JR Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass

The Hiroshima-Yamaguchi pass extended east to take in Okayama and Takamatsu. Five days across the Sanyo coast, and the version to choose if Kurashiki, Korakuen or a hop across to Shikoku are on your list.

What it covers

Five consecutive days across a wider slice of the Sanyo corridor than the Hiroshima-Yamaguchi pass.

• Sanyo Shinkansen between Okayama and Hakata
• JR West lines across Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi
• The Marine Liner across the Seto Ohashi bridge to Takamatsu
• JR Miyajima ferry and local JR buses in the area

Which of the three to choose

JR West sells three overlapping passes in this corner of the country and the differences are easy to miss.

• Hiroshima-Yamaguchi, the narrowest, from Hiroshima west to Hakata
• Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi, this one, which adds Okayama and the Shikoku crossing to Takamatsu
• Sanyo-San’in, seven days and much wider, adding Kansai and the whole San’in coast

If Kurashiki or Takamatsu appeal, this is the sweet spot. If you want Kyoto and Osaka too, go up to the Sanyo-San’in.

Highlights across the area

Okayama has Korakuen, one of the three great gardens of Japan, and a black castle beside it. Kurashiki nearby preserves a canal quarter of white-walled warehouses now full of galleries and cafes.

Takamatsu across the bridge has Ritsurin Garden, arguably finer than Korakuen and far less crowded. Hiroshima, Miyajima and the Yamaguchi sights sit at the western end.

How to buy

Through overseas agents or JR West ticket offices in the coverage area. Free seat reservations, worth making on the Shinkansen and the Marine Liner at weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Does it reach Osaka?

No, the eastern boundary is Okayama. For Kansai you want the Sanyo-San’in or Kansai-Hiroshima pass.

Does it cover Shikoku?

It covers the crossing to Takamatsu. For the rest of the island you need the All Shikoku Rail Pass.

Is it better value than the Hiroshima-Yamaguchi pass?

Only if you use the extra coverage. If Okayama, Kurashiki and Takamatsu are not on your route, the narrower pass is cheaper.

Check Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Pass prices