Echigo Tokimeki Railway "KANKO KYUKO" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Echigo Tokimeki Railway's "KANKO KYUKO" express train, which connects Naoetsu Station to Itoigawa Station and Ichiburi Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Nihonkai Hisui Line and features JNR-era rolling stock, 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 "KANKO KYUKO" is a sightseeing train operated by Echigo Tokimeki Railway, connecting Naoetsu Station with Itoigawa Station and Ichiburi Station. Its most distinctive feature is that it uses rolling stock that was formerly used by the Japanese National Railways, recreating the atmosphere of express trains of yesteryear. As of March 9, 2025, the sale of express tickets will end, and regular unreserved seats can be used with just a basic fare ticket. If you wish to use reserved seats or special packages that include meals, separate reservations and fares are required for each package. It mainly operates on weekends and holidays, so if you plan to ride, you should check the operating days. From the train windows, you can enjoy the scenic views of the coastline along the Sea of Japan.

What is "KANKO KYUKO"?

The "KANKO KYUKO" is a sightseeing train operated by Echigo Tokimeki Railway using former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock. Echigo Tokimeki Railway is a third-sector railway that took over the parallel conventional railway lines following the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Nihonkai Hisui Line runs along the Sea of Japan coast from Naoetsu Station to Ichiburi Station. The trains used are express and suburban electric trains manufactured during the JNR era. The interiors feature box seats that retain the atmosphere of that time.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

The charm of "KANKO KYUKO" lies in the fact that you can experience the atmosphere of old-fashioned train travel inside a former Japanese National Railways (JNR) train car. Sitting in a box seat and traveling while gazing at the Sea of Japan evokes a sense of nostalgia. Itoigawa is known as a jade producing area and is home to the Fossa Magna Museum. The area around Itoigawa is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Oyashirazu is a scenic spot on the Sea of Japan with towering cliffs and has long been known as a difficult place to travel. In Nō, there is the Michi-no-eki Marine Dream Nō where you can enjoy red snow crab. Local specialties and souvenir goods are sometimes sold on board. Naoetsu Station has an attached railway car exhibition facility. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. Naoetsu is located near the ruins of Kasugayama Castle, which is associated with Uesugi Kenshin. The former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock is becoming increasingly rare and valuable as opportunities to see it in operation are decreasing.

Timetable for "KANKO KYUKO"

*The "KANKO KYUKO" train operates mainly on weekends and holidays.

Downbound (towards Itoigawa Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Naoetsu Station) Timetable

The "KANKO KYUKO" operates mainly on weekends and holidays. 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. There are more trains during the morning and evening, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "KANKO KYUKO" is a train that operates only on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. The train may be cancelled due to vehicle maintenance or other reasons.

Operating Sections of "KANKO KYUKO"

Main Sections

• Naoetsu Station to Nadachi Station (Nihonkai Hisui Line)
• Nadachi Station to Itoigawa Station (Nihonkai Hisui Line)
• Itoigawa Station to Ichiburi Station (Nihonkai Hisui Line)

Itoigawa Station is the gateway to Itoigawa, a region famous for its jade. At the Fossa Magna Museum, you can learn about jade and geology. The Oyashirazu Cliffs are a scenic spot with towering cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan. At the Michi-no-eki Nō, you can enjoy seafood, including red snow crab. Naoetsu is a port town that once flourished as a port of call for Kitamae-bune. There are railway-related exhibits around Naoetsu Station. Ichiburi is a region that prospered as a post town on the old Hokuriku Road. As getting to nearby tourist attractions mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around stations 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. The Takada district of Joetsu City is known for its cherry blossoms and gangi architecture.

Stations Served by "KANKO KYUKO"

Main Stations Served

• Naoetsu Station
• Tanihama Station
• Nadachi Station
• Nō Station
• Itoigawa Station
• Ichiburi Station

*The stations served vary depending on the train.

Fares for "KANKO KYUKO"

Fares for Representative Sections

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Express Fare

If you are using a regular unreserved seat, you will need a basic fare ticket (fare) to your destination. Since the sale of express tickets ended on March 9, 2025, express tickets are generally not required. However, if you are using a package deal including reserved seats or meals, separate reservations and fares are required for each package. Please check the conditions of the seat and package you wish to use when purchasing.

Regarding Reserved Seats and Special Packages

Regular unreserved seats can be used with just a basic fare ticket. Reserved seats and special packages including meals have different purchase methods and fares than regular unreserved seats. If you wish to use them, please check the official Echigo Tokimeki Railway guide for purchase methods and required fares.

How to Buy Tickets for "KANKO KYUKO"

Purchasing at the Station Ticket Office

If you wish to use a regular unreserved seat, purchase your basic fare ticket at a ticket vending machine or ticket office at the station. If you wish to use a reserved seat or a special package, please make your reservation and purchase using the method specified for each product. Since these services are only available on limited days, it is advisable to check the operating dates and conditions of use before purchasing.

Purchasing Onboard

Regular unreserved seats do not require seat reservations. Simply have your basic fare ticket ready to board. Reserved seats and special packages may not be available for purchase onboard, so please check the official website for purchase methods in advance if you wish to use them.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in the Itoigawa and Joetsu areas with train travel.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

The "KANKO KYUKO" is operated by Echigo Tokimeki Railway and is therefore not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. If you wish to use the regular unreserved seats, you will need to purchase a separate basic fare ticket. For reserved seats or special package tours, additional fares and advance reservations are required depending on the product.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you are using a regular unreserved seat, please have your basic fare ticket ready. If you purchased a paper ticket, please keep it safe during your journey. For reserved seats and special package deals, the required documents will vary depending on the product, such as a reservation confirmation screen or a paper ticket.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Contactless Payments?

On the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, the area where you can use transportation IC cards is limited. It's best to prepare to pay with cash. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to 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 the service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Regular unreserved seats can be used with a basic fare ticket. Reserved seats and special package tours require separate reservations and fares.

Seating Information for "KANKO KYUKO"

Seat Type

The regular seats on the "KANKO KYUKO" are unreserved. The train consists of box seats in former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock, and passengers use any available seat. Regular unreserved seats cannot be reserved in advance. For reserved seats or special package tours, please check the reservation conditions for each individual product.

Distinctive Seating

The train's interior features box seats that retain the atmosphere of the Japanese National Railways era. The windows can be opened and closed, allowing passengers to enjoy the sea breeze during their journey. The train's interior and facilities largely retain their original appearance. Seats on the Sea of Japan side offer stunning coastal views. Since the scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are ideal for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Please use the space at your feet or at the ends of the train car for larger items.

Barrier-Free Facilities

As these are former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock, there are steps inside the train. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Echigo Tokimeki Railway in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben and Onboard Gourmet on "KANKO KYUKO".

On the "KANKO KYUKO", snacks, drinks, and souvenirs may be sold onboard. In Itoigawa, you can enjoy seafood from the Sea of Japan, such as red snow crab and blackthroat seaperch. Sasa-zushi in Joetsu is a local dish that is popular in the area. You can purchase local seafood at Michi-no-eki along the route. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it is best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. If you eat or drink onboard, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans onboard or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "KANKO KYUKO"

The "KANKO KYUKO" operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your itinerary. While regular unreserved seats can be used with a basic fare ticket, reserved seats and special packages require separate reservations and fares. Because it uses former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock, the facilities may differ from those of modern trains. Since the usable area for transportation IC cards is limited, it's advisable to have cash on hand.

Because this train is popular among railway enthusiasts, it may be crowded during peak seasons. It is recommended to check the operating status on the day of travel via Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The "KANKO KYUKO" is a sightseeing train operated by Echigo Tokimeki Railway, connecting Naoetsu Station with Itoigawa Station and Ichiburi Station. It uses former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rolling stock, allowing passengers to experience the atmosphere of express trains of yesteryear. Regular unreserved seats can be used with a basic fare ticket. For reserved seats or special package deals, please check the sales conditions in advance.

Enjoy a nostalgic train journey aboard "KANKO KYUKO", a former Japanese National Railways (JNR) train that travels along the Sea of Japan.

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 train 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.