Generally we consider trains to merely be a method of reaching Point B from Point A. But there are a fe exceptions, like the Shu*Kura, it’s about the journey.

The She*Kira train operates along few routes within Niigata Prefecture in northwestern Japan. Niigata is a place known for its rice, water, and snow. The prefecture has even come to be known as “snow country” for the deep drifts and mountain caps that form during the winter. However, come spring the prefecture becomes a verdant with bright green hills and paddies that cover the countryside.

It’s through this scenery that this unique sightseeing train runs, passing through rural villages and farms while it winds along the Hida and Echigo mountain ranges and the Sea of Japan.

Niigata is famous for rice and water, two key ingredients in making sake, or nihonshu. Shu*Kura actually means “sake brewery”, and the train showcases some Niigata’s best sakes. Passengers are encouraged to taste these local flavors while gazing out at the prefecture’s scenery, and the rice used to make their drinks.

The train is only 3 cars in length. The first car features rotating and reclining seats along with picture windows and a small event space. The middle car operates a s bar. It’s decorated with dark wood and sake barrel tables. Attendants in the middle car are available to explain the characteristics of each sake. The third car also offers seating and scenery watching with pair and quad seats.

Passengers can by whole bottles to drink, share, or take home, and it’s also possible sample a tasting at 300 yen per glass.

Enjoying a sake buzz while taking in the breathtaking scenery is reason enough to buy a ticket, but passengers can also enjoy live jazz performances and other events during the trip.

The Shu*Kura runs between Joetsu Myoko and either Tōkamachi (this route is the Koshino Shu*Kura), Echigo Yuzawa (named the Yuzawa Shu*Kura), or Niigata city (the Ryuto Shu*Kura). The train operates on weekends from spring to autumn, and makes one round-trip ride per day, with routes rotating weekly. The one-way journey takes about three hours.