What is the Joetsu Shinkansen?

The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Niigata, passing through the mountains of Gunma and Niigata prefectures. It is famous for passing through “Snow Country,” transforming from a sunny Tokyo landscape to a winter wonderland immediately after exiting the long Shimizu Tunnel.

  • Section: Tokyo 〜 Niigata
  • Top Speed: 240 km/h (E7 series: 275 km/h planned)
  • Trains: E7 series
  • JR Pass: All trains accepted

👉 Conclusion:

  • To Niigata → Toki
  • To Ski Resorts (Echigo-Yuzawa) → Toki or Tanigawa

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

Toki

Fastest, goes all the way to Niigata

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr 30 mins
  • Stops：Tokyo, Omiya, Takasaki, Echigo-Yuzawa, Nagaoka, Niigata
Tanigawa

Stops at every station up to Echigo-Yuzawa

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr 20 mins (Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa)
  • Stops：All stations between Tokyo and Echigo-Yuzawa
Tokyo→Echigo-Yuzawa
Approx. 1 hr 20 minsApprox. 6,260 JPY
Tokyo→Niigata
Approx. 1 hr 40 minsApprox. 10,230 JPY

Winter Sports Access (Gala Yuzawa)

During the winter season, some Tanigawa trains extend to Gala Yuzawa Station. This station is directly connected to a ski resort—you step off the train and right into the ski center! It is the most convenient way to ski from Tokyo.

  • The Long Tunnel: The train travels through the Daishimizu Tunnel (16 km) under the Tanigawa mountain range. This is the border between the Pacific side and the Sea of Japan side.
  • Rice Paddies: In Niigata, you will see vast, beautiful rice fields—the source of Japan’s best rice and sake.