Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" temporary rapid train connecting Murakami Station and Niigata Station, including its timetable, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as an access route to Murakami's Hina dolls and castle town, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a temporary rapid train operated by JR East, connecting Murakami Station and Niigata Station. It is a counterpart to the SL Murakami Hina Kaido, and is pulled by a diesel locomotive. Because operating a steam locomotive requires extra effort such as turning it around, the train is operated by a diesel locomotive for one leg of the journey. It is operated in conjunction with the Murakami Castle Town Machiya Doll Festival held in Murakami City. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. As this is a train that only operates on limited days, it is necessary to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"?

"DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a temporary passenger train pulled by a diesel locomotive. "DL" stands for Diesel Locomotive. The train is operated with a steam locomotive for the outbound journey and a diesel locomotive for the return journey. The same passenger cars as those used for SL Murakami Hina Kaido are used. The Murakami Castle Town Machiya Doll Festival is an event that showcases dolls that have been passed down through generations in the townhouses.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

The charm of the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" lies in the leisurely journey in its retro passenger cars. Because it is pulled by a diesel locomotive, you can enjoy a different running sound than that of a steam locomotive. The passenger cars are the same as those used for the SL Murakami Hina Kaido, allowing you to experience a retro atmosphere. Since there is no smoke, you can open the windows and enjoy the scenery without worrying about soot. The Hina dolls displayed are those that have been passed down through generations since the Edo period. Murakami is known as a town where salmon is a staple food. Salted salmon is a representative specialty of Murakami. There are sections where you can enjoy the scenery of the coastline from the windows on the Sea of Japan side. If you check the stops and travel time before boarding, it will be easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the windows changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose.

Timetable for "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

*The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a train that operates only on limited days, mainly during the Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival) period.

Downbound (towards Niigata Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Murakami Station) Timetable

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" train operates only on limited days, mainly during the Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival) season. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. Because the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the round-trip schedule when planning your itinerary. If you have connecting trains or buses, choose connections that allow ample time from your arrival time for peace of mind.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a train that operates only on specific days to coincide with the Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival). It may run in conjunction with the SL Murakami Hina Kaido. The operating dates are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it.

Operating Section of "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

Main Sections

• Murakami Station to Sakamachi Station (Uetsu Main Line)
• Sakamachi Station to Shibata Station (Uetsu Main Line)
• Shibata Station to Niigata Station (Hakushin Line)

Murakami Station is the gateway to the castle town of Murakami. The Murakami Castle Town Machiya Doll Festival allows you to view dolls passed down through generations in the townhouses. At the Iyoboya Hall, you can learn about Murakami's salmon culture. Senami Onsen is a hot spring resort facing the Sea of Japan. Shibata has historical sites such as Shibata Castle and Shimizu-en Garden. Around Niigata Station, there are facilities where you can sample Japanese sake. Sasagawa Nagare is a scenic spot along the coastline of the Sea of Japan. Since travel to surrounding tourist attractions is mainly by bus or on foot, it's a good idea to check local transportation options beforehand. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Murakami is also known as Japan's northernmost tea-producing region.

Stations Served by "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

Main Stations Served

• Murakami Station
• Sakamachi Station
• Nakajo Station
• Shibata Station
• Niigata Station

The stations the train stops at may vary depending on the train and the day of operation.

Fares for "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

Fares for Representative Sections

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is not a Limited Express train. Please check the latest fares and reserved seat charges on Ekitan or the official JR East website.

Breakdown of Base Fare Ticket and Reserved Seat Charges

To use the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" train, you will need a base fare ticket for your journey and a reserved seat ticket. All seats are reserved, so please purchase your reserved seat ticket in advance. If you wish to use the Green Car, you will need both a base fare ticket and a Green Car ticket.

Differences from the SL Train

The "SL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is pulled by a steam locomotive, while the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is pulled by a diesel locomotive. The same passenger cars are used, so the atmosphere inside the train is the same. If you want to experience the power of a steam locomotive, choose the "SL" train. If you want to avoid smoke and soot, the "DL" train will be a more comfortable ride.

How to Purchase Tickets for "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to reserve reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to certain conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket machines or at the Midori-no-madoguchi. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies sometimes offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Murakami with train travel.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a JR East train, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer assistance in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "Eki-net," you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

In the Suica area around Niigata, you can use a transportation IC card for the base fare portion. However, some sections of the Uetsu Main Line may be outside the IC card area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

Credit card touch payment gate entry service is not provided.

*Please note that you cannot board the train using only an IC card. A reserved seat ticket must be purchased separately.

Seating Information for "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

Seat Types

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is an all-reserved-seat train. A diesel locomotive pulls the passenger cars. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The passenger cars feature an interior that retains a retro atmosphere. The seats are box seats, sometimes arranged so that passengers face each other. Since there is no smoke, you can open the windows and enjoy the scenery without worrying about soot. From seats on the Sea of Japan side, you can enjoy the coastline scenery in some sections. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it is a good idea to check the seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

There are steps in the passenger cars. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to consult with JR East's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

On the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" train, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs may be sold on board. Murakami salted salmon is a representative specialty of Murakami. Murakami Beef is a representative brand of beef from Niigata. Niigata is also known for having many sake breweries. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it is best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is best to stop by early. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO"

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a reserved seat. The direction of travel may differ from the SL Murakami Hina Kaido, so be sure to check which train you will be taking. Early spring in Niigata can still be cold, so be sure to take precautions against the cold. Due to its popularity, reserved seats may fill up quickly. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

If you wish to ride a steam locomotive, choose the "SL" train service. Before boarding, check the operating status for the day on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO" is a temporary JR East train connecting Murakami Station and Niigata Station. It offers a retro railway journey with passenger cars pulled by a diesel locomotive. As it's a counterpart to the "SL" train, you can enjoy different locomotives pulling the train on the outbound and return journeys.

Enjoy a leisurely journey back along the Echigo Road on the "DL MURAKAMI HINA KAIDO," a retro-style train.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.