[2025] A Complete Guide to the JR Okayama Station Shinkansen Platform! Food, Souvenirs, Transfers, and More

• Table of contents
• 2nd floor / Shinkansen platform (JR Okayama Station Chuo ticket gate)
• The toilet inside the ticket gate is here
• The convenience store inside the ticket gate is here
• Azuma Sushi Shop: Where you can buy local Okayama sushi
• Cafe Bar Muscat: Enjoy Okayama gourmet food
• The waiting area inside the ticket gate is here
• "Momotaro Souvenir Road" where you can find all the Okayama souvenirs
• "Eemon Museum" exhibits traditional crafts from Okayama
• Escalator going up to the platform
• Elevator to go up to the platform
• Transfer gate for conventional lines
• 3rd floor home floor

2nd floor / Shinkansen platform (JR Okayama Station Chuo ticket gate)

Shinkansen platforms can get very crowded during the New Year holidays and other long vacation periods. When boarding a Shinkansen or transferring to a local train, a safe and smooth journey is important, especially if you are carrying large luggage, a stroller, or a child.

Here is a guide to the Shinkansen area of ​​JR Okayama Station. First, go through the Chuo ticket gate on the second floor of the station. The Chuo Shinkansen ticket gate is open from 5:45 AM.

Please use this guide to enjoy your stay in Okayama to the fullest!

Okayama Ekiben: A Toyotomi variety of bento boxes available

Immediately after passing through the ticket gate, diagonally to the left, you'll find an ekiben sales corner. Here, you can purchase a variety of ekiben to enjoy on the Shinkansen train. For example, there's the "500 Series Hello Kitty Bento" and the "Doctor Yellow Gudetama Bento." The second and third installments of the "Container Bento" series, "Taimeshi" (Sea Bream Rice) and "Chicken Rice," are also attractive choices. When choosing your ekiben, please make sure to arrive on time for your train's departure.

[Okayama Ekiben]

TEL: 086-801-0043

Business hours: 6:50-20:30

Limited Express Yakumo Sanin Journey Lunch Box

I bought a bento box commemorating the changeover of the old and new Yakumo trains. It contained Okayama's specialties, festival sushi and Hiruzen okowa (steamed rice). It also included horse mackerel, black soybeans, and millet Kibi Dango. It also included dishes characteristic of the San'in region, such as clam tsukudani rice and crab chirashi (topped with salmon roe marinated in soy sauce). It was delicious. The packaging featured a picture of the Yakumo trains of the past, which was very cool and impressive.

The toilet inside the ticket gate is here

The toilets are located diagonally to the right just after you enter the ticket gate. It's a good idea to remember where they are. There is one wheelchair-accessible toilet on the Seven-Eleven side (to the left). It is equipped with ostomate-friendly facilities and baby seats. Women's toilets and wheelchair-accessible toilets are often adjacent to each other, so it's best to use the toilet early.

*The toilet at the very Oku of the restaurant area on the second floor of the South Building of Sanste is relatively spacious. There are two to three steps. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is also available.

The convenience store inside the ticket gate is here

There is a convenience store beyond the restrooms. As of March 2024, in-car sales on the Sanyo Shinkansen will end in ordinary cars (only the 16-car Nozomi and Hikari Green Cars will continue to sell tickets). For long-distance travel, we recommend purchasing your ticket before boarding the Shinkansen.

[Seven-Eleven Heart-in Shinkansen ticket gate store]

TEL: 086-235-0311

Business hours: 6:00-22:00

There is also a refrigerator dedicated to ice cream from the local Okayama, Ohayo Dairy!

In front of the convenience store, there was a large sign that read, "Ohayo Dairy is a local Okayama company." There was a special freezer dedicated to Ohayo Dairy's popular product, BRULEE ice cream. I had recently seen it on a TV program and learned that it's also popular overseas. I couldn't help but buy some. The surface was crispy. The ice cream was rich. A blissful treat in the car.

In front of the convenience store, there was a large sign that read, "Ohayo Dairy is a local Okayama company." There was a special freezer dedicated to Ohayo Dairy's popular product, BRULEE ice cream. This ice cream was recently featured on a TV program as being popular overseas, so I immediately bought some. The outside was crunchy and the ice cream flavor was rich. It's perfect for enjoying in the car.

Ohayo Dairy Official Website

Azuma Sushi Shop: Where you can buy local Okayama sushi

Azuma Sushi, famous as Okayama's local sushi, has a history of over 110 years since its founding. You can experience Okayama's food culture with dishes like bara sushi and the refreshing Sawara donburi. We recommend enjoying it on board the Shinkansen or limited express train. The shop inside the Shinkansen ticket gate is located to the left of the 7-Eleven.

*If you have time, we recommend Azuma Sushi Sun Station Terrace Okayama Branch (South Building, 2nd floor), located before the ticket gate. Here, you can enjoy nigiri sushi at your leisure at the counter seats.

[Azuma Sushi Shop] (Kibi no Kuni Azuma)

Business hours: 9:00-20:00

Cafe Bar Muscat: Enjoy Okayama gourmet food

If you missed out on trying Okayama cuisine, we recommend the cafe next to the Azuma Sushi Shop. Menu items include shrimp rice and Chiya beef yakiniku bowls. From B-grade gourmet to Okayama wagyu beef, you can easily enjoy it while you wait. It's convenient for both individuals and groups, and takeout is also available.

[Cafe Bar Muscat]

TEL: 086-235-0345

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

Closed: None

The waiting area inside the ticket gate is here

The waiting area is located to the left of Cafe Bar Muscat. It is equipped with a train information monitor and wireless LAN (public Wi-Fi). It is separated by an automatic door, making it comfortable in any season. There are eight counter seats with power outlets so you can charge your devices. At the Oku is the private shared office "STASION WORK", which is also suitable for teleworking. There is a trash can outside the waiting area, which is convenient for cleaning up after your lunch.

[STASION WORK] (private office)

Operating hours: 7:00-21:30

Usage fee: 275 yen for 15 minutes

"Momotaro Souvenir Road" where you can find all the Okayama souvenirs

If you forgot to bring any souvenirs, head to "Omiyage Kaido Momotaro" at the very Oku of the ticket gate floor. In the summer, seasonal fruits such as Okayama white peaches and Shine Muscat grapes are lined up. In the refrigerated section, you can also find "Yamachin" stuffed pork buns. There is a Toyotomi selection of Okayama specialties. For snacks to enjoy on the train, we also recommend the tempura from "Hasei," a long-established Okayama paste shop.

[Momotaro Souvenir Road]

TEL: 086-235-0255

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

"Eemon Museum" exhibits traditional crafts from Okayama

In the show window on the pillar near "Omiyage Kaido Momotaro," there is a seasonal exhibition of traditional Okayama crafts by " Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine " in Omotemachi Shopping Arcade. On display are indigo handwoven "Sakushu Kasuri" fabric, openwork "Nadeshiko Uchiwa" fans, and " Bizen Pottery dog chopstick rests." You can see simple and warm crafts that represent Okayama.

*For inquiries about the exhibited products, please contact the "Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine."

Learn more

Escalator going up to the platform

If you are heading towards Osaka or Tokyo, go up to platform 23 or 24 on the 3rd floor. Enter through the Chuo ticket gate and use the escalator diagonally in front of you on the left (towards Okayama Ekiben).

If you are heading towards Hiroshima or Kagoshima Chuo, go up to platform 21 or 22 on the 3rd floor. Enter through the Chuo ticket gate and use the escalator diagonally in front of you to the right (towards the convenience store).

If the train is a 16-car train, it will arrive near car 10, and if it is an 8-car train, it will arrive near car 6 (near the reserved seat car).

Elevator to go up to the platform

Wheelchair users, stroller users, people with disabilities, and people with large luggage should use the elevators located on the left and right at the very Oku of the floor.

To get to the platform for Osaka and Tokyo, enter through the Chuo ticket gate and take the elevator to the left of "Omiyage Kaido Momotaro."

To go to the platform for Hiroshima and Kagoshima Chuo, please use the elevator on the right.

If the train is 16 cars, you will arrive near car 11, and if it is an 8-car train, you will arrive near car 7 (there are also stairs).

There are stairs on both sides immediately after passing through the Chuo ticket gate (parallel to the escalators coming down from the platform), which are the shortest route to the unreserved seating cars.

Transfer gate for conventional lines

There is a ticket gate that connects the conventional line and Shinkansen concourses. You can transfer efficiently without leaving the Chuo ticket gate. This is convenient for those who have a ticket for the conventional line.

Just to the left after exiting the transfer gate is the soba noodle shop "Mendokoro Kibi." You can enjoy a meal here before heading out on the conventional line.

The standard transfer time from the Shinkansen to the conventional line at JR Okayama Station is 8 minutes.

JR Okayama Station Floor Plan | JR Odekake Net

JR Okayama Station Floor Plan (PDF version)

3rd floor home floor

Seven-Eleven kiosk (flag platform)

We'll start with the uphill platform for Tokyo and Osaka(platforms 23 and 24). There's an indoor 7-Eleven in front of the uphill escalators and stairs. It's conveniently located with products you might want to buy before Setouchi, such as the Chuhai series made with fruit from the Setouchi region. As you head towards Tokyo, you'll find a sheltered area, elevators, and a smoking area, all protected from the wind and rain.

[Platform for trains bound for Osaka and Tokyo]

◎ Seven-Eleven, up escalator: Near car 10 (16-car train) and car 6 (8-car train)

◎Elevator: Near car 11 (16-car train) and car 7 (8-car train)

◎ Waiting area: Near car 12 (16-car train) and car 8 (8-car train)

[Seven-Eleven Kiosk Nobori Home Store]

Business hours: 7:00-20:30

TEL:086-211-8556

Encounter with Hikari Railstar

Luckily, platform 21 was home to JR West's own Shinkansen, the Hikari Railstar. With rumors that it may soon be retired, and the number of trains running reduced, I was able to catch the first morning train that can be seen in Okayama. This lucky encounter gave me a feeling that today would be a good day.

Station bento, souvenir and drink shop

Take the down escalator located in the Chuo of the platform and head towards Hiroshima . There is a shop specializing in ekiben and souvenirs. Samples of Okayama 's most famous souvenirs, such as Ote Manju, Takase Bune Yokan, and Murasuzume , are lined up, and you can order by number to make your purchase smoothly.

[ Tokyo/ Osaka bound platform] ◎Down escalator → Near car 8 (16-car train) and car 4 (8-car train)

◎ Ekiben souvenir and drink shop → Near car 7 (16-car train) and car 3 (8-car train)

[Omiyage Kaido Okayama Shinkansen Upbound Store]

Business hours: 7:00-21:00

TEL:086-221-8552

Shinkansen ice cream vending machine

If you continue towards Hiroshima from the bento and souvenir shops, you'll find a vending machine selling Shinkansen ice cream, which once garnered attention as "Sugoikatai Ice Cream." These machines were installed at Nozomi stations to coincide with the discontinuation of wagon sales in 2023. Because the ice cream isn't cooled with dry ice like it is when sold on the train, it's not as firm, but it's still just the right consistency to enjoy.

In addition to the classic vanilla, you can choose from a variety of flavors, including strawberry and matcha. Be especially careful not to forget to take a spoon. There are Toyotomi of spoons available at the outlet. [Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎ Shinkansen ice cream vending machine → Near car 6 (16-car train) and car 2 (8-car train)

soup udon"Furuichi"

We also found a store serving Kurashiki udon "Furuichi," also known as "Marubu," popularly known as soup udon udon. After paying at the ticket machine outside, we entered the store. The udon was served immediately after handing over the ticket. It was served with chopped seaweed, quail eggs, a sweet and spicy sauce with dissolved wasabi, and was an exceptionally delicious dish.

In addition to being able to eat and drink inside the restaurant, you can also bring the soup udon menu onto the Shinkansen. As it is served in a deep container with a sturdy lid, you can enjoy it safely even from your seat on the Shinkansen.

[Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎ soup udon Furuichi (JR Okayama Station Shinkansen Upbound Platform Store) → Near Car 5 (16-car train) and Car 1 (8-car train)

Business hours: 9:00-19:00

TEL:086-212-0050

soup udon

Wrapping vending machine

At the end of the platform (towards Hiroshima), there is a three-machine combined wrapping vending machine. It offers Okayama nori-ten (seaweed tempura) for when you're feeling a bit hungry, as well as drinks made with local fruits. Local delicacies such as horumon udon and matsuri-zushi are also available to take home frozen.

I bought a pack of six kibi Kibi Dango(millet dumplings) from a snack vending machine. They're from Yamawaki Sangetsudo, a Kibi Dango established kibi dango (millet dumpling) company founded in 1881 that also produces a health-conscious Japanese cafe called "Mame to Mochi." The packaging design for the Kibi Dango is both sophisticated and cute.

[Platform for Tokyo and Osaka]

◎ Wrapping vending machines → Near car 4 (16-car train) and car 1 (8-car train)

Seventeen Ice Vending Machine (Downtown Home)

Next, we will introduce the outbound platform for platforms 21 and 22 (towards Hiroshima and Hakata). Right in front of the up escalator is a vending machine for the beloved Seventeen Ice Cream. Once you see it, you can't pass it up, and families were queuing up to get in. Behind it are an elevator, stairs, and a smoking area. [Platform for Hiroshima and Hakata]

◎ Seventeen Ice vending machine → Near car 11 (16-car train) and car 7 (8-car train)

View of Momotaro Boulevard

From platform 21, you can get a panoramic view of the streetcars in front of JR Okayama(East Exit) and Momotaro Boulevard. Currently, a project to open a streetcar line in front of the station is underway, and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Please note that the famous Momotaro statue has been relocated near McDonald's on the first floor of Sunste.

Waiting area

There is also a comfortable glass-enclosed waiting room on the outbound platform, allowing passengers to avoid the heat of summer and the cold of winter while waiting for their train in comfort.

[Hiroshima/Hakata bound platform] ◎ Waiting area → Near car 9 (16-car train) and car 5 (8-car train)

Seven-Eleven kiosk (downward platform)

There is also a 7-Eleven kiosk on the outbound platform. Souvenirs and sweets are lined up on three walls, and they also sell "Kajitani's Cigar Fries," a biscuit snack that originated in Kurashiki. Behind the 7-Eleven, there is also a vending machine selling Shinkansen ice cream and cup drinks. [Platform for Hiroshima and Hakata]

◎ Seven-Eleven kiosk → Near car 7 (16-car train) and car 3 (8-car train)

[Seven-Eleven Kiosk Kudari Home Store]

Business hours: 7:30-20:30

TEL:086-227-7768