Limited Express "SUPER INABA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR West "SUPER INABA" limited express train (direct service on the Chizu Express Line) connecting Okayama Station and Tottori Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as an access route to the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Inaba region, and 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 "SUPER INABA" is a JR West limited express train connecting Okayama Station and Tottori Station. It plays a role in connecting the Sanyo and Sanin regions, traveling towards Tottori via the Chizu Express Line. The train's name originates from "Inaba no Kuni," the old name for the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture. The train uses KiHa 187 series diesel railcars, which are high-performance vehicles equipped with tilting mechanisms. All seats are reserved, so please purchase a reserved seat limited express ticket before boarding. From the train windows, you can enjoy the scenery of the Chugoku Mountains and the rural landscape of Inaba. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "SUPER INABA"?

The "SUPER INABA" is a JR West limited express train named after the former Inaba Province. The Chizu Express Line is a third-sector railway line connecting Kamigori Station in Hyogo Prefecture and Chizu Station in Tottori Prefecture. The opening of this line established a route that connects the Sanyo and Sanin regions in a short amount of time. The KiHa 187 series is a diesel railcar equipped with a tilting mechanism, enabling high-speed travel even in mountainous areas. The "SUPER HAKUTO" also operates via the same Chizu Express Line from the Kyoto and Osaka areas.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "SUPER INABA" is its convenience in connecting Okayama and Tottori, linking the San'in and Sanyo regions in a short time. Because it connects with the Sanyo Shinkansen at Okayama Station, it's also easily accessible from the Tokyo and Kansai metropolitan areas. The Tottori Sand Dunes are one of Japan's largest coastal sand dunes and a representative tourist destination in Tottori. At the Sand Museum on the dunes, you can admire sculptures made from sand. Tottori is rich in seafood from the Sea of ​​Japan, such as snow crab and blackthroat seaperch. Chizu, along the route, is a town with a history of prosperity from forestry and its history as a post town. Around Sayo town, there are facilities such as the Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory. The KiHa 187 series train uses a tilting mechanism to maintain speed even on sections with many curves. Checking the stations served and travel times before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The scenery from the window changes greatly depending on the season and time of day, so it's recommended to choose different times of day for your outbound and return journeys.

"SUPER INABA" Timetable

*The "SUPER INABA" train operates several round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Tottori Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Okayama Station) Timetable

The "SUPER INABA" 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

Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "SUPER INABA" train operates daily throughout the year. During winter, delays may occur due to snowfall. During the snow crab season, the route towards Tottori may be congested.

Operating Sections of "SUPER INABA"

Main Sections

• Okayama Station to Kamigori Station (Sanyo Main Line)
• Kamigori Station to Chizu Station (Chizu Express Chizu Line)
• Chizu Station to Tottori Station (Inbi Line)

Tottori Station is the gateway to the Tottori Sand Dunes. The Tottori Sand Dunes can be accessed by bus from Tottori Station in about 20 minutes. At the sand dunes, you can enjoy activities such as camel riding and paragliding. The Sand Museum exhibits sand sculptures with themes that change periodically. Tottori Castle Ruins are located at the foot of Mt. Hisamatsu, and the stone walls remain. Chizu-juku is an area that retains the streetscape of an Edo-period post town. Uradome Coast is known for its beautiful ria coastline. As you will mainly be traveling to the surrounding tourist attractions by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There may be tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. The Wakasa Railway is a line that branches off from Koge Station, and it retains its retro station buildings.

Stations Served by "SUPER INABA"

Main Stations Served

• Okayama Station
• Higashi-Okayama Station
• Kamigori Station
• Sayo Station
• Ohara Station
• Chizu Station
• Koge Station
• Tottori Station

*Stopping stations may vary depending on the service.

"SUPER INABA" Fares

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "SUPER INABA" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat limited express fare. Since all seats are reserved, please purchase your reserved seat limited express ticket before boarding. As the train travels via the Chizu Express Line, the fare is the sum of the JR line and the Chizu Express Line fare. When purchasing tickets, please make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the reserved seat limited express ticket. JR reserved seat limited express fares may vary depending on the section of the journey and the time of year.

Fares for the Chizu Express Line Section

The "SUPER INABA" train travels between Kamigori Station and Chizu Station via the Chizu Express Line, which is not a JR line. Because this section is not a JR line, JR passes such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS are not valid, and a separate basic fare and limited express fare are required. When riding with a regular ticket, the fare for the Chizu Express Line is included in the price. This is an important point to keep in mind when using the "SUPER INABA".

How to Buy Tickets for "SUPER INABA"

e5489 (Online 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 and Ticket Vending Machines

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at the ticket vending machines and ticket offices at the station. Since all seats are reserved, you will need to purchase both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat limited express ticket. 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. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation and train travel in the Tottori area.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "SUPER INABA" train runs on both JR lines and the Chizu Express Line. The Chizu Express Line is not a JR line, so it is not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS, and separate basic fares and limited express fares are required. The JR line section is covered by the pass, but if you wish to use a reserved seat, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international visitors 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 purchase your ticket at a ticket vending machine or ticket office, you will need to receive a paper limited express ticket before boarding. When receiving your paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep it safe during your journey.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Contactless Payment?

Within the ICOCA area around Okayama, you can use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion. However, the Chizu Express Line and Inbi Line are outside the IC card area. 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 travel section is within the area.

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

Seat Information for "SUPER INABA"

Seat Types

The "SUPER INABA" train is operated using KiHa 187 series diesel railcars, and all seats in the ordinary cars are reserved. 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.

Features of Seating

The KiHa 187 series is a diesel railcar equipped with a tilting mechanism, allowing it to maintain speed even on curves. The seats recline, providing a comfortable ride. The train is relatively short, so it's a good idea to check your seating position in advance. From the windows, you can enjoy the scenery of the Chugoku Mountains. 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's recommended to check your seating position and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Luggage Storage

Space for large luggage is limited. Please use the space at your feet or at the ends of the train car for larger items.

Accessibility Features

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

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Dining on "SUPER INABA"

There is no in-car sales service on the "SUPER INABA" train. If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the ekiben shops or stalls at Okayama Station. In Okayama, mamakari sushi and Matsuri sushi are well-known as ekiben (station bento boxes). In Tottori, snow crab, white squid, and Tottori Wagyu beef are specialties. Tottori's horumon yakisoba (grilled offal noodles) is also a popular local dish. Since the shops inside the station may have limited operating hours, it is best to prepare in advance if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night. 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 inside the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Important Points When Riding "SUPER INABA"

The "SUPER INABA" train travels via the Chizu Express Line, so if you are using the JAPAN RAIL PASS, you will need to pay an additional basic fare and limited express fare for the Chizu Express Line section. All seats are reserved, so please reserve your seat before boarding. The train is short, and may be fully booked during peak seasons. Due to the tilting mechanism, you may feel some swaying in sections with many curves. To get to the Tottori Sand Dunes, take a bus from Tottori Station. Before boarding, please check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket.

Since there is no in-car sales service, if you plan to eat, be sure to prepare before boarding. Checking the train schedule on Ekitan or similar sites before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "SUPER INABA" is a JR West limited express train connecting Okayama Station and Tottori Station. It runs via the Chizu Express Line, forming a route that quickly connects the Sanyo and Sanin regions. It is used by travelers heading to the Tottori Sand Dunes and to enjoy the seafood of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Enjoy a journey through the Inaba region on the "SUPER INABA" train, which runs from Sanyo to Sanin.

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 transit 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.