Okayama to Matsuyama

Please advise how can I travel from Okayama to Matsuyama?

You two main choices are train and bus:

- Direct limited train: 2.5 hours, around 7000 yen, hourly departures

- Direct highway bus: 3 hours, 4400 yen, departures every 2-3 hours

Thanks for your quick response, Uji

Is the direct train covered by Japan Rail Pass? Also, does this train travel to the following routes?

1] Matsuyama to Hiroshima;
2] Hiroshima to Miyajima;
3] Miyajima to Iwakuni;
4] Iwakuni to Hagi;
5] Hagi to Matsue

Thank you.

Is the direct train covered by Japan Rail Pass?

Yes.

Also, does this train travel to the following routes?

1] Matsuyama to Hiroshima;

The fastest way between Matsuyama and Hiroshima is by ferry which is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. By train, you would have to make a big detour via Okayama. More details are here:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5504.html?aFROM=2160_5500

2] Hiroshima to Miyajima;

Your access options are explained here:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3454.html

3] Miyajima to Iwakuni;

Local JR trains run between Miyajimaguchi and Iwakuni. They are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

4] Iwakuni to Hagi;

From Iwakuni to Shin-Yamaguchi, you can take JR trains along the JR Sanyo Line which are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. From there, access to Hagi is explained here:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6155.html

5] Hagi to Matsue

By JR Sanin Line, which is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Rail connections can be looked up here:
http://www.hyperdia.com/

Thank you so much, Uji

This is very informative. By the way, I would like to maximum the JR Pass. Which one do you recommend?

Thanks you
Angelia

Just to say that I would recommend the ferry between Matsuyama and Hiroshima. It's not expensive, offers a chance for some relaxation while sailing past the islands of the inland sea and is quicker than using the train.

Thanks, Stan Norrell

There is so many kind of JR Pass to purchase. Which one is more beneficial to buy if we are travelling along Chugoku and Shikoku

Thank you

Only the nationa JR pass allows you to use trains in both Chugoku and Shikoku. Each of those regions have their own passes, but they don't allow usage on the other. I stay in the Chugoku region most of my trips, so I use the Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass or the Sanyo-San'In Area Pass. At 19,000 yen, the Sanyo-San"in Area Pass lets you use any train with reserved seats (Nozomi and Mizuho included) for a period of 7 days, saving 10,000 yen over the national pass and the area of coverage is quite large. The hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass is 11,000yen for 5 days and you still can use all the trains, but only in non-reserved seats. If you add the Shikoku 3 day pass at 9,000yen, then it gives you 8 days of travel for nearly 10,00yen less than the national JR Pass.

Thank you, John

When is the best period to travel to Chugoku and Shikoku.

Hi John,

Is the journey from Shin-Osaka to Okayama covered by JR Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass?

Please enlighten.

Thank you.
angelia

Yes, it is covered. All you need to know is here:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/sanyo_sanin/

Hi Uji

Question : [5] Hagi to Matsue
Answers: By JR Sanin Line, which is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

You mentioned that from Hagi to Matsue, we can take JR Sanin Line. Do you know how long is the journey?

Based on the Hyperdia , it indicated that the journey takes 230 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi to Matsue by LTD EXP SUPER OKI 4. Is this correct? Is LTD EXP SUPER OKI 4 belongs to JR Sanin Line?

Please advise.

Thank you.
angelia

Hyperdia will suggest change at Masuda if traavelling from Hagi or Higashihagi (main station in Hagi) to Matsue with shortest journey about 4 hours. Also there are limited train services between them. FYI there are more services between Okayama and Matsue for your consideration.