The “Tottori Uminami Road” Is Packed With Scenery
The route along the Tottori Uminami Road passes some of Tottori Prefecture’s best-known scenic spots: Urashiro Coast, the Tottori Sand Dunes, Lake Togo, Kaike Onsen, and Yumigahama Beach. Combining train travel with cycling lets you take in this coastline at your own pace, mixing sightseeing and local food along the way.
Highlights along the Tottori Uminami Road. (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism materials)
2026 Uminami Cycle Train: The Basics
Route and Operating Days
For 2026, the Tottori Uminami Cycle Train runs year-round (excluding December through February) on weekends and holidays, starting April 4, with three round trips a day. It covers the San’in Main Line between Tottori and Yonago stations, and can be used at 22 of the stations along that stretch (all except Tottori University-mae and Higashiyama-koen). Note that it isn’t available in December–February, or on especially busy dates and trains.
Route and boarding/alighting stations. (Image: JR West)
The same route in English. White circles are the 22 stations where you can get on or off with your bike; Kurayoshi (yellow) requires a station-issued name tag, and the two grey stations are off-limits. (Map: Tetsudo Channel, created using the National Land Numerical Information, MLIT Japan)
Eligible trains and bike slots — three round trips a day. (English table by Tetsudo Channel; source: JR West)
Fare and How to Book
The bicycle fare is ¥300 (yen) (approx. $2) per person, per bike (a regular train ticket is required separately). Reservations are made exclusively through JR West’s “tabiwa by WESTER” app (free WESTER membership required in advance). Tickets go on sale one month before your travel date (for the 2026 season, sales began March 19), and can be purchased right up until 20 minutes before departure from each train’s starting station.
A “cycle train” lets you roll your bike straight onto the train — no need to disassemble it and pack it into a travel bag (“rinko bukuro”), which is normally required for bringing a full-size bicycle on Japanese trains. That makes this a rare, low-hassle way for cycling tourists to combine train travel with a ride along the coast.
Toward a “Cyclist’s Paradise,” Built Around Real Riders’ Needs
Ride One Way, Train the Other
Being able to bring your bike aboard fully assembled removes one of the biggest hassles of bike travel in Japan, and it opens up all kinds of trip planning — especially since the San’in Main Line between Tottori and Yonago runs right alongside the beautiful Sea of Japan coastline.
Coastal winds around Tottori can be strong depending on the season, so many riders plan around them: for example, riding with a tailwind from Yonago to Tottori, then taking the cycle train back to Yonago. At just ¥300, it’s an affordable way to attempt a long-distance ride without worrying too much about weather or running out of energy — a good entry point even for less experienced cyclists.
Secure your bike firmly on board for safety. (Image: JR West)
Bring Your Own Straps
You’ll need to bring your own rubber straps or belts to secure your bicycle inside the train — this isn’t provided. Fasten your bike firmly to the handrail to keep it from sliding or tipping while the train is moving, and only move your bicycle once the train has come to a complete stop.
No more taking your bike apart before you can board — with the Uminami Cycle Train, you can start pedaling the moment you step off at your station. This year, consider bringing your own bike along the San’in Main Line toward Tottori’s blue coastline. Reserve your ticket early through the “tabiwa” app to make sure you get a spot.
Tetsudo Channel (Railway Channel) Editorial Team
(tetsudo-ch.com — Japan Travel, Trains & Weekend Outings)