The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Niigata, providing access to the ski resorts and hot springs (onsen) of the region.
The line opened in 1982 after a proposal from Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei, who wanted to connect his hometown of Niigata to the capital, Tokyo. Part of the line also follows the Tohoku Shinkansen route to Omiya.
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Joetsu line, allowing you to wake up in Tokyo and go skiing the same day!
Find all the information you need about the Joetsu Shinkansen below.
Table of Contents
Joetsu Shinkansen map and route
Below is a map of the route followed by the Joetsu Shinkansen:
Joetsu Shinkansen stops
The Joetsu Shinkansen line includes the following stops, year -round
| Station | Transfers |
| Tokyo Station | Tokaido Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Chuo 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). |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| Kumagawa Station | Hokuriku Shinkansen, Chichibu Main Line, Takasaki Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. |
| Honjo-Waseda Station | |
| Takasaki Station | Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joshin Electric Railway Line, Agatsuma Line, Hachiko Line, Joetsu Line, Ryomo Line, Shinetsu Main Line, Takasaki Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. |
| Jomo-Kogen Station | |
| Echigo-Yuzawa Station | Joetsu Line, Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line, Gala-Yuzawa Line. |
| Urasa Station | Jōetsu Line. |
| Nagaoka Station | Shin’etsu Line, Joetsu Line. |
| Tsubame-Sanjo Station | Yahiko Line |
| Niigata Station | Shin’etsu Line, Hakushin Line, Echigo Line, Ban’etsu West Line. |
In winter, it also stops at Gala Yuzawa Station.
Shinkansen Bullet Train services
Two types of train categories operate on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line.
Tanigawa Shinkansen
The first train category is the Tanigawa Shinkansen. The Tanigawa travels between Tokyo Station and Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It serves all interim stations along its course.
This train is mainly in operation during the morning and evening rush hours, benefiting local commuters.
Toki Shinkansen
The second category of train is the faster Toki Shinkansen, named for the rare Japanese crested ibis, that operates between Tokyo Station and Niigata Station.
Joetsu timetable
The Joetsu Shinkansen is a fast and comfortable connection to central Japan. There are departures from Tokyo from around 6:00am until 11:00pm.
Trains are more frequent during peak hours, with a departure approximately every 30 minutes. You can check the official departures at each station on Navitime’s Japan Travel website.
The Shinkansen high-speed train is the fastest way to travel from Tokyo to Niigata. The direct journey only takes about 2 hours.
Frequent departures throughout the day make it easy to plan both day trips and longer stays in the region.
Prices
Below are the typical prices of a Shinkansen ticket between Tokyo and some of the key stations on this route. Please note that prices can vary depending on the time of booking and service you book.
| Route | Price |
| Tokyo → Niigata | ¥12 960 |
| Tokyo → Echigo‑Yuzawa | ¥8990 |
| Tokyo → Nagaoka | ¥11 310 |
| Tokyo → Takasaki | ¥7220 |
Joetsu Shinkansen with the 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 Railways 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.
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!