Koshino Shu*Kura

Route Map

This train was built around the concept of sake, 
as Niigata Prefecture is the king of locally brewed sakes

Niigata, the King of locally brewed sakes

The Koshino Shu*Kura was built around the concept of sake as Niigata Prefecture is the king of locally brewed sakes.
The name “Koshino Shu*Kura” was inspired by the image of Echigo's sake breweries and rich nature.
(Koshino = Echigo, Shu = sake, Kura = brewery, * = rice, snow, flowers)

Sake Tasting Corner with Selected Fine Sake from Niigata Prefecture

Inside the train, a sake tasting corner has been set up, where passengers can enjoy five different brands of carefully selected famous sake from Niigata Prefecture.
With large windows right before your eyes, gaze out at the scenery as it flows past.

Original “Sake” and “Food” menus

View Travel Packages created especially for the Koshino Shu*Kura and featuring specialty Niigata sake and food are also available.

Koshino Shu*Kura [Niigata Prefecture]
Route Map
Debut year
May 2014
Service area
Echigo Shu*Kura: Jōetsumyōkō Station to Tōkamachi Station
Yuzawa Shu*Kura: Jōetsumyōkō Station Echigo-Yuzawa Station
Ryuto Shu*Kura: Jōetsumyōkō Station to Niigata Station

Travel Guide


Recommended spots along the Koshino Shu*Kura train line

Koshino Shu*Kura route map (from Fukushima to Shinjo via Yonezawa and Yamagata)
  • Attraction 1: Kiminoi Shuzou
  • Attraction 2: A station near the Sea of Japan (Ōmigawa Station)
  • Attraction 3: Rinsenji Temple
  • Attraction 4: Bijinbayashi
  • Attraction 5: Nishikigoi no Sato
  • Attraction 6: Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Bokushidori
  • Attraction 7: Naenataki Waterfall
  • Attraction 8: Imori Pond
  • Attraction 9: Shoun Sanso and Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum
  • Attraction 10: Kashiwazaki Sea Bream Chazuke Eating Tour
  • Attraction 11: Hara Sake Brewery
  • Attraction 12: Brewing Town of Settaya: Sightseeing Tour with Volunteer Guides
  • Attraction 13: National Treasure - Flame-shaped earthenware (deep vessels with flame-like rims)
  • Attraction 14: Michi-no-Eki Cross-ten Tokamachi
  • Attraction 15: Chijimi no Sato onsen
  • Attraction 16: Roadside Station Minamiuonuma Imaizumi Memorial Hall Station
  • Attraction 17: Saifukuji Temple Kaisando-Hall
  • Attraction 18: Echigo-Yuzawa Station CoCoLo Yuzawa, Gangi-dori
  • Attraction 19: Yuzawa Kogen Alp no Sato
  • Attraction 20: Mitsuke English Garden
  • Attraction 21: Echigo Sake Museum - Ponshukan Niigata
Photo: Kiminoi Shuzou
Kiminoi Shuzou
Photo: Kiminoi Shuzou

Kiminoi Shuzou

Founded in 1842, Kimi no I Sake Brewery is dedicated to the time-consuming process of making sake using water from the underground streams at the foot of the Myoko Mountains. Sake brewery tours are available by advance reservation. For details, please visit the website.

Access
About a 15 minute drive by car from Jōetsumyōkō Station
Photo: Station near the Sea of Japan (Ōmigawa Station)
Station near the Sea of Japan (Ōmigawa Station)
Photo: Station near the Sea of Japan (Ōmigawa Station)

Station near the Sea of Japan (Ōmigawa Station)

When you get off at the platform, the sea is right in front of you! The train stops for a few minutes, so enjoy taking a commemorative photo with the Sea of Japan in the background.

Photo: Rinsenji Temple
Rinsenji Temple
Photo: Rinsenji Temple

Rinsenji Temple

This is the temple where the famous warlord Kenshin Uesugi spent his childhood. His gravesite and other items related to him still remain. The gate is a masterpiece of the Taisho era, incorporating Japanese and Chinese styles from the Kamakura period.

Access
About a 20 minute walk from Kasugayama Station
or 10 minutes by car from Naoetsu Station
Photo: Bijinbayashi
Bijinbayashi
Photo: Bijinbayashi

Bijinbayashi

A 90-year-old beech forest stretches over the hills of Matsunoyama. The trees’ tall, elegant silhouettes inspired the name bijinbayashi, meaning “forest of beauties.”

Access
About a 50 minute drive from Tōkamachi Station by car
Photo: Nishikigoi no Sato
Nishikigoi no Sato
Photo: Nishikigoi no Sato

Nishikigoi no Sato

Visitors can appreciate the beautiful Nishikigoi, which are called “swimming jewels,” up close in the Japanese garden and viewing pond.

Access
About a 25 minute walk from Ojiya Station
Photo: Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Bokushi Douri
Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Bokushi Douri
Photo: Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Bokushi Douri

Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Bokushi Douri

The street was awarded the “Urban Space Category Grand Prize (Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award)” at the 2011 Urban Landscape Awards. The street is lined with gangi, warehouses, and townhouses that recreate the atmosphere of the old Mikuni Kaido and a shukuba (Edo era post station).

Access
About a 3 minute walk from Shiozawa Station
Photo: Naenataki Waterfall
Naenataki Waterfall
Photo: Naenataki Waterfall

Naenataki Waterfall

Selected as one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan,” Naenataki Waterfall has a 55-meter drop. It is also called “Earthquake Falls” because of its powerful sound. The splash of the water plunging into the basin is a powerful sight.

Access

About 15 minutes by city bus (Suginosawa Line). 35 minutes walk from Suginosawa Nishino bus stop.
Photo: Imori Pond
Imori Pond
Photo: Imori Pond

Imori Pond

Located in Ikenotaira Onsen, Imori Pond has a circumference of about 500 meters and reflects the 2,454-meter-high Mt. Myoko.

Access
About 10 minutes from Myōkō-Kōgen Station by local bus
Photo: Shoun Sanso and Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum
Shoun Sanso and Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum
Photo: Shoun Sanso and Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum

Shoun Sanso and Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum

This famous garden is beautiful with the elegance of a Japanese garden and the fresh greenery of a variety of trees. At the Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum in the garden, visitors can savor tea in tea bowls that is of such high quality, it is designated as a national treasure.

Access
About a 7 minute drive or 25 minute walk from Kashiwazaki Station
Photo: Kashiwazaki Sea Bream Chazuke Eating Tour
Kashiwazaki Sea Bream Chazuke Eating Tour
Photo: Kashiwazaki Sea Bream Chazuke Eating Tour

Kashiwazaki Sea Bream Chazuke Eating Tour

“Kashiwazaki tai chazuke” (sea bream chazuke) is a dish of sashimi or grilled sea bream served with local koshihikari rice in a warm broth. It can be enjoyed at about 30 restaurants in Kashiwazaki. Kashiwazaki tai chazuke won the Grand Prix at the 4th National Local Donburi Championship!

Photo: Hara Sake Brewery
Hara Sake Brewery
Photo: Hara Sake Brewery

Hara Sake Brewery

Hara Sake Brewery was founded in 1814. The brewery produces sake with a high percentage of rice grown under contract and all rice is milled in-house. Sake brewery tours are available.

Access
About 8 minutes walk from Kashiwazaki Station
Photo: Brewing Town of Settaya: Sightseeing Tour with Volunteer Guides
Brewing Town of Settaya: Sightseeing Tour with Volunteer Guides
Photo: Brewing Town of Settaya: Sightseeing Tour with Volunteer Guides

Brewing Town of Settaya: Sightseeing Tour with Volunteer Guides

Nagaoka City's Settaya district is a “brewing town” where miso, soy sauce, and sake breweries are concentrated. Please enjoy a town tour with a volunteer sightseeing guide (fee required).

Access
10 min. walk from Miyauchi Station
Photo: National Treasure - Flame-shaped earthenware (deep vessels with flame-like rims)
National Treasure - Flame-shaped earthenware (deep vessels with flame-like rims)
Photo: National Treasure - Flame-shaped earthenware (deep vessels with flame-like rims)

National Treasure - Flame-shaped earthenware (deep vessels with flame-like rims)

Flame-shaped earthenware excavated at the Sasayama Ruins can be viewed at the Tokamachi City Museum.

Access
About a 10 minute walk from Tōkamachi Station (West Exit)
Photo: Michi-no-Eki Cross-ten Tokamachi
Michi-no-Eki Cross-ten Tokamachi
Photo: Michi-no-Eki Cross-ten Tokamachi

Michi-no-Eki Cross-ten Tokamachi

The most notable feature of the souvenir shop is the Guinness Book of Records-registered “happiness-bringing umbrella with hanging dolls,” which boasts the largest number of these dolls in the world. You can see them anytime during the opening hours of the Souvenir Museum.

Access
About a 10 minute walk from Tōkamachi Station (East Exit)
Photo: Chijimi no Sato onsen
Chijimi no Sato onsen
Photo: Chijimi no Sato onsen

Chijimi no Sato onsen

Enjoy the specialty, hegisoba (buckwheat noodles). A day-trip hot spring facility where you can stop by at your leisure.

Access
About a 20 minute walk from Ojiya Station
Photo: Roadside Station Minamiuonuma Imaizumi Memorial Hall Station
Roadside Station Minamiuonuma Imaizumi Memorial Hall Station
Photo: Roadside Station Minamiuonuma Imaizumi Memorial Hall Station

Roadside Station Minamiuonuma Imaizumi Memorial Hall Station

The permanent exhibition, “The World of Shiko Munakata,” displays over 40 works at any one time, including his masterpiece, “the two bodhisattvas and ten great disciples.

Access

From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the train bound for Muikamachi and get off at Museum-mae (about 15 minutes). 3 minute walk from Museum-mae bus stop.
Photo: Saifukuji Temple Kaisando-Hall
Saifukuji Temple Kaisando-Hall
Photo: Saifukuji Temple Kaisando-Hall

Saifukuji Temple Kaisando-Hall

This is a representative work by Ishikawa Uncho, a master carver. The carvings on the ceiling of the hall are breathtaking.

Access
A 10 minute drive from Urasa Station
Photo: Echigo-Yuzawa Station CoCoLo Yuzawa, Gangi-dori
Echigo-Yuzawa Station CoCoLo Yuzawa, Gangi-dori
Photo: Echigo-Yuzawa Station CoCoLo Yuzawa, Gangi-dori

Echigo-Yuzawa Station CoCoLo Yuzawa, Gangi-dori

Enjoy the taste of Niigata (sake, food, bath) at CoCoLo Yuzawa/Gangi-dori, which is equipped with Niigata's specialties, souvenirs, gifts, fresh foods, cafes, restaurants, etc.

Photo: Yuzawa Kogen Alp no Sato
Yuzawa Kogen Alp no Sato
Photo: Yuzawa Kogen Alp no Sato

Yuzawa Kogen Alp no Sato

With a total length of 1,300 meters, this 166-seat ropeway, one of the world's largest, allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of nature while walking in the air. At the summit, approximately 1,000 species of alpine plants are in bloom, and there are also restaurants, bobsledding and other fun activities.

Access
About a 10 minute walk from the west exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the ropeway stop
Photo: Mitsuke English Garden
Mitsuke English Garden
Photo: Mitsuke English Garden

Mitsuke English Garden

This is an authentic English garden designed and supervised by British horticulturalist Kay Yamada.
Flowering season:
April to May: Tulips, pansies, hyacinths, delphiniums, etc.
June: The most beautiful season of the year. Enjoy the garden full of old roses and flowers.
July: Annabelle (Western hydrangea), lilies, echinacea.
August - September: Common hibiscus, Japanese anemone

Access

Take a 6 minute community bus ride from Mitsuke Station and get off at Chubu Sangyo Danchi Chuo. About a 5 minute walk
Photo: Echigo Sake Museum - Ponshukan Niigata
Echigo Sake Museum - Ponshukan Niigata
Photo: Echigo Sake Museum - Ponshukan Niigata

Echigo Sake Museum - Ponshukan Niigata

Ponshukan Niigata is a sake and rice store in Niigata, featuring a wide selection of local specialties. At the sake tasting museum “Saké Tasting Room”, almost all of the Echigo's sake breweries are represented. For 500 yen, you can taste up to five different sake breweries.

Access
Niigata Station CoCoLo West Bldg. 3F

Train Details

The Koshino Shu*Kura was built around the concept of sake as Niigata Prefecture is the king of locally brewed sakes.
The name “Koshino Shu*Kura” was inspired by the image of Echigo's sake breweries and rich nature. (Koshino = Echigo, Shu = sake, Kura = brewery, * = rice, snow, flowers).
In addition to offering snacks made with local ingredients, a sake tasting corner will be set up where guests can enjoy five different brands of carefully selected local sake from Niigata Prefecture at any given time. With large windows right before your eyes, gaze out at the scenery as it flows past.

Car interior

Raku Raku box seats

Car no. 1 [On sale with travel packages]

Sit with family members and friends around a table, enjoying sake and a meal.

Observation pair seats

Car no. 1 [On sale with travel packages]

Enjoy your trip with a view of the flowing scenery.

Event venue

Car no. 2

The Kuramori is a service counter with plenty of local sake, snacks and other fine products available.
A commemorative stamp is also available on Car no. 2 to commemorate your ride.
Please use it as a reminder of your trip.

Reclining Seats

Car no. 3 [Available with ticket (basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket)]

With a large seating area, these seats are perfect for relaxing.

Open area

Car No. 3

Open space (sofa seats for 8 passengers) is available for passengers to relax freely.

Car layout

  • *The direction changes at Nagaoka (except for the Ryuto Shu*Kura).

Make the most of your train ride

In addition to snacks and other items made with local ingredients, a sake tasting corner has been set up, offering five different brands of carefully selected Niigata Prefecture sake to enjoy at any given time. With large windows right before your eyes, gaze out at the scenery as it flows past.
In addition, travel packages exclusively for “Koshino Shu*Kura” will be available for passengers to enjoy an original menu of Niigata's “Sake and Food”.

Course options

Courses starting from April

Courses from October

After boarding the train, a Kuramori staff member will ask you at your seat if you would like to choose the “basic course” or the “soft drink course.”
The menu is subject to change due to availability.

Courses starting from April

Courses from October

Basic Course

Courses starting from April

(Image)

Koshino Shu*Kura's Specialties
  • Sake tasting ticket

    To receive your sake tasting ticket, please present your digital boarding pass at the Kuramori service counter in car 2 and exchange it for a glass of sake of your choice or a designated product at the sake tasting corner.
  • Koshino Shu*Kura Original Daiginjo-sake

    This is a sake only available on board in collaboration with Kiminoi Shuzou.
    This daiginjo-shu brings out the best of “Koshitanrei,” Niigata's famous rice suitable for sake brewing.
  • Choko (cup) and Kinchaku (purse)

    A sake cup with the Koshino Shu*Kura logo and an original Kinchaku (purse).
    Please use them when enjoying sake on your travels or at home.
Summer Menu (July to September)
  • Outbound

    2024 Summer Menu (July to September) Outbound

  • Inbound

    2024 Summer Menu (July to September) Return

Autumn Menu (October-November)
  • Outbound

    Autumn Menu (October to November) Outbound
  • Inbound

    Autumn Menu (October to November) Return Trip
  • *The menu is subject to change depending on the availability of ingredients.

Hospitality

Locally brewed sake is offered

Cars no. 1 and 3

Local sake will be served to passengers. (Free tasting)

  • *Cannot be offered to those under the age of 20.

Sake tasting
corner

Car no. 2

A sake tasting corner is set up at the service counter “Kuramori” with carefully selected local sake from Niigata Prefecture. Five different brands are always available. (For a fee)

*The brands of sake to be tasted will be changed periodically.

Kuramori (Service Counter) details

Example of sales menu
Alcohol and soft drinks


Draft beer,
Yukimuro coffee,
drinking comparison set: 3 cups of sake (one of them is aged sake) with snacks, 1 Koshino Shu*Kura sake cup in a paulownia box

Dessert

- Snow Room- Yukimuro gelato

*Other seasonal snacks, bento boxes, and souvenirs are also available.
*Menus may be subject to change.
*Onboard sales are available only at the “Kuramori (service counter).”

Koshino Shu*Kura Original Daiginjo-sake
This is a sake only available on board in collaboration with Kiminoi Shuzou.

The brewery has changed its brewing method to Yamahai, a more time-consuming and labor-intensive method than normal sake brewing, based on Niigata's own sake rice, “Koshitanrei”. This method of sake brewing nurtures the natural lactic acid bacteria that live in the brewery and is more in tune with Niigata's climate. It is characterized by a smooth, gentle and deep flavor, as well as a lightness reminiscent of melted snow. It is a sake with a refreshing finish that will leave you wanting more.
(1,000 yen per 180 ml bottle)


Sake Community “Niigata Bijou” for women who enjoy Sake Bijo

We support the “Koshino Shu*Kura” train, on which you can enjoy the pride of Niigata, the Japanese king of sake!

“Niigata Bijou” is a community for women who enjoy sake, as well as for women who are interested in sake but have never had much contact with it, to “enjoy” sake in a casual way. Their help in developing the menu is much appreciated.

How to Board

 How to purchase 
Travel Packages

Koshino Shu*Kura has a car (no. 3) that can be boarded with a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket, and a car (no. 1) that is exclusively to those who have purchase a travel package.

Meal plan (Car no. 1)

Meals and other services are available in the travel packages (Car no. 1).

Sold on the “Joyful Trains Reservation Site.” (Cannot be purchased through the JR-EAST Train Reservation system)
■■Easy Online Reservations■■
Joyful Trains Reservation Site (Japanese only)

※We do not handle at JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi)
*Some boarding dates listed in the service calendar may not have travel packages set, or may not be available for reservation on the Joyful Trains Reservation Site because they are sold by another travel agency.


About reserved seat tickets in Car no. 3

Basic fare ticket + Reserved seat ticket (Car no. 3)

To use Koshino Shu*Kura, you will need seat ticket in addition to a boarding ticket.

(If you are using a JR EAST rail pass such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR EAST PASS within the free area, you can reserve reserved seat without paying an additional fee. Please reserve reserved seat (free of charge) at the ticket office.)

Seat reservations are available from 10:00 one month before the departure date at the ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or reserved seat ticket vending machine of key stations, or from the JR-East Train Reservation website. (*Reserved seat ticket vending machines open at 10:10 a.m.)

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