the year. It can be crowded during morning and evening rush hours due to commuter use. Special trains may be operated at the beginning of the year to coincide with the first sunrise of the year.

"Shiosai" operating section

Main sections

• Tokyo Station to Kinshicho Station (Sobu Rapid Line)
• Kinshicho Station to Sakura Station (Sobu Main Line)
• Sakura Station to Choshi Station (Sobu Main Line)

Choshi Station is the gateway to Choshi tourism. Inubosaki Lighthouse, with its impressive white appearance, is a symbol of Choshi. Inubosaki is one of the places in Japan where you can see the first sunrise of the year earliest. The Choshi Electric Railway is a local line that extends from Choshi Station to Togawa Station. Byobugaura is a scenic spot with towering cliffs. You can enjoy fresh seafood at Choshi Fishing Port. Sakura is home to the National Museum of Japanese History. Since getting to the surrounding tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are often tourist information centers around the stations where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Asahi is known as a region where agriculture thrives. Dolphin watching in Choshi is available seasonally.

Stations where the "Shiosai" train stops

Main stops

• Tokyo Station
• Kinshicho Station
• Chiba Station
• Sakura Station
• Yokaichiba Station
• Asahi Station
• Choshi Station

*The number of stops varies depending on the train.

The price of "Shiosai"

Representative section fare

Breakdown of train ticket and express train fare

The fare for the "Shiosai" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Since all seats are reserved, the limited express surcharge is the reserved seat limited express surcharge. Discounts may be available if you purchase a ticketless limited express ticket through "Ekinet". When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the seat ticket. JR's limited express surcharges are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, peak season, or off-peak season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Transfer to Choshi Electric Railway

From Choshi Station, you can transfer to the Choshi Electric Railway and head towards Togawa. The Choshi Electric Railway fare is not included in the JR fare and must be paid separately. The nearest station to Inubosaki Lighthouse is Inubo Station on the Choshi Electric Railway. The Choshi Electric Railway also sells one-day passes.

How to buy tickets for "SHIOSAI"

Ekinet (Internet reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Ekinet," allows you to purchase ticketless express train tickets 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, section, 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 ticket counters

You can purchase reserved seat express train tickets at ticket vending machines and ticket counters 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 counter, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket counters can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

travel agency

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

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "Shiosai" train is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket counters 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?

If you use the ticketless express ticket service "Ekinet," you do not need to pick up a paper ticket. If you purchase your ticket at a designated seat ticket machine or at a Midori-no-Madoguchi (ticket office), you will need to pick up a paper express ticket before boarding. If you pick up a paper ticket, it is 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 during your journey.

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

Since the operating section is within the Suica area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. By combining a ticketless express ticket from "Ekinet" with Suica, you can board without a paper ticket. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your boarding section is within their area.

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

*Please note that you cannot ride the express train with just an IC card. Express train fares and reserved seat tickets must be purchased separately.

Seating information for "Shiosai"

Seat type

The "Shiosai" train consists entirely of reserved-seat ordinary cars. During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's 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.

Distinctive seating

The seats are express-type seats with reclining functions. Each seat is equipped with a table, making it convenient for eating and drinking on board. Depending on the train set, each seat may have a power outlet. The type of train used may vary depending on the season. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it is a good idea to check the seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large luggage storage area

Luggage storage areas may be provided within the train set.

Barrier-free facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting a JR East ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

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

There is no in-car sales service on the "SHIOSAI" train. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at a shop in Tokyo Station before boarding. Choshi is famous for its dishes made with sardines and tuna. Choshi Electric Railway's wet rice crackers are a nationally renowned specialty. Since station shops may have limited operating hours, it is best to stop by early. There is a wide variety of ekiben (station bento boxes), so it is fun to take some time to choose one before boarding. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors, etc., to ensure a pleasant experience. 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 the "Shiosai" train

The "Shiosai" train has all reserved seats, so you cannot board without a reserved seat. It can get crowded during morning and evening rush hours due to commuters. To get to Inubosaki Lighthouse, you need to transfer to the Choshi Electric Railway. The Choshi Electric Railway fare is not included in the JR fare. It gets extremely crowded during the New Year's sunrise period. During peak seasons, both stations and trains are crowded, so please allow plenty of time. Before boarding, please check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Before boarding, please check the train schedule on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

summary

The "Shiosai" is a JR East limited express train that connects Tokyo Station and Choshi Station via the Sobu Main Line. All seats are reserved, and it provides direct access from central Tokyo to Choshi without transfers. It is a train that serves as transportation for travelers aiming to visit the Inubosaki Lighthouse and enjoy the seafood of Choshi.

Enjoy your trip to Choshi aboard the "Shiosai" train, which heads towards the cape where the sound of the waves can be heard.

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.