Reader’s Question:

Views from the Marine Liner

Travel Plans

I am planning a trip to Shikoku in November. I intend to ride the Marine Liner, and I heard from an acquaintance that many years ago, there were sideways seats that
allowed for beautiful views, which sounded wonderful. However, in my research, I haven’t found any such seats.

Questions About Seating

Has there been a change in the seating arrangement? Or could it be that I am mistaken about the name of the train? If there have been changes, which offers a better view of the scenery: the Green Car or the reserved seats?

Chasing Views: My Journey on the Marine Liner to Shikoku

Setting the Scene

Ah, Japan in November – it’s like stepping into a postcard! The leaves are a riot of red and gold, the air is crisp, and there’s this cozy feeling that makes you want to sip hot tea while gazing at the scenery. As someone who’s been lucky enough to explore this beautiful country multiple times, I was beyond excited about my upcoming trip to Shikoku! My plan? To hop on the Marine Liner and soak up all the views along the way. Now, as I was doing my research (and you know how that can be – hours lost down the rabbit hole of travel blogs and YouTube videos), I stumbled upon a quirky piece of information. Apparently, my friend mentioned that years ago, the Marine Liner had these sideways seats that were perfect for viewing the stunning coastline. I thought, “Wow, that sounds incredible!” But then, I couldn’t find any mention of those seats anywhere online. Could my friend have been mistaken? Perhaps they were thinking of a different train? I mean, in a land of so many trains, it’s easy to mix them up! But I was determined to uncover the truth about those elusive sideways seats and see what options I had for my scenic journey.

Understanding the Marine Liner

So, let me break it down. The Marine Liner is a lovely train service that connects Okayama on Honshu to Takamatsu in Shikoku. It’s a vital link, but it’s also quite picturesque, especially as it traverses the Seto Inland Sea. I mean, who doesn’t want to glide over sparkling waters surrounded by tiny islands, right? But here’s the kicker: as of my last research, the Marine Liner underwent some updates in its seating arrangements over the years. Unfortunately, those famous sideways seats that my friend reminisced about are no longer part of the experience. Instead, the train currently offers a mix of standard and Green Car (first-class) seating, all facing forwards. Now, I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I get it – trains evolve, and sometimes they streamline things for efficiency. But on the other hand, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia for those sideways seats that would have made it oh-so-special.

Seating Choices: Green Car vs. Reserved Seats

So, if you’re like me and dreaming about that perfect view, you might wonder which seating option would be best. The Green Car or the reserved seats? Let me spill the tea on that! First off, the Green Car is, no doubt, a treat. It’s more spacious, has plushier seats, and generally offers a quieter atmosphere. When I stepped into the Green Car for the first time, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. The seats were wide and comfortable, and as I settled in, I thought to myself how wonderful it would be to kick back and enjoy the ride. However, there’s a price difference. While the Green Car gives you a more luxurious experience, the reserved seats in the regular car aren’t too shabby either. They’re still comfy and have large windows that offer excellent views, which is what we’re really after, right? I chose a reserved seat for my journey for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to save a bit of yen for my culinary adventures in Takamatsu (trust me, the food scene is worth it!). Second, I found that the views from the reserved section were just as stunning. One little tip: if you can, try to snag a seat on the right side of the train when heading towards Shikoku. This side tends to have more direct views of the sea and those little islands I was telling you about earlier. It’s like cherry-picking the best spots for your travel snapshots!

The Journey Begins

As the day of my trip arrived, I was buzzing with excitement. I hopped on the Marine Liner in Okayama, ready to soak up every moment. The engine roared to life, and we were off! The trains in Japan are always so punctual; it’s like clockwork. As we sped along, I pressed my nose against the window, and my heart raced. The Seto Inland Sea unfolded before my eyes, dotted with tiny islands and fishing boats. I couldn’t help but smile – this was what I had come for! At one point, we crossed over a bridge, and I swear I could almost hear my heart skip a beat. The views were breathtaking, and I was grateful for my reserved seat, where I could take it all in. I snapped pictures like a madwoman, but I also made sure to just sit back and enjoy the moment. Sometimes, you just have to pause and soak it all in, right?

A Hidden Gem on the Journey

Now, while I was munching on some onigiri (rice balls) I picked up at the station, I overheard a couple talking about a place called Naoshima. They were planning to visit the island known for its art installations. It struck me that this could be a hidden gem for anyone traveling in the area! If you’ve got time, consider making a detour to Naoshima. It’s a short ferry ride from Okayama and is absolutely worth the trip. The island is dotted with art museums and installations that blend beautifully with nature. Just imagine exploring art while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Seto Inland Sea!

Arriving in Takamatsu

Before I knew it, we were pulling into Takamatsu, and I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The Marine Liner ride had been fantastic, and while I didn’t get to experience those fabled sideways seats, I still had a memorable adventure. As I stepped off the train and into the bustling station, I couldn’t help but think about how every journey is unique in its own way. Yes, I may have chased a dream of elusive seating, but in the end, it was the views and experiences that made it all worthwhile. So, if you’re planning to ride the Marine Liner, don’t fret about the seating arrangements too much. Whether you go for the Green Car or the reserved seats, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning landscapes Japan has to offer. And who knows? You might even discover your own hidden gems along the way. Happy travels, and may your next adventure be filled with beautiful views and unexpected surprises!