Japan Station

Japan Transportation Guide

  • Home
  • Shinkansen network
  • Destinations
  • Maps
  • News
  • Japan Rail Pass Value Calculator

Sightseeing Train “Setsugekka” to Make a Special Run on JR Oito Line

October 19, 2017

In a special collaboration between Echigo Tokimeki Railway and JR West the sightseeing train “Echigo Tokimeki Resort Setsugetsuka” will make a special run on the JR Oito Line on November 12th 2017. This is to mark the 60th anniversary of the complete JR Oito Line’s opening in 1957.

The Setsugekka Sightseeing Train

The Setsugekka Sightseeing Train

The Setsugekka is an award-winning sightseeing train which was launched by Echigo Tokimeki Railway in 2016. The name of the train means “Snow, Moon, Flowers” and is a romantic reference to the three traditional sources of inspiration for Japanese artists and poets. Consisting of just two carriages with 45 seats, the Setsugekka has the largest windows on any train in Japan, and travels at a leisurely pace through the Niigata countryside so that passengers can fully enjoy the passing scenery.

There is a panoramic observation deck at the front of the train

There is a panoramic observation deck at the front of the train

Decked out with local birch, beech, and cedar wood the first carriage is an observation lounge, while the second carriage holds a French restaurant, café and bar.

The observation lounge

The observation lounge

The dining car

The dining car

Soft drinks, beer, wine and regional sake are available from the bar

Soft drinks, beer, wine and regional sake are available from the bar

The train has won several design awards in Japan and in June of this year won a Public Space Design Award from the SBID International Design Awards which cited the train for setting “the pace for regional design innovation.”

A beautiful train in a beautiful setting. The body of the train is colored vermilion to offer a warm contrast with the surrounding natural scenery

A beautiful train in a beautiful setting. The body of the train is colored vermilion to offer a warm contrast with the surrounding natural scenery

The Setsugekka’s usual route is between Itoigawa Station and Joetsu Myoko Station on lines operated exclusively by Echigo Tokimeki Railway. However, on November 12th the train will run between Itoigawa Station and Minami-Otari Station on the northern part of the JR Oito Line which is run by JR West. The special course schedule is as follows:

10.30: The Setsugekka departs from Itoigawa Station
11.40: The train arrives at Minami-Otari Station

12.33: The Setsugekka departs from Minami-Otari Station
13.40: The train arrives at Itoigawa Station

Passengers will also receive memorabilia of the event and some special products of the locality.

The Setsugekka’s normal route passes between mountains and the sea offering stunning views to the passengers on board

The Setsugekka’s normal route passes between mountains and the sea offering stunning views to the passengers on board

The award winning design plans from Japanese design company ICHIBANSEN

The award winning design plans from Japanese design company ICHIBANSEN

To learn more about the Setsugekka, please visit the official website (Japanese language only).

Article Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.

Questions? Ask on our forum

Japan Station NavigationJapan Station Navigation
Station Navigation
  • Shinkansen high-speed trains
  • The Japan Rail Pass
  • Japan Rail Pass Value Calculator
  • Destinations
  • Narita Express
  • IC Prepaid Transport Cards
  • Air Travel in Japan
  • Guide to Rail Travel in Japan
Guide to Rail Travel in Japan by JapanStation.com

Japan Hotel
Deals of the Day

Loading search box ...
Japan Station Hotel

Book Online

  •   Flights to Japan
  •   Hotels in Japan
  •   Car Rental
  •   Tours & Activities in Japan
  •   Sapporo Station
  •   Shinjuku Station
  •   Kyoto Station
  •   Kanazawa Station
  •   Osaka Station
  •   Hakata Station
  •   Asakusa Station
  •   Shinagawa Station
  •   Shibuya Station
  •   Nara Station
  •   Nagoya Station

Japan Station on Facebook

Japan Station on Facebook

Japan Station on Instagram

Instagram post 2195447165497490579_2035422929 Take a Ride on Kyushu’s Only Steam Train: the SL Hitoyoshi.
.
.
.
Photo by shikiphoto/pixta 
#kyushu #japan #japanstation #steamtrain #train #train_nerds #visitjapan #jrkyushu #railroad #railways_of_our_world #japantravel
Instagram post 2150230466016126856_2035422929 The latest Alfa-X Shinkansen train prototype currently in testing.
.
.
.
Photo by Contrail/pixta
#japan #shinkansen #train #trainspotting #train_nerds #railway #railways_of_our_world #japantravel #visitjapan #japanstation
Instagram post 2146128087419254134_2035422929 This "Nora, Princess, & Stray Cat” manga train runs (occasionally) between Kinugawa-Onsen Station and Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. It has three types of seating inside: one carriage with reclining seats, a tatami matted carriage, and an open carriage so you can enjoy cool breezes as you travel. Photo by @deepkyoto
Instagram post 2119286824107946443_2035422929 Tobu Railway’s Revaty Kegon express train bound for Asakusa and JR Nikko express train bound for Shinjuku at Tobu Nikko station.
Instagram post 2108437449735513400_2035422929 Kintetsu Shimakaze Premium Express dining car and deluxe seats. Shimakaze Express runs on Kintetsu Railway’s network between Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Ise-Shima.
Instagram post 2104166170778049189_2035422929 The monorail at Ueno Zoo has been running since 1957 and was the first monorail in Japan. It links the eastern and western parts of the zoo.

About Us

  • Japan Station on Facebook
  • Japan Station on Twitter
  • Japan Station on Instagram
  • Japan Station on Pinterest
  • Japan Station Forum

Copyright © 2019 · Japan Station. Netmobius publication. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact