The "Malle de Bois" Train
JR West Train "La Malle de Bois" (JLM)
A call for travel
The "Wooden Trunk" is a tourist train offered by JR West, departing from Okayama to four different destinations around Seto Bay.
Quelle Malle de Bois?
The name of this train may seem incongruous in the original French, but to train lovers in Japan and non-French speakers as a whole, it likely sounds like a luxury product, a call to travel in a beautiful train, which it is.
From the outside, the livery is white and black, with big words punctuating both carriages like a call to travel: " Bienvenue - La Mer - La Montagne - Le Ciel - Voyage ". The 'trunk' concept is echoed in the black-rimmed windows , which recall the shapes of suitcases and large trunks, in addition to the symbols of bicycle, boat, suitcases.
Inside, what strikes you immediately is the varnished wood floor, so beautiful that you hardly dare walk on it. But we're delighted to discover comfortable seats in dark green fabric with the small "La Malle de Bois" badge. There's also this series of high stools facing the landscape, a welcome sight as the train rolls along the coast of the magnificent Seto Inland Sea.
Nice little extras
Above the passengers, a long shelf displays books on the region's natural beauty and art, as well as a few works of art placed here and there.
Original music has been composed by Japanese harp player Miki Agematsu to be played during the trip.
A space for bicycles is provided behind the driver's cab, as there are many bike rides available where the train goes, especially to Shimanami.
A sales counter offers 'bento' lunch boxes with local specialities and drinks, as well as souvenirs featuring the train, including a box containing five pastries as beautiful as they are tasty.
You can even take home a souvenir card of your trip with the special "La Malle de Bois" stamp found on the train.
Five destinations for different pleasures and discoveries
Every weekend, the La Malle de Bois train offers four different destinations. Find out more in advance on the website, which details everything, so you don't end up where you didn't want to be.
- La Malle de Bois Setouchi, Okayama to Uno, gateway to the artistic island of Naoshima, museums, numerous outdoor works of art, luxury hotels and nature and art walks.
- Shimanami Wooden Trunk, Okayama to Onomichi and Mihara, for beautiful bike rides along the coast and to the islands of Seto Bay, all linked by large bicycle bridges.
"La Malle de Bois" stickers JR West (Mercari)
- The Bizen-Osafune Wooden Trunk, Okayama to Hinase, a port where you'll enjoy great seafood, but above all a place famous for its museum of the traditional "katana" sword with its razor-sharp blade, with a demonstration by blacksmiths.
- La Malle de Bois Kotohira (a few Mondays a month), Okayama to Kotohira, via the great Seto bridge, is worth the trip alone! In Kotohira, you can visit the great Kompira-san temple at the top of the sacred mountain.
For each trip on the "Wooden Trunk" train, there is only one round trip per day, departing from Okayama around 10am.
The Japan Rail Pass covers the cost of the journey, but you'll need to reserve your seat on board in advance, for prices ranging from 1,200yen to 2,520yen, depending on your chosen destination.
