Summary
SHIOKAZE & ISHIZUCHI
The Limited Express SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI provide fast and comfortable travel across northern Shikoku, connecting Okayama and Matsuyama via Imabari, as well as Takamatsu and Matsuyama. Together, these two services link travelers between Honshu and the island of Shikoku through the scenic Seto Inland Sea region.Operated with modern 8600 and 8000 series trains, both SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI offer smooth and quiet rides with panoramic windows that showcase stunning ocean views, island scenery, and the rolling countryside of Ehime Prefecture. Comfortable seating, power outlets, and clean, modern interiors make them ideal for both tourists and daily travelers.
The SHIOKAZE runs directly between Okayama and Matsuyama, crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge with sweeping views of the sea and islands, while the ISHIZUCHI connects Takamatsu and Matsuyama, offering frequent service for easy travel within Shikoku.
Along the route, passengers can explore attractions such as Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, and the seaside town of Imabari, famous for its shipbuilding heritage and cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido. Whether you’re traveling for sightseeing or a relaxing getaway, the SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI offer a stylish and scenic way to experience the charm of northern Shikoku.
8600 series train set
Route map
Seat types
- Between Matsuyama and Tadotsu, the SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI run coupled together as a single train.
- Some SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI services are operated with 7- or 8-car formations. In these cases, the ISHIZUCHI portion also includes 1st class.
Series 8600
1st class
Cars 1 is 1st class, called “Green Cars.” All seats are reserved. They feature a 1+2 seating layout, offering comfort even on long journeys.
2nd class
All cars (excluding 1st class) are 2nd class, with a 2+2 seating layout.
Series 8000
1st class
Cars 1 is 1st class, called “Green Cars.” All seats are reserved. They feature a 1+2 seating layout, offering comfort even on long journeys.
2nd class
All cars (excluding 1st class) are 2nd class, with a 2+2 seating layout.
2nd class (Anpanman)
Some SHIOKAZE and ISHIZUCHI services operate as the Anpanman Train, featuring special Anpanman-themed seats during those runs.
8000 series train set (Anpanman Train)
Stops
- You can transfer to the SANYO Shinkansen and Limited Express YAKUMO at OKAYAMA.
- You can transfer to the Limited Express NANPU at Tadotsu, Marugame and Utatsu.
Travel Times and Fares for Major Sections
| Route | Type | Time | 1st class (R) |
2nd class (R) |
2nd class (Non-R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okayama - Matsuyama | SHIOKAZE | 2h40m | ¥11010 | ¥7350 | ¥6820 |
| Okayama - Imabari | SHIOKAZE | 2h10m | ¥8630 | ¥6360 | ¥5830 |
| Okayama - Iyo-Saijo | SHIOKAZE | 1h40m | ¥7410 | ¥5140 | ¥4610 |
| Takamatsu - Matsuyama | ISHIZUCHI | 2h30m | ¥8960 | ¥6690 | ¥6160 |
| Takamatsu - Imabari | ISHIZUCHI | 1h50m | ¥7850 | ¥5580 | ¥5050 |
| Takamatsu - Iyo-Saijo | ISHIZUCHI | 1h30m | ¥6970 | ¥4700 | ¥4170 |
- "(R)" means fare with seat reservation.
- "(Non-R)" means fare with Non-seat reservation.
- Children aged 6 to under 12 pay half of the adult fare for 2nd class seats. Children under 6 travel free, but a child fare is required if a seat is reserved.
- The following fares are standard fares. During busy seasons, an additional ¥400 applies. During off-peak seasons, ¥200 is discounted.
Onboard facilities
Restrooms
Located approximately once every two cars.
Luggage storage
There is an overhead luggage rack above the seats.
Power outlets
Every seat is equipped with a power outlet.
Wi-Fi
All trains offer free Wi-Fi service.
Timetable
The timetable is frequently updated. Please check the latest version on the JR SHIKOKU website.
Major sightseeing spots
OKAYAMA
Okayama is best known for Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens, and Okayama Castle. It also serves as a gateway to Kurashiki’s preserved merchant quarter and the Seto Inland Sea.
MARUGAME
Marugame is a historic castle town in Kagawa Prefecture, famous for Marugame Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles with a surviving wooden keep. The city is also known as the birthplace of Sanuki Udon, attracting visitors eager to taste authentic local noodles. With its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nearby Kotohira and Zentsūji, Marugame offers a pleasant blend of history, culture, and culinary delight.
IYO-SAIJŌ
Iyo-Saijō is a peaceful city known for its pure spring water “Uchinuki,” which flows throughout the town. It is also the starting point for climbing Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, and offers a great base for nature lovers and hikers.
IMABARI
Imabari is famous for its high-quality towels and as the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which connects Shikoku and Honshu across the scenic Seto Inland Sea. The city also features Imabari Castle, one of Japan’s few seaside castles.
MATSUYAMA
Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku and home to the famous Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Visitors can also enjoy Matsuyama Castle and stroll through the charming streets lined with trams and local shops.
Important Notes
- Holidays in May, August, and December are extremely crowded.