Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "SHIRAYUKI"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East "SHIRAYUKI" limited express train, which connects Niigata Station and Joetsu-Myoko Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as intercity transport within Niigata Prefecture and provides access to Joetsu, highlighting key points to consider before your trip. A physical ticket is required for boarding. Contactless payment with IC cards or credit cards is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

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 "SHIRAYUKI" is a JR East limited express train connecting Niigata Station with Joetsu-Myoko Station and Arai Station. It connects major cities within Niigata Prefecture and connects with the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Joetsu-Myoko Station. This train was introduced to coincide with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen and plays a role in connecting the Shinkansen and conventional lines. The train uses E653 series electric trains. Since there are unreserved seats, you can easily board without a reservation. From the train windows, you can enjoy the coastline of the Sea of ​​Japan and the rural scenery of the Echigo Plain. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "SHIRAYUKI"?

"SHIRAYUKI" is a JR East limited express train named after the snowy Echigo region. The JR Shin'etsu Main Line runs from Niigata Station through Nagaoka and Kashiwazaki to Naoetsu Station. Between Naoetsu and Joetsu-Myoko, it uses the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line, a third-sector railway company. The E653 series is a modified version of a train that previously operated as a limited express on the Joban Line. At Joetsu-Myoko Station, the train's schedule is designed to connect with the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "SHIRAYUKI" lies in its convenience, connecting major cities within Niigata Prefecture and offering connections to the Shinkansen bullet train. With unreserved seating available, it's suitable for spontaneous travel on the day of travel. By transferring to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Joetsu-Myoko Station, you can also travel to Kanazawa and Toyama. Takada is a castle town known for its cherry blossoms and covered walkways. The cherry blossoms at Takada Castle Ruins Park are considered one of Japan's three greatest night cherry blossom viewing spots. Kashiwazaki is a city facing the Sea of ​​Japan, with numerous beaches. Nagaoka is known for the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display, one of Japan's three greatest fireworks displays. Niigata is nationally renowned as a rice and sake producing region. Checking the stations where the train stops and travel time before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The scenery outside the window changes significantly depending on the season, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is also recommended. The JR Shin'etsu Main Line is a major line connecting major cities within Niigata Prefecture.

"SHIRAYUKI" Timetable

*The "SHIRAYUKI" operates several round trips per day.

Downbound (Towards Joetsu-Myoko Station) Timetable

Upbound (Towards Niigata Station) Timetable

The "SHIRAYUKI" operates several round trips per day. 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 rush hours, while 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 "SHIRAYUKI" operates daily throughout the year. During winter, delays or service suspensions may occur due to snowfall. The timetable is designed with connections to the Hokuriku Shinkansen in mind.

Operating Sections of "SHIRAYUKI"

Main Sections

• Niigata Station to Nagaoka Station (JR Shin'etsu Main Line)
• Nagaoka Station to Naoetsu Station (JR Shin'etsu Main Line)
• Naoetsu Station to Joetsu-Myoko Station (Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line)

Joetsu-Myoko Station is a connecting station for the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The cherry blossoms at Takada Castle Ruins Park are considered one of Japan's three best night cherry blossom viewing spots. Takada's covered walkways are known for their unique snow country streetscape. Naoetsu is an area close to the ruins of Kasugayama Castle, associated with Uesugi Kenshin. Kashiwazaki is a city facing the Sea of ​​Japan, with numerous beaches. In Nagaoka, the Nagaoka Festival fireworks display is a summer tradition. Around Niigata Station, there are facilities where you can sample Japanese sake. Since getting to nearby tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options beforehand. 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. Myoko Kogen is a resort area known for skiing and hot springs. From Joetsu-Myoko Station, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen towards Kanazawa.

Stations Where the "SHIRAYUKI" Stops

Main Stops

• Niigata Station
• Sanjo Station
• Nagaoka Station
• Kashiwazaki Station
• Naoetsu Station
• Takada Station
• Joetsu-Myoko Station

*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the service.

Fares for "SHIRAYUKI"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the "SHIRAYUKI" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. The limited express surcharge differs between reserved and unreserved seats, with reserved seats being slightly more expensive. The section between Naoetsu and Joetsu-Myoko is operated by the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line, so the fare is calculated separately from the JR line. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the seat ticket. JR limited express surcharges are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a regular season, peak season, or off-peak season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket; you must purchase both.

Sections on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line

The "SHIRAYUKI" travels between Naoetsu and Joetsu-Myoko via the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line, which is not a JR line. Because this section is not a JR line, JR passes may not be covered. In that case, you will need to pay the fare separately. When purchasing your ticket, be sure to check the route.

How to Buy Tickets for "SHIRAYUKI"

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 limited express surcharge tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-madoguchi. If you wish to use an unreserved seat, you only need to purchase a basic fare ticket and an unreserved limited express surcharge ticket. Ticket vending 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. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine accommodation and train travel in the Niigata/Joetsu area.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

The "SHIRAYUKI" is a JR East train, but it travels via the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line. If you are using the JR Pass, the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line section is not covered, and you may need to pay an additional fare. If you wish to use a reserved seat, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before you travel.

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

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 I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

In the Suica area around Niigata, you can use a transportation IC card for the train fare portion. However, some sections of the JR Shin'etsu Main Line and the Echigo Tokimeki Railway 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.

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

*Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train using only your IC card. A limited express surcharge must be purchased separately.

Seating Information for "SHIRAYUKI"

Seat Types

The "SHIRAYUKI" is operated using E653 series trains and consists of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Unreserved Seats. During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating Features

The E653 series is a limited express train equipped with reclining seats. Each seat has a table, making it convenient for eating and drinking on board. Some seats also have power outlets. Seats on the Sea of ​​Japan side offer scenic 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, checking and booking your seat location in advance will ensure a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting a JR East ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet on the "SHIRAYUKI"

There is no onboard sales service on the "SHIRAYUKI". It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at the shops in Niigata Station before boarding. Niigata is nationally known as a production area for Koshihikari rice. Hegisoba noodles and Nodoguro fish are also representative Niigata delicacies. Since the shops in the station may have limited operating hours, it is best to stop by early. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "SHIRAYUKI"

On the "SHIRAYUKI", if you use the unreserved seating, you may not be able to find a seat during peak hours. The Echigo Tokimeki Railway Line section may not be covered by JR passes. During winter, snowfall may cause delays or service suspensions. Checking the connection time with the Hokuriku Shinkansen will make it easier to plan your itinerary. Niigata and Joetsu experience heavy snowfall in winter, so warm clothing is necessary. Before boarding, check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Before boarding, please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "SHIRAYUKI" is a JR East limited express train connecting Niigata Station and Joetsu-Myoko Station. It connects major cities within Niigata Prefecture and connects with the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Joetsu-Myoko Station. With unreserved seating available, it's a convenient limited express train that allows passengers to enjoy the scenery of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Enjoy your journey through Echigo Province on the "SHIRAYUKI", which connects towns in this snowy region.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), conventional 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 route search 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.