Sake, rice, fish.... Niigata is a gourmet treasure trove of delicious food! The "Koshino Shu*Kura," which runs from Joetsu Myoko Station to Tokamachi Station, Echigo Yuzawa Station, and Niigata Station, is one of JR East sightseeing Joyful Train that allow you to fully enjoy the attractions of Niigata. Why not take a luxurious trip to enjoy the scenery of Niigata's sea and countryside from the train's large windows while sipping sake? Echino Shu*Kura logo
What is "Echino Shu*Kura"?
The "Echino Shu*Kura" is a train full of Niigata's charms, where you can enjoy rice grown in Niigata's magnificent land, delicious local sake made from that rice, and expansive scenery. This is one of the trains that those who love to drink should definitely take at least once!
The Echino Shu*Kura has three different routes, each with a different name: the Echino Shu*Kura runs between Joetsu Myoko Station and Tokamachi Station, the Yuzawa Shu*Kura runs between Joetsu Myoko Station and Echigo Yuzawa Station, and the Ryuto Shu*Kura runs between Joetsu Myoko Station and Niigata Station. The "Ryuto Shu*Kura" route is different from each other and has a different name! Cheers to "Echino Shu*Kura!
Departure from Joetsu Myoko Station
The "Yanagito Shu*Kura" departs from Joetsu Myoko Station at 10:02. If you are coming from Tokyo, the Shinkansen "Hakutaka" will be the closest Shinkansen to you, departing from Tokyo Station at 7:52 a.m. and arriving at Joetsu Myoko Station at 9:54 a.m. The transfer time is 8 minutes. Please note that you will have to exit the JR ticket gate once and enter the ticket gate of the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, so please be careful about the time. This is the operation information as of June 2023. *Please check the latest operation information.
In front of the Ticket Office Joetsu Myoko Station is a BIG panel of "Aoigawa Shuka" wearing the same uniform as the crew of "Echino Shu*Kura"! Aoigawa Shuka" is a character from a location-based application game, and is the official "Campaign PR Ambassador" of the JR East Niigata Branch Office until September 30, 2023. This uniform is limited to "Echino Shu*Kura" crew members and can be seen in the train as well. Aoigawa Shuka" BIG panel available only at Joetsu Myoko Station
The "Echino Shu*Kura" enters the train
The "Echino Shu*Kura" train enters the platform of the Echigo Tokimeki Railway. It is recommended to watch the " Joyful Train " from the scene of the train's arrival, which is not often seen! It will double your excitement before boarding and make your trip even more enjoyable. On this day, the train arrived at around 9:45 a.m. Please check the latest operation information for the arrival time.
The body of the "Koshino Shu*Kura" is painted in a traditional Japanese color called "ai shita kuro" (black under indigo). The black under indigo is a black color with indigo used as a base dye, and when combined with the white color reminiscent of Niigata's snowy landscape, it creates a subdued color that evokes the vastness of Niigata's air. The logo next to the boarding gate is a cute design that looks like a square, making it a popular photo stop. Exterior of the "Echino Shu*Kura Logo and photo Since there is not much time to take a good look at the exterior of the train after boarding, it is recommended to take pictures of the train exterior and the logo before departure.
Board the "Echino Shu*Kura
The "Shu" in "Echino Shu*Kura" stands for sake, "Kura" for brewery, and "*" for rice, snow, and flowers. The interior of the car is inspired by a sake brewery, with warm Japanese tones and lots of brown wood grain. The atmosphere is not overbearing, which is another nice touch that makes the sake more enjoyable. The seats are decorated with cute Japanese patterns that evoke images of nature, such as rice characters and flowers. Easy box seat The train consists of Car 1, which has observation and relaxation pair seats facing the windows and easy box seats around a table, Car 2, which has an event space with a store and standing drinking space, and Car 3, which has reclining seats and free space. The train windows are very large and the train runs slowly so that passengers can enjoy the rich nature of Niigata with locally brewed sake. Pair seats with a view on Car 1 Reclining seats and free space on Car 3 Once seated, the attendant will guide you through the course. The attendants will guide you through the courses, which include a basic course featuring Niigata's local sake and a soft-drink course featuring Niigata's delicious snacks, which is in keeping with the "Echino Shu*Kura" concept. Both those who are good at drinking and those who are not will enjoy the tour. As a commemorative gift, an original purse and a cup of sake were presented to the passengers! These items are logoed and can be used to enjoy your drinks at home after the ride. Original sake cup to commemorate boarding The uniform of the attendant who provides hospitality is based on the image of a sake brewery's sailcloth, and the strings are said to be the same ones used in actual sake breweries. The uniform also gives you an image of a sake brewery. Attendant uniform
Welcome drink "Kashiwa Dew Hanabi" and "Yukio Cider
The first welcome drink for the basic course was "Kashiwaroh Hanabi" from the Kashiwaroh Sake Brewery in Nagaoka City. Nagaoka is very famous for its Nagaoka Fireworks, and this sake was named after it. It is a sparkling sake that is very easy to drink, with a gentle shrieking carbonation and delicious sake flavor that pops in your mouth!
The welcome drink for the soft drink course was Yukio Cider from the Aoki Sake Brewery in Uonuma City. Aoki Shuzo is a long-established sake brewery that has been making sake in Uonuma City for 300 years. This cider is made using the brewing water from the sake brewing process, and has a clean taste and mild mouthfeel. Kashiwa dew fireworks Yukio Cider
Enjoy the food at "Koshino Shu*Kura
After passing Naoetsu Station, the dishes will be brought to you. The "Spring Menu (served from April to June 2023)" featured here includes local dishes unique to Niigata Prefecture made with carrots, cabbage, and onions from Joetsu City and koshihikari rice from Myoko City. The menu at Echino Shu*Kura was developed with the help of Niigata Bisou, a community of women who enjoy Japanese sake.
The "Nogei" included in the menu is a familiar taste of mother's cooking in Niigata households. The ingredients used and the name of the dish "Nogei" seem to vary from region to region and from household to household, so there are many different flavors even within the word "Nogei! The "Koshino Shu*Kura" nogei was thickened with potato starch, and the taste of vegetables and seafood gently spread in the mouth. Spring Menu (available from April to June 2023) For the latest information on "Echino Shu*Kura" cuisine, please visit the official "Notto Joyful Train " website! In addition, the basic course included a gift of "Echino Shu*Kura" original Daiginjo sake! Since it is served in a bottle, you can drink it in the car or take it home as a souvenir to drink at home! In addition, Hakkaisan sake will be poured from cup to cup to overflow to match the dishes. Hakkaisan is a famous sake that Minami Uonuma City is proud of. To soften the strong flavor of Hakkaisan, it is recommended to drink it with a little salt. Koshino Shu*Kura" original Daiginjo and "Hakkaisan You can also enjoy other luxury Niigata sake and food on the train, such as a mini-sized portion of "Nishin-meshi," a popular ekiben (boxed meal) with sweetened herring on top of rice cooked in kelp dashi, or "Sakura-scented water Yokan," a soft and not too sweet food that will make you feel the season.
The menus offered are different for each season, so you can enjoy both the seasonal dishes and the train window. This is exactly what the Japanese culture of enjoying the seasons with all five senses is all about. Nishinmeshi" is at the lower left of the square Spring oshinagaki
Soft drink course includes cafe menu
The soft drink course includes rice flour cookies, snow donuts, and snow chamber coffee served after the meal. The rice-flour cookies come in two varieties, green tea and plain, and are superb with a crispy texture and deep flavor. Rice-flour cookies (green tea and plain) "Echino Shu*Kura" which you can feel like a cafe Yukimuro is a natural refrigerator in the Joetsu region of snow country. It was born from the wisdom of the snow country, where mountains are made of fallen snow, snow is enclosed with straw, and stored until summer. Snow chamber coffee stored in the snow chamber is characterized by its mild and easy to drink bitterness. Snow donuts made with snow chamber coffee are moist and have a subtle aroma of coffee. Snow Chamber Coffee and Snow Country Doughnuts
The view of the Sea of Japan from the train window
After enjoying the food and drinks, the next thing to look out for is the train window! As you exit Lagoon Station, you will see the shining blue Sea of Japan. The Sea of Japan seen from the train's "big window," one of its features, is a spectacular sight! With a cup of delicious sake and a cup of Yukimuro coffee in one hand, you can enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan as you sway along.... Enjoy such a moment that can only be experienced on the "Echino Shu*Kura. View of the Sea of Japan from the train window
Aomi River Station, the closest station to the sea
The train stops for about 5 minutes at Aomi River Station, known as the closest station to the sea. The attendant took a commemorative photo with the train and the Sea of Japan in the background. It is a fascinating time to feel the sound of waves and wind of the Sea of Japan with your body. If the weather is good, Sado Island can be seen, and the scenery changes with the season, the day, and the time of day. When the whistle blows, it is the signal for departure. Be sure to board the train so as not to be late!
*Please note that stop times may vary depending on the train. Please check the latest train operation information. Station name sign and the Sea of Japan Commemorative photo at Aomi River Station
Event space in Car 2
The event space in Car 2, where jazz background music plays, has a service counter "Kuramori" and a standing table resembling a sake barrel. At "Kuramori," you can purchase popular ekiben, Niigata sweets, ice cream, and souvenirs. A highly recommended item is the grilled and pickled salmon. Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture is known as the "City of Salmon," and the culture of eating salmon with care is said to be deeply rooted in the city. The grilled and pickled salmon, which tastes great even when cold, is an excellent item that makes drinks go down a treat. There is also a rare "miso flavor" of ice cream that is unique to Niigata. It is addictive, so please give it a try. Grilled and pickled salmon In front of Kuramori, there is a lineup of original limited items from Echino Shu*Kura! There are original Daiginjo-shu, as well as choko (cups) and ballpoint pens with the logo on them. Among these, the gold sake cups and tumblers stand out. Unlike glass, these items will not break even if dropped, and will be useful for many years to come. Kuramori Original "Echino Shu*Kura" items Kuramori also has a sake-tasting corner (for a fee). There are five types of sake to taste, and the sake offered varies each season. If the sake offered on the menu is not enough for you, why not try tasting sake here? Sake tasting corner Standing tables where you can drink standing up offer a panoramic view of Niigata's nature through the large windows. The interior of the train is designed to resemble the latticework of a sake brewery, and with stylish jazz music playing, you will feel like you are in a sake bar. Standing table Large windows to enjoy the scenery In Car 2, there are stamps to commemorate your ride and a panel where you can take commemorative photos. You can take memorable photos. Commemorative stamp Board for taking pictures of "Aomi River Shuka
Reclining seats on Car No. 3
Car 3 is a reserved seat for regular cars with reclining seats. You can also use Car 2, "Kuramori," so you can buy drinks and snacks and enjoy your train ride in a spacious seat. Reclining seats
Note the uniform of the "Echino Shu*Kura" conductor.
The crew of the "Echino Shu*Kura" has been given special uniforms. The scarves and caps are made of "Ojiya Chijimi," a traditional Niigata craft. Ojiya Chijimi is a hemp fabric that has been registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Niigata, with its abundant snowfall, was ideal for the production of hemp fabrics, for which moisture is essential in the making process. Ojiya City, in particular, has a lot of snow, which keeps the air moist, making it the perfect environment for hemp, and Ojiya Shrink has developed by taking advantage of this climate.
The characteristic of Ojiya Shrink is wrinkles called shibo. Originally, hemp is a material that wicks away moisture and dries easily, but the addition of the shibo element makes it feel light and dry to the touch. Please take note of the crew's uniforms, which are made of traditional Niigata-like craftwork! Crew uniform
Arrival at Niigata Station
The train arrived at Niigata Station, the last stop, at 13:05. The 3-hour train ride is over in no time. At Niigata Station, there are many places where you can enjoy the charms of Niigata, such as its sake and food.
Ponshukan Niigata Station" for those who haven't had enough to drink and for sake lovers
Ponshukan Niigata Station Branch is located in the CoCoLo Niigata West Wing of Hotel Mets Niigata, just outside the west ticket gates of Niigata Station, where you can sample sake from all the breweries in Niigata Prefecture! You can sample up to 5 cups for 500 yen. In addition to sake, you can also purchase "Flavor Soukai Nishite," a beer limited to Niigata, craft beer, specialty products, and souvenirs.
In addition, "Niigata Meihin Machi" located in "CoCoLo Niigata Minamikan" is a great place for shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Recommended items include Zuika's light fried bean curd, Kashimaya's salmon chazuke, and Tanakaya's Niigata specialty, sasa-dango (bamboo grass dumplings).â Sake tasting room with "Sugitama (cedar ball)" hanging to thank the god of sake View of the sake tasting room
Location
CoCoLo Niigata West Bldg. 1-96-47 Hanazono, Chuo-ku, Niigata 950-0086
Access
1 minute walk from the west side connecting passageway of Niigata Station
Ojiya Shrinkage and Noren store IONO Furumachi Ruhuru
In the vicinity of Niigata Station, you can purchase items made from Ojiya Shrink, which was used for the conductor's uniform, at IONO Furumachi Ruhuru Store. It is located in Furumachi, about 10 minutes by bus or 30 minutes on foot from Niigata Station. Many products made of Ojiya Shrink are sold here, including bags, fans, and business card cases. If you are interested in Ojiya Shrink, please visit there.Appearance of "IONO Furumachi Ruhuru View of "IONO Furumachi Ruhuru
Location
1F Furumachi Ruhuru, 1010 Furumachi Dori Nanabancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Access
10 minutes by bus from Niigata Station
Enjoy a luxurious train trip on the "Echino Shu*Kura" to fully enjoy Niigata's food and sake.
How was it? In this issue, we introduced "Echino Shu*Kura," a train filled with the charms of Niigata's food and sake and spectacular views, as well as recommended spots around Niigata Station. We hope you will experience the unique charm of the "Echino Shu*Kura," a sightseeing train that makes you feel like a tourist even during the journey.
To make reservations for the Echino Shu*Kura, please visit the " Joyful Train Reservation Site!Joyful Train reservation site Travel by train with "Echino Shu*Kura
