Racing Along the Sea of Japan! Limited Express Trains of Eastern Japan
Limited express trains running along the Sea of Japan side of Eastern Japan offer beautiful mountain and sea views, history and culture rooted in the region, and a relaxed flow of time.
In this article, we will introduce a journey to explore the charms along the tracks by riding the three currently operating limited express trains—Shirayuki, Inaho, and Tsugaru—.
Limited Express Shirayuki: White Wings Connecting the Echigo Plain and Joetsu Towns
(Operating section: Arai/Joetsu-Myoko to Niigata)
The Limited Express Shirayuki connects Joetsu-Myoko Station to Niigata Station and is a successor to the lineage of limited express trains like the 'Hokuetsu' that once ran on the Hokuriku and Shin'etsu Main Lines. You can enjoy the scenery woven by the sea and mountains of Echigo as you run through the rural landscapes of the Niigata Plain.
In Nagaoka and Kashiwazaki, where the train stops along the way, you can experience fireworks, sake, and traditional festivals. The Nagaoka Fireworks are especially famous nationwide and well worth a visit. Joetsu-Myoko offers convenient access from Tokyo as it connects to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Recommended stopover spots:
Nagaoka: Nagaoka Fireworks Museum and brewery tours in the town of brewing.
Kashiwazaki: The sunset sinking into the Sea of Japan and the spectacular coastline.
Limited Express Inaho: A Spectacular Train Running Along the Coastline
(Operating section: Niigata to Sakata/Akita)
The Limited Express 'Inaho,' which heads from Niigata to the Shonai region and then to Akita, is truly a train where you can fully enjoy the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. Especially between Murakami and Tsuruoka, you can see the Sea of Japan coastline up close from the train window, and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Sado Island.
The E653 series is used for the train, featuring large windows and a colorful body that expresses different colors depending on the season. At Sakata Station and Tsuruoka Station along the way, you can experience the food culture, hot springs, and historic townscapes of the Shonai region.
Recommended stopover spots:
Murakami: Famous as a town of salmon culture. The 'Salmon Sake-bitashi' in town and the merchant house cafes are worth seeing.
Tsuruoka: The gateway to visiting the Three Mountains of Dewa, with good access to Yunohama Onsen.
Sakata: History and port town culture, such as the Sankyo Soko Storehouses and the Former Honma Family Residence, are highlights.
Limited Express Tsugaru: A Northern Rapid Express Connecting the Tsugaru Plain and the Sea of Japan
(Operating section: Akita to Aomori)
The Limited Express 'Tsugaru,' which connects Akita to Aomori, crosses the Tsugaru Plain and is a train where you can enjoy both inland and sea scenery. It is a route full of the charms of southern Aomori Prefecture, such as Seibien Garden, Hirosaki Castle, and the Tachineputa Museum.
It is also characterized by the clear changes of the four seasons visible from the train window, such as snow-covered landscapes in winter, cherry blossom-lined streets in spring, and apple orchards in autumn. Since it passes through cities like Hirosaki and Goshogawara, it is also a convenient train to use as a base for sightseeing.
Recommended stopover spots:
Hirosaki: Hirosaki Castle, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and castle town cuisine
Goshogawara: The massive floats of the Tachineputa Festival are truly impressive!
Conclusion: Enjoying the beauty of the scenery and the romance of travel on a coastal railway journey
The Sea of Japan side of Tohoku is quieter than the Pacific side, offering landscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The Shirayuki, Inaho, and Tsugaru limited express trains connect different cultures and natural wonders, making them
trains filled with the romance of travel.
For your next trip, be sure to ride these trains and experience the charm of the Sea of Japan coast, which could be called the "backside" of Tohoku. It would be a waste to just pass through; a journey worth taking awaits you here.