Tokyo and Okayama are two major stations along the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. The one way trip costs around 17,000 yen and takes approximately 3.5 hours by Nozomi train or 4 hours by Hikari train. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari train, but a supplement fee is required on Nozomi trains.
JAL and ANA operate multiple flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Okayama Airport. Flight duration is 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 40,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available around 16,000 to 18,000 yen. Buses connect Okayama Airport to Okayama Station (30 minutes, 780 yen, frequent departures).
| Airline | Lowest fare | Average lowest fare |
|---|---|---|
| ANA Wings | 15,330 yen | 18,895 yen |
| JAL | 12,608 yen | 17,587 yen |
| ANA | 15,330 yen | 20,238 yen |
| JTA (JAL) | 13,552 yen | 20,951 yen |
Multiple bus companies, including Willer Express, operate night buses between Tokyo and Okayama. The trip takes around 10 hours and costs typically between 6,000 and 13,000 one way depending on the company and day of travel. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Okayama's garden, castle and museums are all located within a 15 minute walk from each other in an area about 1.5 kilometers east of Okayama Station.
There are two tram lines in Okayama, the Higashiyama Line and the Sekibashi Line, which both depart frequently from in front of Okayama Station. The most useful stop for travelers is Shiroshita (5 minutes, 120 yen) on the Higashiyama Line, from where all of Okayama's attractions can be reached on foot.
Inside central Okayama, there is a flat fare of 120 yen per tram ride, but the fare increases outside of the city center. Take a ticket when boarding through the rear door, and pay the fare when getting off through the front door. Fares can also be paid by the local Hareka smart card or by Suica, Icoca and the other major IC cards. In addition, a one day pass is available for 400 yen for unlimited tram rides on one calendar day.
Okayama also has a few bus companies operating within the city. By far the most convenient bus line for the average tourist is the Korakuen Bus (currently out of service!) which connects Okayama Station with Korakuen Garden and also stops at the Prefectural Museum of Art along the way. Buses operate every 30 minutes, and the fare is 100 yen per ride.
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