This line runs through the rural Kibi Plain situated somewhat inland from Okayama. Farmhouses and numerous shrines and temples, as well as ancient burial mounds characterize this peaceful area, the most important landmark being the impressive Kibitsu Jinja (Kibitsu Shrine). The area is also known for the legend of Momotarô, a little boy born out of a peach who becomes a hero fighting with ogres and demons. Several Kibi-sen diesel cars illustrate scenes of the Momotarô legend.
The Kibi-sen is 20, 4 km long and diesel operated. It was originally constructed (in 1904) to link Okayama with the Takahashi River, which flows down from the Niimi area into the Inland Sea west of Kurashiki. The state took over the line in 1944. Freight services ended in 1970. Today, around 30 trains per day and direction operate the Kibi-sen, with a few more during rush hours going only part of the way.
For several years discussions have been going on as to the future of the line. In contrast to the Toyama area in Hokuriku with its LRT (electric Light Rail Transit) a similar plan for the Kibi-sen was blocked as the communities feared high costs to transform the non-electrified line. However, in April 2018 an agreement was reached between Okayama, the town of Sôja and JR West to go ahead with the transformation and link the line to the Okayama tramway network.
