Joyful Train in Autumn 2021 #2: Koshino Shu*Kura
Sake lovers, unite! Niigata Prefecture (新潟県) is well known for several things: its location that directly faces the Sea of Japan (日本海 Nihon-kai), its fresh and delicious seafood, and its famous Koshihikari (コシヒカリ) rice. And when there’s good rice, there’s also bound to be good sake (酒 rice wine). What if I tell you that there is a train that specially centres around sake as its theme, and passengers can enjoy amazing sake as well as beautiful scenery and fun jazz performances?
Koshino Shu*Kura is a Joyful Train that is specially dedicated to lovers of sake, and it traverses throughout the prefecture of Niigata. When it comes to rice in Japan, Koshihikari is often regarded as one of the finest (if not, the finest) type in the country, and with Niigata as its top producer, it comes as no surprise that the prefecture is home to amazing sake. Koshino Shu*Kura aims to highlight just that by introducing to its passengers the wonders of Niigata’s sake while onboard the train.
Routes of the Koshino Shu*Kura. (Image credit: JR Times)
Our friends Jak and Emmie ended their journey on the KAIRI on the first day of their autumn adventure around the Shinetsu Region (信越地方 Shinetsu-chihō), but their adventure on Joyful Trains wasn’t over yet. Next up, they hopped on the Koshino Shu*Kura, where they had the chance to savour the prefecture’s best sake. Let’s check out their “joyful” experience while riding the sake-themed train!
(Note: this is part two of the four-part Joyful Train in Autumn series, which explores the Joyful Trains that Jak and Emmie took during the autumn season.)
Next up: Koshino Shu*Kura
Jak and Emmie’s first look at Koshino Shu*Kura. (Image credit: Japanmase)
Their ride on the KAIRI ended at JR Atsumi-Onsen Station (JRあつみ温泉駅 Atsumi-Onsen-eki), and on the same day itself, they made their way to board their second Joyful Train of the day, the Koshino Shu*Kura. To do so, they transferred by shinkansen to JR Nagaoka Station (JR長岡駅 Nagaoka-eki).
Koshino Shu*Kura made its debut in 2014 and runs specially within Niigata Prefecture. What sets this train apart from most of the other Joyful Trains is that it has three routes in total, and its name changes according to the route:
- Ryuto Shu*Kura (柳都Shu＊Kura): JR Jōetsumyōkō Station (JR上越妙高駅 Jōetsumyōkō-eki) ↔ JR Niigata Station (JR新潟駅 Niigata-eki)
- Yuzawa Shu*Kura (ゆざわShu＊Kura): JR Jōetsumyōkō Station ↔ JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station (JR越後湯沢駅 Echigo-Yuzawa-eki)
- Koshino Shu*Kura (越乃Shu＊Kura): JR Jōetsumyōkō Station ↔ JR Tōkamachi Station (JR十日町駅 Tōkamachi-eki).
Hopping onboard the train. (Image credit: Japanmase)
At 16:13 in the afternoon, Jak and Emmie hopped on the Koshino Shu*Kura from JR Nagaoka Station, and made their way towards JR Jōetsumyōkō Station. It was also their first time riding the train, and when they looked at it, it looked like any other ordinary train to them. But little did they know that it’s anything but ordinary inside the train, which they soon realised. From the first glance, they were delighted at the deep blue hues of the train exteriors, and the large windows that are featured on all the cars. It's shown to be a positive start to another amazing experience onboard a Joyful Train for the duo!
The train is made up of three cars altogether, each with its own charms. Let’s follow them and see just what surprises were in store for them in each car.
Car 1: Delicious treats and scenic views
Rakuraku boxed seats (top left), observation seats (top right), and window seats (bottom) in Car 1. (Image credit: Japanmase)
Car 1 is the passenger car but with a twist for its seat types. There are three in total: Rakuraku (らくらく) boxed seats, window seats, and two-person observation seats that are arranged so that passengers are directly facing the windows. On top of that, the car features elegant wooden interiors and intricate upholstery design, which Jak and Emmie found to be very charming. With different types of seats available, passengers can have their preferred seating arrangement to enjoy the outdoor view.
Car 1 is also a travel package-only car, so Jak and Emmie bought their travel packages in advance before riding the train. The package includes the train fare, reserved seat, a meal, souvenirs, and some special drinks. Although Jak and Emmie had their seats courtesy of the package, the car was relatively empty, so they could have any seat of their choice. How lucky for them!
Jak and Emmie’s drinks. (Image credit: Japanmase)
The items in the package included a welcome drink—a bottle of Asahiyama Nomune (朝日山ノムネ) sparkling wine—a bottle of Koshino Shu*Kura original sake, an adorable ochoko (おちょこ sake cup) that came with a pouch, and commemorative postcards. Perhaps most importantly, for their upcoming meal, they would get an ochoko overflowing with seasonal sake!
Items included in the packages. (Image credit: Japanmase)
Jak admittedly doesn’t drink sake often, but after tasting the sake, he had to admit how delicious and refreshing it was, and had plenty more throughout his journey on the trip together with Emmie.
Delicious meal onboard (left), and their ochoko filled up to the brim with seasonal sake (right). (Image credit: Japanmase)
Of course, a memorable train ride wouldn’t be complete without some delicious food, would it? Jak and Emmie also got to enjoy a meal that not only looked great but tasted just as amazing. The meal was included in the travel package, and it was carefully prepared to perfectly complement their refreshing sake. Just like their time on the KAIRI earlier in the day, they were impressed at the meal's exquisite presentation and choice of seasonal ingredients, such as sweet potatoes and Pacific herring, which pairs perfectly with the seasonal sake. It's shown to be yet another gastronomical experience for Jak and Emmie onboard the train, and they savoured every morsel of their meal and sip of their sake.
Enjoying a lavish meal with a splendorous view. (Image credit: Japanmase)
With a delectable meal that looked like a work of art, delicious sake that the train staff was more than happy to fill up their ochoko to the brim, and a scenic outdoor view right from their train window, what more could they ask for?
Car 2: The main stage and souvenirs galore
Inside Car 2. (Image credit: Japanmase)
Car 2 is the event car, and this is where the fun is. It features an open event space where sake tasting events introducing sakes from local breweries in Niigata Prefecture, and even live jazz performances, are held. On top of that, wide windows are also featured so that passengers can enjoy the performances onboard the train and the outdoor view too.
Sake tasting event (left) and live jazz performances (right) onboard the train. (Image credit: JR East / Carissa Loh)
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, live performances on the train were not allowed so Jak and Emmie didn’t get to see them. Although the duo felt disappointed, they were still excited to be on this train and hoped that someday, they can catch some of the joyous atmosphere again in the near future when sake tasting events and live performances are resumed.
Kuramori service counter. (Image credit: Japanmase)
In the event car, the Kuramori (蔵守) service counter is at the passengers’ beck and call by showcasing passengers Niigata’s best and finest collection of sake. As the top producer of rice in Japan, Niigata is home to some of the best sake in the country, and the counter introduces over 20 selections by different breweries from various cities in the prefecture. Passengers are definitely going to be spoiled for choice at the sheer wide range of sake available!
Locally brewed sake and beers at the Kuramori service counter. (Image credit: Japanmase)
For those who enjoy a bit of everything, they can get a sampler set where they can try up to five sakes of their choice. Of course, for those like to take a break from all the irresistible sake, the counter also sells other beverages such as Yukimuro coffee, draft beer, and soft drinks.
Lunch boxes at the Kuramori counter. (Image credit: Japanmase)
There are also lunch boxes (弁当 bentō) sold at the Kuramori counter, where passengers can get a taste of some of Niigata Prefecture’s fresh seafood and delicious rice. It would make for a good complement to all the sake that Jak and Emmie got to try onboard the Koshino Shu*Kura, but sadly they were sold out. It was unfortunate for the duo, but during their time on the train, they already made up their mind that they would ride it again in the near future!
Souvenirs on display (left) and Emmie’s keychain. (Image credit: Japanmase)
It didn’t surprise Jak and Emmie that Koshino Shu*Kura also has its generous share of souvenirs on display at the Kuramori counter. Ranging from original Koshino Shu*Kura ballpens and hand towels to keychains and tumblers, there’s something for everyone onboard the train, and so why not have a memento or two to take away from an unforgettable railway adventure such as this? Jak and Emmie certainly did: both bought a pair of Koshino Shu*Kura original sake eventually, and Emmie even got herself a cute keychain that is designed after the train itself!
Koshino Shu*Kura’s stamp corner in Car 2. (Image credit: Japanmase)
If there’s one more thing that passengers onboard the Koshino Shu*Kura shouldn’t miss, it’s the train’s very own stamp inside Car 2. Jak and Emmie found it right at the end of the car, and just like the KAIRI, Koshino Shu*Kura has its own uniquely designed stamp. Collecting stamps as a memento is a tradition especially for railway enthusiasts, but it can be fun even for ordinary travellers. So the next time you get to hop onboard this train, be sure to check this corner out.
Car 3: Comfortable seats with large windows
Inside Car 3. (Image credit: Japanmase)
Car 3 is the passenger car with a regular two-by-two seat configuration, and features reclinable seats with ample leg room and a sofa at the end of the car that passengers are free to enjoy. Jak and Emmie found it very tempting to have a go at the sofa, and simply lie down especially after having all the delicious sake onboard the train. And of course, it features large windows so that passengers can fully enjoy the amazing outdoor view as the train makes its way along the Sea of Japan and Niigata Prefecture’s rural countryside. Everyone in the car is able to have an unblocked view of the wondrous outdoor scenery, which is one of the train’s major perks.
Car 3’s large windows. (Image credit: Japanmase)
What Jak and Emmie love about the car is the chic interior designs, from the classy wooden furnishings to the exquisite seat designs. Such meticulous details add to the overall travelling experience onboard the train, and they learn that that’s what make riding Joyful Trains such a “joyful” experience. Also, they noticed how Joyful Trains have large windows, so that all passengers can enjoy the outdoor view to their hearts’ content.
A station closest to the sea
Jak and Emmie had the pleasure of enjoying an amazing sea-view of the Sasagawa Nagare while onboard the KAIRI earlier in the day, but guess what? They were in for another surprise, as Koshino Shu*Kura also travels along Niigata’s coastline which directly faces the Sea of Japan, and they would get another chance at enjoying a view of sea up-close again. Jak and Emmie learned that their train made short stops at several railway stations, and passengers can get off and take a short break. After an evening of wonderful sake, getting off the train and having the cool night breeze blowing in their faces felt refreshing.
Koshino Shu*Kura making a stop at JR Ōmigawa Station. (Image credit: Japanmase)
En route to Jōetsumyōkō Station, the train will make a short stop at JR Ōmigawa Station (JR青海川駅 Ōmigawa-eki), where Jak and Emmie got off and had a full panoramic view of the Sea of Japan before their very eyes. When they reached the other side of the station platform, they were treated to an amazing view of the Sea of Japan, with the sky painted in purple and orange hues. They also learned that JR Ōmigawa Station is the railway station that is the closest to the sea among all other stations in Japan. Passengers on the Koshino Shu*Kura can get off the train for a while and be literally a stone’s away from the sea, so it was only natural that the duo saw almost everyone snapping photos away at the marvellous scenery.
Panoramic view of the Sea of Japan from JR Ōmigawa Station. (Image credit: Japanmase)
One interesting thing to note is that, depending on the time of the year, passengers may be able to catch the sunset in the far horizon at this station too. Jak and Emmie were travelling in autumn when the daylight hours are shorter compared to summer, and arrived at the station at 17:11 in the evening. By then, the sun had already set, but they still got an amazing view of the sea while exploring the train station.
Jazz musicians performing at JR Ōmigawa Station. (Image credit: JR East / Carissa Loh)
Before the coronavirus pandemic, the musicians onboard the train would get off the train and perform right on the platform of JR Ōmigawa Station. It’s a treat for all the passengers of Koshino Shu*Kura, and they can enjoy the jazzy tunes with the spectacular sea-view in the background. It’s a memorable event that all passengers would glad to be part of, and a cherished memory that they can take away with them.
Koshino Shu*Kura logo on the platform floor. (Image credit: Japanmase)
At 18:38 in the evening, Jak and Emmie arrived at Jōetsumyōkō Station at last, and reached the end of their second Joyful Train ride for the day. After a full evening of tasting the best of Niigata’s wide selection of sake, and marvellous outdoor scenery that included a view of the Sea of Japan and the prefecture’s idyllic countryside, they had finally come to the end of their railway adventure for the day. After hopping off Koshino Shu*Kura, the duo was confident that they will ride the other two trains Ryuto Shu*Kura and Yuzawa Shu*Kura in the near future. They were impressed by the sheer variety of sake available on the train, such as the NIIGATA SHUPOPPO, and they think that travellers who especially love sake should not miss this train.
Closing
Jak and Emmie have experienced for themselves the sheer fun and excitement of riding Joyful Trains, where they can not only explore different parts of eastern Japan, but also learn that the joys of travelling by rail can be part of the journey itself. They still have two more Joyful Trains left in their trip; and they were already prepared to look forward to the next one in the coming days.
Stick around for the next article, where they will be riding the HIGH RAIL 1375, a Joyful Train that has the honour of running closest to the sky!
(Tip: if you want to ride the Koshino Shu*Kura, you can do so for free with the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)!)
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) and where you can use it. (Image credit: JR East)
If you are planning to ride the Koshino Shu*Kura or explore the Shinetsu Region, check out the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains and Joyful Trains like the KAIRI) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥18,000, it costs less than a round-trip between Tokyo and Jōetsumyōkō (~¥19,000), and it also covers the entire route for Koshino Shu*Kura, Ryuto Shu*Kura, and Yuzawa Shu*Kura. The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass.
Take note that a travel package is required to ride in Car 1. Passengers can purchase it at JR East Travel Service Centers at major train stations like Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Shinjuku Station and more.
Header image credit: Japanmase
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