Experience a bus trip along the coast from Uno to Kojima , including stops at Oji Marine Road 430, which is very close to the sea, and Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi Stop, where two buses rotate!
2024.08.19Take the bus from JR Uno Station to the Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi
I took a bus along the scenic "Marine Road" that connects Tamano City and Kurashiki City from JR Uno Station to Kojima in Kurashiki City . Since I was crossing the city, I had to change buses along the way, and I was a little worried about whether I would be able to make the connection. I got on the bus because I wanted to take my time and enjoy the view of the Seto Naikai.
[Ryobi Bus]
From JR Uno Station - Bus bound for Ojigatake Yamaguchi(Ojigatake Line/JR Uno Station, Platform 3)
*Please check the latest timetable for connections to the bus bound for Kojima(there is one direct bus on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only)
The large rock at Tamahime Shrine
At 6:45 in the morning, the bus departed JR Uno Station and passed through the Tamano Tunnel, and an announcement was made saying, "Next stop: Tamahime Shrine." Looking out the window on the right side of the bus, I could see a rock bigger than the bus itself. This is the sacred rock of the shrine dedicated to Princess Otohime from the legend of Urashima Taro. It is located very close to the bus stop.
[Tamahime Shrine]
Address: 5-1-17 Tama, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture (Get off at Tamahime Shrine bus stop, about 1 minute walk)
The tall chimney of Hibi Smelter
After passing the large grounds and cluster of cranes of Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (now Mitsui E&S), we came across a beautiful church building ( Tamano Covenant Church) in the Wada area. As we continued up and down the Saka , the greenery increased and we could see a brown chimney ahead on the left. We were surprised to see a smelter (Hibi Smelting) here.
View of the Seto Naikai from Shibukawa Coast
Just after 7:05, as we passed the Shibukawa bus stop, the Seto Naikai came into view. The sky and the sandy beach were both vast. It was a luxurious experience to have this view unfold outside the window. There are many facilities where you can enjoy the sea, such as the Shibukawa Marine Aquarium and Marine Hotel.
[Shibukawa Coast]
Address: 2-5 Shibukawa , Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture (Get off at Shibukawa bus stop, about 5 minutes walk)
I discovered an island that looked like a large rice ball. Otsuchi Island floated on the horizon. This calmness and color are truly representative of the Setouchi.
Oji Marine Road 430
We passed a road called "Oji Marine Road 430," with the water's edge right next to the bus. National Route 430 is said to be the closest coastline in the Seto Naikai Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Fishermen, parasols, and white clouds are visible. Fishing boats and tankers travel between the islands.
Transfer at Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi stop
At 7:08, I Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi. This was a bus stop where all I could see was the sea and the sky. This is where the buses heading for Tamano City(Ryobi Bus) and Kurashiki City(Shimoden Bus) connect. I was curious to see how the transfer would actually work, so I got off the bus, blending in with the other passengers.
Bus turnaround area where two buses rotate
Two buses rotated around a small hedge! Passengers just had to stand where they got off while the next bus arrived. I was excited by this unusual sight.
The journey from the Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi bus stop to JR Kojima Station. As you enter Kurashiki City, you will transfer to a Shimotsui Electric Railway (Shimoden) bus. The seats on this bus are covered with white covers and the windows have cloth curtains. The slightly old-fashioned interior is one of the charms unique to local routes.
Approaching the Seto
As we entered Kurashiki City , we began to see many large rocks along the coastline. Beyond the stone embankment, we could see the Seto , which connects Okayama Prefecture and Kagawa Prefecture . A panoramic view of the crystal clear waters and the Seto Naikai spreads out before us.
Passing through Karakin town and saying goodbye to the seascape
We passed Karakoto Coast. We bid farewell to the ocean view, admiring the tatami-edged Takada Textiles, Ishiharu Udon, and the charming townscape of Karakoto. We looked back many times, burning the Setouchi Sea into our eyes.
Tanokuchi Port Bizen Pottery Guardian Dogs
At 7:20, just before the Tanokuchihama bus stop, we sadly bid farewell to the ocean view, when we spotted two Bizen Pottery -yaki lion statues standing with Tanokuchi Port in the background. The sight seen from the high vantage point of the bus was very impressive. On the mountain side, we could also see a large torii gate that was previously located in the sea. Apparently, this was the southern approach to Mt. Yuga (Yuka Shrine, Rendaiji Temple) when visiting Konpira.
[Tanokuchi Port]
Location: Kojima , Kojima , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (Get off at Tanokuchihama bus stop, about 1 minute walk)
Access to Jeans Street
At 7:23, we started seeing an increase in textile-related companies and factories, such as those selling buttons, fabrics, and uniforms, near the Tanokuchioka bus stop. This is a typical sight in Kojima , a town of textiles and the mecca of domestic Denim . To get to Jeans Street, a popular tourist spot, just pass Taisho Bridge and get off in front of the Kojima Civic Exchange Center.
[Kojima Civic Exchange Center]
Address: 2-2-38 Kojimaajino , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL:086-474-8550
Opening hours: 9:00-22:00
Closed: New Year's holiday (Get off at Kojima Civic Exchange Center, approx. 1 minute walk)
The final stop of the bus trip is JR Kojima Station
We arrived at JR Kojima Station at 7:40, marking the end of our bus trip. The journey took about 55 minutes, including a transfer at the Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi. It was a weekday morning, and we were able to catch a glimpse of the daily lives of local people. The driver's kind words were also memorable. Spending time in the beautiful and tranquil Setouchi left a heartwarming feeling.
[Shimoden Bus]
From JR Kojima Station - Bus to Mt. Ojigatake Yamaguchi(Ojigatake Line / Bus stop 4 in front of JR Kojima)
*Please check the latest timetable for connections to the bus bound for JR Uno Station (there is one direct bus only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
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