KAIRI

KAIRI

Experience the cuisine and beautiful vistas of Niigata and Shonai

Features

Niigata and Shonai cuisine

Enjoy a seasonal menu of Japanese cuisine unique to Niigata, prepared by three specially selected restaurants, each boasting over 100 years of history. These restaurants are a part of one of Japan's oldest traditional entertainment areas, which, unlike the teahouse districts of Kyoto and Kanazawa, primarily flourished thanks to a vibrant culinary scene.

  • * Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability.
  • * Available for Car No. 4 passengers only (travel package required).
  • * Meal pictured is for illustrative purposes only.

Unparalleled spectacular views

Niigata Prefecture and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture are famous for beautiful views of the Sea of Japan and quaint villages.

Seats

Car No. 1

Reclining seats: 30 seats

Reclining loveseats face the windows for a perfect view. Relax in the spacious interior as you take in the Sea of Japan, the plains of Echigo and Shonai, and the three peaks of Dewa.

Car No. 2

Private compartment: 32 seats

Each private compartment seats up to four people. Seats can also be folded down* to stretch your legs for the ultimate in relaxation.

  • * Other passengers may be seated in compartments purchased by a party of 1-3 people.

Car No. 3

Sales and event space

Car No. 3 features an event space and a store offering cuisine from Niigata and Shonai, drinks, exclusive KAIRI merchandise and other snacks. 

Box lunches are not sold on the train. Reservation via Uketrip(opens in a new window, Japanese only) required for purchase.

Car No. 4

Dining room: 24 seats

The dining car features both two- and four-person seating where you'll enjoy an incredible selection of food and beverages from Niigata and Shonai. Available only as a part of travel packages.

Routes & Timetables

KAIRI route map
Trains Routes
KAIRI (Outbound) Niigata - Sakata
KAIRI (Inbound) Sakata - Niigata
Timetables & Calendar
(English Only)

Tickets & Reservations

How to purchase travel packages (Car No. 4)

Car No. 4 access is limited to passengers who have purchased a travel package. Travel packages include a JR ticket for access to KAIRI Car No. 4 (24 person capacity) and food, beverages, etc.
Reservation via the Joyful Train Reservation website (opens in a new window, Japanese only) required.

Joyful Train Reservation websiteOpens in a new window
  • Available for parties from 1 to 4 people.
  • *Operated by JR EAST View Tourism and Sales Co., Ltd.
  • *Travel packages may not be available on all operating dates.

Both a basic fare ticket (or pass) and a reserved seat ticket are required to board Cars No. 1 and 2.

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Option 1: Purchase a basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket

Basic Fare Ticket

Reserved Seat Ticket

  • Purchase online Basic Fare Ticket icon Reserved Seat Ticket icon

    1. Go to the  JR-EAST Train Reservation  (opens in a new window)  website  and click "Purchase tickets".

    2. Click  "Joyful Trains" in the "Ride Joyful Trains" section.

    3. Select a train.

    4. Choose the car, seat type (Green Car, box seats, etc.) and route.​​

    5. Click "Reserve Now" to proceed to the reservation details.

    6. Enter the date of travel, departure and arrival stations, and the number of adults and children, and click "Reserve Now".

    7. Choose from the available train times, check the box by the train, then click "Select".

      To choose a different time, select "Previous train" or "Next train" to view time for the trains before and after that currently selected.

    8. Confirm purchase details, and if correct, click "Buy Tickets" to proceed to the purchase screen.

    9. A JR-EAST Train Reservation account is required for purchase.

Option 2: Purchase a pass and reserve a seat

JR EAST PASS

Reserved Seat Ticket
(No Charge)

Holders of a rail pass issued by JR EAST (JAPAN RAIL PASS, JR EAST PASS, etc.) valid for within the service area can reserve a seat free of additional charges.

Seats can be reserved at a ticket office or online.

JR EAST PASS icon

Recommended passes for riding KAIRI

Holders of any of the following rail passes who are traveling in the applicable service area can ride free of additional charges.
Reserved seat ticket required in advance. Reserve for free at any sales location or on the JR-EAST Train Reservation website.

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