As part of my trip, I’m planning to go from Nagano to Niigata mid week. Initially I was wanted to travel to Joetsumyoko to board the Shu\*Kura Joyful sake train which heads straight to Niigata. Since then the timetable for the joyful trains has been released, and the timing doesn’t work out since it’s primarily on weekends.
Looking at the JR site and google maps suggest that I backtrack down to Omiya station all the way back to Tokyo, then take a second train from there to Niigata, a trip that will take over 3.5 hours. Anyone happen to know a more direct route, bonus points if it is covered by JR pass or JR Nagano/Niigata pass
3 comments
So I’ve figured out that I can go to Joetsumyoko via Hokuriku-Shinkansen, then take a Shirayuki JR to Niigata, which still takes over 3 hours. I think this is all covered by JR-East Nagano/Niigata Area pass? Would love some confirmation if anyone has travelled this route. It also seems like most of the JR pass calculators don’t let you enter Joetsumyoko as a destination
Wondering what you are going to do in Nagano – going there for 2 days in mid March to wrap up my 8 day trip to Japan, wanted to see the beautiful nature of Japan and possibly go to one of the ski resorts/snow parks in the area. What were you planning to do if you don’t mind me asking?
I don’t understand. I would change my travel date to ensure I travel on a train that is all about Sake.
Hyperdia just told me Shink back to Takasaki Station then Shink to Niigata, 2h 40min.