Picture a crisp winter morning. You’re eager to hit the ski slopes. Whether you favor the bunny slopes or advanced terrain, that is just what you do. Later, after a long day on the powder, you find yourself ready for a bit of après-ski, perhaps soothing well-exercised muscles in a natural hot spring or indulging in a bit of saki.
This scenario aptly describes the hot spring onsen and classic ski resorts that yearly draw tourists – international and domestic alike – to the Japanese towns of Gunma and Niigata. The Japan Rail Pass covers the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, so you can get there faster than ever before – even from Tokyo. Yes, with the help of the Joetsu Line, you can wake up in Tokyo and ski the same day! Consider the following information to find out how.
The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Niigata, providing access to ski resorts and restorative hot springs along the way. The line has been operating since 1982. It was considered a “pet project” of Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei, who desired to connect his hometown of Niigata with the capital, Tokyo. Part of the line follows the course of the Tohoku Shinkansen to Omiya.
Joetsu Shinkansen stations
Stations along the Joetsu Shinkansen Line include Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Omiya Station, Kumagaya Station, Honjo-Waseda Station, Takasaki Station, Jomo-Kogen Station, Echigo-Yuzawa Station, Urasa Station, Nagaoka Station, Tsubame-Sanjo Station, Niigata Station, and, during the winter months, the Gala Yuzawa Station.
| Station | Transfers | Prefecture |
| Tokyo Station | Tokaido Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Chūō Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Keiyo Line, Yokosuka Line, Sobu Line (Rapid), Tokaido Line, Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (M-17), Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line (Ōtemachi, T-09). | Tokyo |
| Ueno Station | Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joban Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G-16, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (H-17), Keisei Main Line (Keisei Ueno). | Tokyo |
| Omiya Station | Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Kawagoe Line, New Shuttle, Tobu Urban Park Line. | Saitama |
| Kumagawa Station | Hokuriku Shinkansen, Chichibu Main Line, Takasaki Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. | Saitama |
| Honjo-Waseda Station | Saitama | |
| Takasaki Station | Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joshin Electric Railway Line, Agatsuma Line, Hachiko Line, Joetsu Line, Ryomo Line, Shinetsu Main Line, Takasaki Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. | Gunma |
| Jomo-Kogen Station | Gunma | |
| Echigo-Yuzawa Station | Joetsu Line, Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line, Gala-Yuzawa Line. | Niigata |
| Urasa Station | Jōetsu Line. | Niigata |
| Nagaoka Station | Shin’etsu Line, Joetsu Line. | Niigata |
| Tsubame-Sanjo Station | Yahiko Line | Niigata |
| Niigata Station | Shin’etsu Line, Hakushin Line, Echigo Line, Ban’etsu West Line. | Niigata |
Joetsu Shinkansen map
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Train services
Two types of train categories operate on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line.
Toki Shinkansen
The faster Toki Shinkansen, named for the rare Japanese crested ibis, operate between Tokyo Station and Niigata Station.
Some Toki trains, known as MAX Toki, are double-decker or two stories in nature. The second-floor houses non-reserved seats.
Tanigawa Shinkansen
A second train category is the Tanigawa Shinkansen. Somewhat slower than the Toki, the Tanigawa travels between Tokyo Station and Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The Tanigawa serves all interim stations along its course. This train is mainly in operation during the morning and evening rush hours, benefiting local commuters.
Double-decker MAX Tanigawa trains are also used.
The Joetsu Shinkansen also connects to the Nagano Shinkansen Line/Hokuriku Shinkansen Line in Takasaki.
Using Japan Rail Pass
Your Japan Rail Pass is valid for all Joetsu Shinkansen trains. You can activate your JR Pass for use by visiting a ticketing office in many of the major train stations. These include four ticket offices at Tokyo Station and the Travel Service Centers at Ueno Station and Niigata Station.
Both the Tanigawa and Toki trains have reserved and non-reserved seating. If you desire to make seat reservations, you may do so in advance at the station’s ticketing office. Whether or not you reserve seats, be sure to present your JR Pass at the departure gate.
During the winter ski season, Japan Rail often offers discounted round-trip tickets for the Joestsu Line. Tickets are also available that combine train fares with ski lift passes and resort accommodation.
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Gala Yuzawa Shinkansen
During the winter months (ski season), when chill air and snowfalls bring many visitors to the ski resorts, special trains continue on to Gala Yuzawa Station from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
The Gala Yuzawa station is located at the base of the Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture; in fact, ski lifts depart directly from the station.
The Gala Yuzawa resort is especially popular due to its proximity to Tokyo – traveling from Tokyo, you can be on the slopes in less than two hours.
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, the short branch line to Gala Yuzawa is only 1.8 kilometers in length. Tanigawa trains are typically used for this service.
Where will your winter travels in Japan take you? With JR Pass in hand, you are now ready to navigate the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. Grab your poles and skis and start planning your next trip today!