Trains With only one exception (the Hoku-hoku line running from Joetsu to Uonuma), all trains in Niigata prefecture are run by Japan Railways (JR), the company with the ubiquitous green-colored signs. Click here for an English map of trains in Niigata.
Train travel within the prefecture is convenient and not too expensive. Get to know the main lines and station names around your area- and don’t worry if you get lost a few times. It happens to the best of us.
Suica passes can now be used in the greater Niigata City area, as north as Shibata and as south as Yoshida or Higashi-Sanjo. These pre-paid passes are useful as you just have to swipe them at the ticket gate. They are also useable for JR trains in any major city in Japan, and can now be used for all subways in Tokyo as well. They cannot be used for Shinkansen, however. For more information about JR transportation including scheduling assistance, contact the JR East Info-line. JR's English-language telephone service provides information not only about JR trains, but also about nationwide transportation, including private train lines and buses. It is available Mon - Sun, 10 AM to 6 PM. NO SERVICE AVAILABLE DURING NEW YEARS HOLIDAYS, tel. 03-3423-0111. WEBSITE (available in English) www.hyperdia.com. Types of trains JR trains are classified by the number of stops and travel speed. All trains require a basic fare ticket (josha-ken). Faster trains will require a second ticket that covers the express charge.
Shinkansen - Bullet Train - The fastest train in Japan. Also the most expensive.
Tokkyu - Limited Express Train. Stops only at a few stations. A bit more expensive than local trains.
Kaisoku - Rapid Train - Skips some stations, but costs the same as a local train.
Futsu - Regular or Local Train - Stops at all stations. Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, the marvel of Japanese train technology, is your best friend when you want to get out of the inaka and into Tokyo in a hurry. However, its gonna cost ya! Niigata is home to the Joetsu Shinkansen, which ironically does not go to Joetsu-shi, but provides access to five different stations in the prefecture on the way to Tokyo. Niigata Station (Niigata City) Tsubame-Sanjo Station (Sanjo City)
Nagaoka Station (Nagaoka City) Urasa Station(Minamiuonuma City) Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Yuzawa Town) One-way fares run from around 10,000 yen (1 man) from Niigata to around 5,000 yen from Echigo-Yuzawa. To look up exact shinkansen fares see http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/charge/index.asp Types of special tickets
There are many kinds of discounted train fares. Here are a few examples:
S-Kippu
Special shinkansen tickets useable within Niigata prefecture offered at a discount if bought round-trip or in packs of 4. Ask at the station or at travel agents. Echigo Passes
Come in one-day 1500yen (ワンディー) or two-day 2500yen (ツーディー) versions. Free passes that allow for unlimited travel on Futsu or Kaisoku trains- however they are only useable in Northern and Central Niigata (not Joetsu or Tokamachi areas). Buy at any ticket vending machine if for same-day use, otherwise buy at a station window.
Do-nichi Kippu 18,000 yen for a weekend free pass for all of East Japan. Includes Shinkansen. Seishun 18 (Juhachi) Kippu A seasonal ticket available three times a year that allows for five days (not necessarily consecutive) of unlimited travel on Futsu or Kaisoku trains nationwide, and costs 11,500 yen. For more information and tips on maximizing the value of the Seishun 18 , see: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html
|