Racing from the snowy country all the way to the Sea of Japan, the name “KAIRI” comes from that very image.
Starting from Niigata, the endless white snowy landscape outside the window is gradually replaced by the magnificent deep blue of the Sea of Japan. That’s a unique charm of riding it in winter.
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Sightseeing Train KAIRI
A sightseeing train where you can enjoy the gourmet delights and spectacular scenery of Niigata and Shonai.
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The sightseeing train KAIRI, operated by JR East, runs between Niigata Station and Sakata Station in Yamagata Prefecture. Its name combines the words for “sea” and “land,” representing the rich natural scenery and food culture of Niigata and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture.
The train consists of four cars: Car 1 has reclining seats, Car 2 has compartment seats, Car 3 has a shop and event space, and Car 4 is a dining car. In Car 4, meal-included travel packages featuring ingredients from Niigata and Shonai are available, letting passengers enjoy their meal while taking in spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. The shop in Car 3 also sells KAIRI original goods, drinks, and snacks.
The train mainly operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, and advance reservations are required to board. The fare for the one-way Niigata to Sakata section with meals and drinks included ranges from 11,700 to 18,200 yen. Prices vary depending on the section, operating period, and meal plan, and some dates offer a light course with snacks only.
Highlights
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A sightseeing train where you can enjoy the food culture of Niigata and Shonai.
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Take in spectacular views of the Sea of Japan from the train window.
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Runs mainly on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, with advance reservations required.
Photos
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A dining car where you can enjoy meals and drinks Photo: Provided by JR East Niigata Branch Office
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An example of the spring meal menu offered (April 4–May 31) Photo: Provided by JR East Niigata Branch Office
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An example of the summer meal menu offered (August 1–31) Photo: Provided by JR East Niigata Branch Office
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Spectacular views of the sea and countryside spread out beyond the train window Photo: Provided by JR East Niigata Branch Office
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do I need a reservation to board?
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Yes, you do.
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Do I need identification such as a passport to make a purchase?
A
No, you do not.
Q
How can I purchase a meal-included travel package?
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Online reservations only, and payment is by credit card only.
A video explains how to make a purchase.
Q
What is the purchase deadline for meal-included travel packages?
A
You can purchase one up to 4 days before your boarding date.
Q
Can I ride it with a Japan Rail Pass?
A
You can ride in the reserved ordinary seats in Cars 1 and 2 if you have a seat reservation. Car 4, which is for meal-included travel packages, is not available with the pass.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 海里
- Operating Days
- Mainly operates on Fridays to Sundays and national holidays
- Hours
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Outbound: departs Niigata at 10:11am, inbound: departs Sakata at 3:04pm
※Varies depending on the operating day - Admission
- Niigata–Sakata section (one way): 11,700–18,200 yen
- Access
- Outbound: JR Niigata Station, inbound: JR Sakata Station
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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