Summary
Marine Liner
The Rapid MARINE LINER offers a scenic and comfortable journey between Okayama and Takamatsu, crossing the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge that links Japan’s main island of Honshu with Shikoku. This route provides breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, with its many small islands and sparkling blue waters, making it one of Japan’s most picturesque rail experiences.Operated jointly by JR West and JR Shikoku, the train uses modern 5000 series and 223 series cars designed for both comfort and speed. The Green Car panoramic seats at the front of Car 1 are especially popular, offering travelers a driver’s-eye view as the train glides across the sea.
The MARINE LINER runs frequently—about twice per hour—making it a convenient connection between Okayama, Takamatsu, and the rest of Shikoku. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, the Rapid MARINE LINER provides a fast, relaxing, and memorable way to travel between Honshu and Shikoku.
5000 series train set (Double decker)
Route map
Seat types
- The upper deck in Car 1 is 1st class, while the lower deck is 2nd class.
- Some trains operate with 3-car or 7-car formations.
- Car 1 is a 5000 series car, while Cars 2 and onward are 223 series cars.
Car 1
Car 1 is a double-deck car. The upper deck is 1st class (Green Car), and the lower deck is 2nd class (reserved seats).
1st class
The upper deck in Car 1 is 1st class. They feature a 2+2 seating layout, offering comfort even on long journeys.
1st class (Front seat)
Four 1st class seats are located behind the driver’s cab, offering passengers a front-view experience.
2nd class (Reserved)
The lower deck in Car 1 is 1st class. They feature a 2+2 seating layout. There are tables in 1st class, but no tables in 2nd class.
2nd class (Non-reserved)
Cars 2 to 5 are 2nd class (non-reserved) and feature a 2+2 seating layout.
223 series train set
Stops
- Some trains make additional stops outside the stations listed above during early morning and late-night hours.
- You can transfer to the SANYO Shinkansen and Limited Express YAKUMO at OKAYAMA.
- You can transfer to the Limited Express UZUSHIO at Takamatsu.
Travel Times and Fares for Major Sections
| Route | Type | Time | 1st class (R) |
2nd class (R) |
2nd class (Non-R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okayama - Takamatsu | MARINE LINER | 55m | ¥3320 | ¥2500 | ¥1660 |
| Okayama - Sakaide | MARINE LINER | 40m | ¥2470 | ¥2050 | ¥1210 |
| Okayama - Kojima | MARINE LINER | 20m | ¥1520 | ¥1350 | ¥510 |
| Okayama - Chayamachi | MARINE LINER | 15m | ¥1250 | ¥1080 | ¥240 |
- "(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.
Onboard facilities
Restrooms
Located approximately once every two cars.
Luggage storage
Luggage storage is available in each car.
Power outlets
Power outlets are not available.
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.
KOJIMA
Kojima, in Kurashiki City, is the gateway to the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the birthplace of Japan’s denim industry. Visitors can explore Kojima Jeans Street and enjoy stunning views from Washuzan Observatory.
SAKAIDE
Sakaide lies at the foot of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, offering fine sea views and a relaxed atmosphere. Once a salt-producing town, it’s now known for seaside parks and the Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum.
TAKAMATSU
Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, is known as the gateway to Shikoku. It features Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens, and offers easy access to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea such as Naoshima.
Important Notes
- Holidays in May, August, and December are extremely crowded.