The Chizu Express Company (智頭急行株式会社) is a Japanese third-sector railway that connects Hyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures. The Chizu Line is not electrified, but is a high-grade railroad, and extends a total of 56.1 kilometres. The limited expresses Super Hakuto and Super Inaba operate on this line.

Chizu Express Chizu Line

Some local trains operate through from the JR West Inbi Line (Tottori - Chizu).

History

Construction of the line was approved under the Railway Construction Act in 1922, and commenced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in June 1966. Work was well advanced when a freeze on expenditure in 1980 resulted in construction being halted with 95% of the route acquired and 93% of the earthworks completed. The Tottori Prefectural Government facilitated the establishment of the Chizu Express Company in May 1986, which resumed construction. The line opened on December 3, 1994, and includes the 5,592 m Shitozaka tunnel. From November 29, 1997, the JR limited express Super Inaba service commenced between Okayama and Tottori.