"KAIRI" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR East's sightseeing train "KAIRI," which connects Niigata Station with Sakata Station and Tsuruoka Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations stopped at, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This sightseeing train on the Uetsu Main Line offers stunning views along the Sea of Japan, 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.
"KAIRI" is a JR East sightseeing rapid train connecting Niigata Station and Sakata Station via the Uetsu Main Line. It operates with a dedicated HB-E300 series 4-car train, and all seats are reserved. Operating days and sections may change, so please check the latest information before traveling. Item Content Train Name "KAIRI" Operating Company JR East Main Operating Sections Niigata Station to Sakata Station (via Hakushin Line and Uetsu Main Line) Main Starting/Ending Stations Niigata Station / Sakata Station Number of Trains Running Limited operating days, normally one round trip per day. Estimated Travel Time Approximately 3 hours Seat Standard Class Reserved Seats (All Seats Reserved) 
Table of Contents
- What is "KAIRI"?
- Timetable for "KAIRI"
- "KAIRI" Operating Section
- Stations Stopped At by "KAIRI"
- Fares for "KAIRI"
- How to Buy Tickets for "KAIRI"
- Is a Physical Ticket Required?
- Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
- Seat Information for "KAIRI"
- Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on "KAIRI"
- Points to Note When Riding "KAIRI"
- Summary
What is "KAIRI"?
"KAIRI" is a JR East sightseeing rapid train that began operation in October 2019, connecting Niigata Prefecture and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. It operates with a dedicated HB-E300 series 4-car train and allows passengers to enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Japan and the cuisine of Niigata and Shonai.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of "KAIRI" lies in the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan along the Uetsu Main Line and the meals served on board featuring ingredients from the Shonai region and Niigata Prefecture. The view of the Sea of Japan from the large windows is breathtaking, and if the weather is good, you can see all the way to the horizon. Car 1 also has an observation lounge overlooking the Sea of Japan, making the ride itself a special experience. Onboard attendants sometimes provide commentary on the route, introducing the fishing culture of the Sea of Japan and the history of rice cultivation in the Shonai Plain. On trains timed to coincide with sunset, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting over the Sea of Japan from the train window. Access to Tsukioka Onsen is also possible from Shibata Station, and some travelers combine their trip with a hot spring getaway. Throughout the train, there are exhibits introducing traditional crafts from Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the local culture while enjoying your journey.
Timetable for "KAIRI"
Southbound (towards Sakata) Timetable
| Stations Stopped At | Example |
|---|---|
| Niigata (Departure) | Morning |
| Murakami (Departure) | ― |
| Sakata (Arrival) | Approx. 3 hours later |
Northbound (towards Niigata) Timetable
| Stations Stopped At | Example |
|---|---|
| Sakata (Departure) | Afternoon |
| Murakami (Departure) | ― |
| Niigata (Arrival) | Approx. 3 hours later |
The "KAIRI" train operates approximately one round trip per day between Niigata Station and Sakata Station on operating days. It mainly runs on weekends and holidays, and depending on the season, the operating section may extend to Tsuruoka Station.
Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
"KAIRI" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days. Details of the operating days are announced on the JR East official website as they occur, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. The Sea of Japan side experiences strong seasonal winds in winter, and train service is likely to be suspended or delayed during severe weather.
"KAIRI" Operating Section
Main Sections
- Niigata Station to Murakami Station (Hakushin Line and Uetsu Main Line)
- Murakami Station to Sakata Station/Tsuruoka Station (Uetsu Main Line)
Sakata Station is the gateway to Sakata City, the central city of the Shonai region in Yamagata Prefecture, and offers views of the historic port town, including the Sankyo Warehouses. Tsuruoka Station is the central station of Tsuruoka City, where historical sites related to the Shonai Domain remain, such as Tsuruoka Park and the Chido Museum. The Sankyo Warehouses are a group of rice storage warehouses built during the Meiji era and are a symbol of Sakata City, attracting many tourists. The area around Murakami Station is known as a town of salmon dishes, and traditional salmon processing techniques are still passed down today. Tsukioka Onsen is one of Niigata Prefecture's leading hot spring resorts, known for its emerald green waters, and is lined with many inns. Tsuruoka Park is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and wisteria, and is a historic park developed on the site of the former castle of the Sakai family, the lords of the Shonai Domain.
Stations Stopped At by "KAIRI"
Main Stations Stopped At
- Niigata Station
- Shibata Station
- Murakami Station
- Tsuruoka Station
- Sakata Station
Tourist Access to Murakami, Tsuruoka, and Sakata
At Murakami Station, you can stroll through the castle town's traditional houses and visit facilities showcasing salmon culture. To reach Senami Onsen, you can take a local bus or taxi. From Tsuruoka Station, you can travel by bus or taxi to Tsuruoka Park, Chido Museum, Kamo Aquarium, and the Dewa Sanzan area. Around Sakata Station, popular attractions include Sankyo Warehouse, Hiyoriyama Park, and Honma Museum of Art. Kamo Aquarium and Dewa Sanzan are some distance from the station, so be sure to check the bus schedule and the last bus of the day. If you plan to explore the Shonai region extensively, staying overnight in Tsuruoka or Sakata will give you more time to explore.
Fares for "KAIRI"
Representative Section Fares
| Section | Fare |
|---|---|
| Niigata Station to Sakata Station | A basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket are required. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the JR East official website. |
Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Reserved Seat Fare
The fare for "KAIRI" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat fare. As it is a rapid train, the reserved seat fare is cheaper than that of regular limited express trains. All seats are reserved, so there are no non-reserved seats. This fare system is the same as that of other JR East sightseeing rapid trains and is more affordable than that of limited express trains.
Meal Plan Fares
If you choose to use the meal plan (such as a course meal using ingredients from Niigata and Shonai) which requires advance reservation, you will need to pay for the meal separately in addition to the basic fare ticket and seat fare. It is very popular and may be fully booked early. The Chido Museum is a facility that exhibits historical materials related to the Shonai Domain, and its valuable Western-style architecture, such as the former Tsuruoka Police Station building, is also a highlight. Senami Onsen is a hot spring resort facing the sea that springs up in Murakami City, and its open-air baths with views of the sunset over the Sea of Japan are popular. Both Senami Onsen and Tsukioka Onsen have many inns that accept day-trip bathers, making them convenient for a stopover. Senami Onsen has a history of over 100 years since its opening, and its unique scenery of inns lining the coastline is its charm.
Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary
On the first day, you'll board "KAIRI" from Niigata Station, enjoying the scenery of the Sea of Japan and a meal on your way to either Tsuruoka or Sakata. In Tsuruoka, you'll visit the Chido Museum and Tsuruoka Park, while in Sakata, you'll explore the Sankyo Warehouses and the port town's scenery before staying overnight in the Shonai region. On the second day, you'll choose one area from places like Kamo Aquarium, Dewa Sanzan, or Sakata Art Museum. It's important to narrow down your destinations to fit the bus schedule rather than trying to cover a wide area in a short time.
How to Buy Tickets for "KAIRI"
Eki-net (Internet Reservation)
You can reserve reserved seats in ordinary cars through JR East's "Eki-net" service. Please check JR East's official announcements, as the sales methods for travel packages and packages including meals may differ.
Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi
You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at ticket vending machines or Midori-no-madoguchi at the station.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets and meal plans for the "KAIRI" train.
How to Purchase for Foreign Tourists
Reserved seats in ordinary cars on "KAIRI" may be available with eligible JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR EAST PASS. Please note that while seat reservations are accepted, any additional charges such as those for travel-specific cars or meals will be charged separately.
Eki-net Booking Procedure for Foreign Travelers
Enter your travel date, Niigata Station, Tsuruoka Station, or Sakata Station on Eki-net, and select a reserved seat in ordinary class on "KAIRI". Note that the compartments in Car 2 and travel packages for Car 4 may have different sales methods than regular reserved seats. After payment, you will receive a paper ticket depending on the package; for travel packages including meals, please follow the separate instructions. If using a JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR EAST PASS, check the coverage area for regular reserved seats and any excluded portions such as travel packages and meals. Even with a pass, all seats are reserved, so advance seat selection is required.
Is a Physical Ticket Required?
If you booked through Eki-net, you may need to pick up a paper ticket depending on the product. Please check whether your ticket is eligible for ticketless service, and confirm the pickup station and pickup method when making your reservation.
Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
On the sections of the "KAIRI" train line that are included in the Suica area, it may be possible to use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion of the ticket. However, the Uetsu Main Line section north of Murakami Station may be outside the Suica area, and the reserved seat fare cannot be paid using the balance on an IC card, so you will need to purchase a ticket in advance.
On the routes served by "KAIRI," contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.
Seat Information for "KAIRI"
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
The "KAIRI" train operates with a dedicated HB-E300 series 4-car trainset, and all seats are reserved. There are no non-reserved seats. Car and Seat Type Details Car 1 Two-seater reclining seats Car 2 Compartment Seats Car 3 Shop and Event Space Car 4 Dining Car (Travel Package) Non-reserved Seats None
Distinctive Seating
"KAIRI" consists of four cars and includes reclining seats, compartments, a shop/event space, and a dining car. The cars and services available vary depending on the ticket and travel package.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
The trains used are equipped with barrier-free facilities. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend that you contact a JR East ticket office or information center in advance.
How to Spend Your Time in Each Car and Luggage Information
The usage procedures differ for the reclining seats in Car 1, the compartments in Car 2, the shop/event space in Car 3, and the dining car in Car 4. Please check which car you can use with your reserved product. When taking photos of the ocean view, please be careful not to block the seats or aisles of other passengers. Please place large luggage in the designated space and keep your valuables and camera with you. Communication may be unstable on some parts of the Uetsu Main Line, so it is convenient to save maps of tourist spots and bus schedules in advance.
Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on "KAIRI"
On "KAIRI", pre-booked meal plans (course meals, sweets, etc.) using ingredients from Niigata and Shonai are offered. Sake produced in collaboration with local breweries is also available, and light meals and drinks can be purchased on board. Around Niigata Station and Sakata Station, there are plenty of restaurants serving dishes made with fresh seafood from each region. The Shonai region is also known as a famous sake-producing area, with many breweries continuing traditional sake brewing methods. Onboard sales sometimes include irresistible menus for sake lovers, such as sake tasting sets.
Pre-Ordered Meals, Local Sake, and Local Flavors Along the Railway Line
For packages that include meals, the menu will be supervised by chefs from Niigata and Shonai, and will feature dishes made with local ingredients. Simply reserving a regular reserved seat may not guarantee access to meals in the dining car. Please confirm at the time of booking whether your seat, meal, and meal delivery method are included in a single package. Typical local specialties in Niigata include rice, salmon, local sake, and sasa dango (bamboo leaf-wrapped rice dumplings); in Murakami, salmon dishes; and in Shonai, seafood and dadacha beans. If you drink sake, please avoid driving after arrival and drink plenty of water as well.
Points to Note When Riding "KAIRI"
"KAIRI" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, be sure to check the operating days on the JR East official website in advance. If you wish to have a meal plan, you need to make arrangements early, along with booking your basic fare ticket. Many travelers also plan their itineraries to get off at Tsuruoka Station and visit the Chido Museum or Tsuruoka Park. If you plan to stop at a hot spring resort, it is a good idea to check the shuttle bus schedule from the nearest station as well. If you would like to secure a seat on the ocean side, you should mention your seat location preference when making your reservation.
Since the section of the Uetsu Main Line north of Murakami Station is outside the IC card usage area, it is recommended to purchase your basic fare ticket in advance. If you want to enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Japan, you should request a seat on the ocean side.
Summary
"KAIRI" is a sightseeing rapid train operated by JR East, connecting Niigata Station and Sakata Station. It operates with a dedicated HB-E300 series 4-car train, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Japan and the cuisine of Niigata and Shonai. All seats are reserved, so a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket are required. Please check the operating dates and terms of use for each product in advance.
Enjoy a special journey from Niigata to the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture aboard "KAIRI," where you can simultaneously enjoy the horizon of the Sea of Japan and the rural landscape of the Shonai Plain.
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