Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

This article introduces the JR East sightseeing train "KOSHINO SHU*KURA," which operates from Joetsu-Myoko Station to Tokamachi Station, Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and Niigata Station, including its timetable, fares, stops, seating, and reservation methods. Depending on the section of the route, the train will be named "KOSHINO SHU*KURA," "ゆざわShu＊Kura," or "柳都Shu＊Kura."

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 JR East official website before using the service.

"KOSHINO SHU*KURA" is a sightseeing train operated by JR East in Niigata Prefecture. The train is themed around Japanese sake, and its greatest feature is that passengers can enjoy Niigata's local sake on board. The name "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" comes from "Shu" (sake) and "Kura" (brewery). All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. As this train operates only on limited days, you need to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. Onboard, you can enjoy sake tasting and light meals made with local ingredients. 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 "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"?

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train lies in the fact that you can enjoy Niigata's local sake while the train is in motion. At the bar counter on board, you can sample sake from breweries throughout Niigata. You can enjoy sake and travel at the same time, along with snacks made with local ingredients. Live jazz music is sometimes played on board, making for a pleasant time. From the windows, you can enjoy the coastline of the Sea of Japan and the rural scenery of the Echigo Plain. Tokamachi is known as a heavy snowfall area and is the setting for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. Echigo-Yuzawa is a town known for its hot springs and ski resorts. The seats are arranged to allow you to enjoy the scenery from the window. 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 window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. Niigata Prefecture is a sake-producing region with the largest number of sake breweries in Japan.

Timetable for "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

*The "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" is a train that operates only on specific days.

Downbound (towards Tokamachi Station and other destinations) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Joetsu-Myoko Station)

The "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train operates only on select days (mainly Saturdays, Sundays, 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 rush hours, but the intervals 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 Days When the Service is Suspended.

The "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" is a train that operates mainly on weekends and holidays. The operating section varies from day to day, and the train name may also change. The operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it.

Operating Section of "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

Main Sections

• Joetsu-Myoko Station to Naoetsu Station (Echigo Tokimeki Railway)
• Naoetsu Station to Nagaoka Station (Shin'etsu Main Line)
• Echigo-Kawaguchi Station to Tokamachi Station (Iiyama Line, etc.)

Tokamachi is an art town known as the setting for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. Kiyotsu Gorge is a valley with columnar jointing, and the observation point inside the tunnel is popular. In Echigo-Yuzawa, you can enjoy hot springs and skiing. Nagaoka is known for the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays. Takada has Takada Castle Ruins Park, known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Naoetsu is a port town facing the Sea of Japan. Many sake breweries are scattered throughout Niigata Prefecture, and there are facilities where you can take a tour of the breweries. Since getting to nearby tourist spots is mainly done by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options as well. There are often tourist information centers around the stations where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well.

Stations where the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train stops

Main Stops

• Joetsu-Myoko Station
• Takada Station
• Naoetsu Station
• Kashiwazaki Station
• Nagaoka Station
• Tokamachi Station

*The stops vary depending on the train.

Fares for "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

Representative Section Fare

Car 1 is a special travel package.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

Car 1 is exclusively for travel packages that include meals and other services, and reservations can be made through websites such as the "Fun Train Reservation Site." The reclining seats in Car 3 can be used with a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket, which can be purchased at Ekinet, reserved seat ticket machines, and Midori-no-madoguchi.

Booking as a Travel Package

Some seats on the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train may only be available as part of a travel package. These packages may include onboard meals and souvenirs. Other seats are available with a regular reserved seat ticket. Purchase methods vary depending on the type of seat, so please check in advance.

How to Buy Tickets for "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

Ekinet (Internet Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Ekinet," 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 ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at train stations. Seats sold as part of travel packages require booking through a travel agency or similar. 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 high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine a ride on the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train with accommodation.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train may run on JR East lines and Echigo Tokimeki Railway lines. If using the JR Pass, sections other than JR lines are not covered and require a separate fare. All seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a seat reservation ticket separately. 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 traveling.

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "Ekinet," 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 basic fare portion. However, some sections, such as the Iiyama Line, are outside the IC card area. 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 their area.

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

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

Seating Information for "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

Seat Types

Distinctive Seating

The train features a bar counter serving sake. Seating is arranged to maximize views from the windows. Live jazz performances and other events are sometimes held in the event space. The train offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better suited for those prioritizing ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check seat locations and make reservations in advance 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

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 train car and configuration.

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

On the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train, local Niigata sake and light meals made with local ingredients may be sold on board. Sake tasting sets may be offered, allowing passengers to compare the flavors of multiple breweries. Niigata is nationally known as the production area of ​​Koshihikari rice. Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and Hegisoba (buckwheat noodles) are also representative Niigata delicacies. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it is best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. When eating or drinking on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Please dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "KOSHINO SHU*KURA"

The "KOSHINO SHU*KURA" train operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. The train name changes depending on the section of the route, so be sure to check which train you will be riding. Depending on the type of seat, you may need to book a travel package. If you plan to enjoy sake on board, be careful not to drink too much. Due to its popularity, reserved seats may fill up quickly. Before boarding, be sure to 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.

The availability of in-train sales may vary depending on the train and time of year. Please check the operating status on the day of travel using Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

"KOSHINO SHU*KURA" is a sightseeing train operated by JR East that runs within Niigata Prefecture. It's a unique train that allows passengers to enjoy Niigata's local sake while on board, a specialty of Niigata, a region famous for its sake. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy your journey through Echigo with "KOSHINO SHU*KURA," where you can savor Niigata's sake and travel at the same time.

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.