The Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train) service connects Tokyo—Japan’s capital that sits by the Pacific Ocean—with Niigata prefecture in the north, along the Sea of Japan.
In just a little over two hours, the Joetsu Shinkansen can transport you to Niigata’s vibrant coastline in a journey that takes you through mountainous Gunma and across the Echigo plains.
Train pass holders (like the JR Pass, JR Tokyo Wide Pass or JR East Welcome Rail Pass) can disembark freely at no additional cost, opening up convenient access to unique stops along the way — like Gunma's adventure playground of Minakami.