Okayama Station: Shinkansen, Map, Platforms, Lockers and Food

Okayama Station is a major railway hub in western Japan, linking the Sanyo Shinkansen with local trains to Kurashiki, Naoshima, Hiroshima, and Shikoku. All Shinkansen services stop here, making it a convenient transfer point for regional travel.

This guide helps you find platforms, purchase tickets, store luggage, and plan onward journeys.

Okayama Station Overview

Where Okayama Station Is Located

Okayama Station is located in Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It sits on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to the east and Hiroshima and Fukuoka to the west, making it a convenient midpoint for long-distance travel.

The station also serves as a gateway to Shikoku, with rail connections crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge to Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture.

Why Okayama Station Is a Shinkansen Hub

Shinkansen arriving at Okayama Station platform, illustrating the station’s role as a key transportation hub

Okayama Station is a key transportation hub in western Japan, where all Sanyo Shinkansen services stop, providing frequent connections to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

It also serves as a convenient base for nearby destinations, including Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (15 minutes by local train), Naoshima via Uno Port, and Hiroshima and Miyajima (about 40 minutes by Shinkansen).

Shinkansen Lines and Services

Sanyo Shinkansen stopped at Okayama Station platform, used for travel between Osaka and Fukuoka

The Sanyo Shinkansen runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata (Fukuoka). All trains stop at Okayama Station:

Nozomi / Mizuho: Fastest service (about 35-40 minutes to Hiroshima, 1 hour to Kyoto). Mizuho connects directly to the Kyushu Shinkansen line.
Sakura: Express service to Hakata/Kagoshima-Chuo (JR Pass covered).
Hikari: Semi-express at major stations.
Kodama: All-stations local service.

The standard "JR Pass" covers Sakura, Hikari, and Kodama fully. To ride the Nozomi or Mizuho, pass holders must purchase an additional "Nozomi/Mizuho Only Ticket" before boarding. Without this specific ticket, the pass is not valid for these two train types.

Station Map

Station Layout

Floors

Indoor concourse at Okayama Station with direction signs guiding passengers to ticket gates and exits

Think of Okayama Station as a simple three-story building.

3F: Shinkansen (Bullet Train) platforms
2F: Main hub — ticket gates, JR ticket office, and shops. Start here if unsure
1F: Local train platforms (to Kurashiki, Naoshima, and Shikoku) and station exits

All ticket gates are located on the 2nd floor. Whether you arrive by Shinkansen or local train, you must go to the 2nd floor to exit the station or transfer.

Shinkansen Gates

Shinkansen gate at Okayama Station showing directions to boarding areas

Shinkansen Gate: Use this gate if you are coming directly from outside the station to the Shinkansen area
Shinkansen Transfer Gate: If you arrive by a local JR train, you must pass through this transfer gate inside the station to reach the Shinkansen platforms

To enter the Shinkansen gates, insert both your basic fare ticket and Shinkansen express ticket, or use your JR Pass.

Shinkansen Platforms

Shinkansen platform at Okayama Station for Hiroshima and Kagoshima Chuo services with departure boards

Shinkansen platforms are located on the 3rd floor (elevated level).

Platforms 21 / 22: Eastbound, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo
Platforms 23 / 24: Westbound, Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka), Kagoshima

Transfer Between Shinkansen and Local Trains

JR local and limited express trains at Okayama Station platform used for travel to nearby cities

Allow 8–15 minutes to transfer from the Shinkansen platforms (3F) to local trains (1F).

Okayama Station has a simple layout and is easy to navigate, but be sure to allow extra time for escalator travel and ticket checks.

Tickets and IC Cards

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets

The JR ticket office is located on the 2nd floor, near the main ticket gates. Staff can help with seat reservations and general questions. Some speak English. Ticket machines are also available throughout the station, including near the Shinkansen gates.

For many international travelers, online booking is the most convenient option. Japan Bullet Train allows you to reserve Shinkansen tickets in advance, before arriving at the station. The service offers multilingual support and a simple QR code exchange at the station, helping you save time and secure seats.

Using Suica and Other IC Cards

Yes, major IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA can be used at Okayama Station for local JR trains. Simply tap your card at the ticket gates when entering and exiting.

IC cards cannot be used for Shinkansen travel. To board the Shinkansen, you need a valid ticket or reservation.

Luggage Storage and Coin Lockers

Coin lockers inside Okayama Station used by travelers to store luggage before train transfers

Coin Locker Locations

Coin lockers are available throughout Okayama Station, including near ticket gates, underground passages, and shopping areas.

2nd Floor (Shinkansen / Station Level)

In front of the Shinkansen ticket gates
Inside the local train ticket gates
San-ste Okayama South shopping area (Area A)

1st Floor

San-ste Okayama South shopping area (Area B)
Near the West Exit (Undokoen-guchi), convenient for buses and hotels

Basement Level (B1F)

In front of the underground ticket gates
Okayama Ichibangai underground mall (near ATM area)
Okayama Ichibangai stair landing areas
South underground passage connecting station areas

Large Luggage and Alternative Storage

If coin lockers are full or your luggage does not fit, consider using a staffed luggage storage service.

Near the Shinkansen ticket gates (2nd floor)
Under the elevated tracks outside the East Exit of Okayama Station (1st floor)

Food

Restaurants and Cafes

Okayama demi-katsu don with breaded pork cutlet served over rice and topped with demi-glace sauce

The main dining area outside the ticket gates is the Sun Station Terrace Okayama.

Here you can enjoy local specialties such as Okayama Bara-zushi, the regional comfort food Demi-katsu Don (pork cutlet with demi-glace sauce), and popular fruit parfaits made with local produce.

Ekiben and Takeaway Food

Momotaro Matsuri Zushi in a peach-shaped bento box, a famous ekiben from Okayama Station

If you do not have time for a sit-down meal, you can buy ekiben (boxed train meals) and bakery items at the station and enjoy them on the Shinkansen.

One famous option is Momotaro Matsuri Zushi, which comes in a cute, pink, peach-shaped box.

Access to Popular Destinations

Shinkansen to Major Cities

Sanyo Shinkansen traveling near Okayama Station on curved tracks toward large city destinations

Approximate travel times via Sanyo Shinkansen:

Tokyo: Approx. 3 hr 20 min (Nozomi) / 4 hr 10 min (Hikari)
Kyoto: Approx. 1 hr (Nozomi) / 1 hr 15 min (Hikari)
Shin-Osaka (Osaka): Approx. 45 min (Nozomi / Sakura)
Hiroshima: Approx. 35–40 min (Nozomi / Sakura)
Hakata (Fukuoka): Approx. 1 hr 40 min (Nozomi) / 1 hr 45 min (Sakura)

Local Trains to Nearby Areas

Kurashiki

15 minutes via JR Sanyo Line (Platforms 3-4). Historic Bikan district features traditional warehouses and museums.

Takamatsu

1 hour via JR Marine Liner. Crosses Seto Ohashi Bridge with scenic views.

Uno Port for Naoshima

Yayoi Kusama pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Island placed on a pier facing the Seto Inland Sea

50 minutes via JR Uno Line. Famous for contemporary art. Store luggage at Okayama before this day trip.

Plan Your Visit

Okayama Station is a well-organized and easy-to-use hub for Shinkansen travel in western Japan. With clear layouts, frequent train connections, and smooth transfers to local lines, it works equally well as a transit point and as a base for exploring the region. Popular destinations such as Kurashiki, Naoshima, Hiroshima, and Shikoku are all within easy reach.

For a smoother journey, booking your Shinkansen tickets in advance is recommended. Japan Bullet Train makes it easy for international travelers to reserve tickets online and exchange them at the station, helping you travel with confidence and save time.