The most beautiful red glass house between mountains and sea | Japan’s must-ride “Setsugekka Sightseeing Train”

The “Setsugekka Sightseeing Train” has been in operation since April 2016 and is a sightseeing train with Japan’s largest panoramic windows. It runs regularly between Echigo-Yuzawa Station and Joetsu-Myoko Station, with a journey time of about 2.5 hours.

The entire train consists of two cars, each with a different interior design. The first car features a free observation deck area, equipped with red sofas and earth-toned seats, allowing travelers to comfortably sit and enjoy the scenery along the way. To give passengers the best possible view, even the driver’s cab is made of transparent glass, allowing the landscape to extend throughout the entire car, immersing people in the beauty of the scenery.

▲The first car offers independent seating with sofa chairs facing the windows.

▲The scenic seating area in the first car.

In addition, the seating area in the first car consists of bar-style single seats and sofa seats all facing the windows. For just 6,000 yen (excluding meals), you can ride the Setsugekka train and enjoy the mountain and sea views of Niigata.

▲The bar area in the second car.

▲Locally produced Niigata sake.

Passing through the corridor, the second car is equipped with a bar area and a face-to-face seating area. The bar offers a variety of locally produced Niigata sake, drinks, and meals made with local ingredients. Passengers can directly order food from the staff, and it will be served directly to their table.

▲All seats in the second car are face-to-face.

▲The three-tier wooden bento box contains dishes made entirely with Niigata ingredients.

▲The second car.

▲The double seating area in the second car.

Unlike the first car, the face-to-face seating area in the second car is designed with an elegant atmosphere in mind, allowing ladies to enjoy a specially prepared three-tier wooden bento meal while taking in the ever-changing scenery outside the window, sipping alcoholic beverages. At the bottom of the car, there is also a premium observation deck area. For an additional 15,000 yen, you can secure the front-row scenic seat in the Setsugekka car, enjoying the beautiful scenery up close.

※Minors should not drink alcohol. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

▲%The three-tier bento box and desserts in the second car all use ingredients produced in Niigata Prefecture.% (strong)

▲Best friends can also come here to clink glasses and enjoy the fun of a railway trip.

To help passengers understand the scenery along the Setsugekka route and experience the historical and cultural charm of the past, there will be special commentary by the train driver on board (currently only available in Japanese). You can also experience a “train reversing” moment, and some smaller stations will stop for 10–15 minutes, allowing passengers to get off and stroll around to enjoy the views at each station. One of the most popular stops is at Echigo-Tsumari Station, which still preserves the nostalgic scene of street vendors selling bentos. The Tobiuo (flying fish) bento is a highly recommended local specialty. As soon as you get off the train, it’s quickly snapped up by seasoned travelers, so if you want to buy one, you’ll need to be quick!

▲One of the highlights of Echigo-Tsumari Station is the street vendor bento sales.

Currently, the Setsugekka Sightseeing Train only runs on weekends and national holidays. The fare is 6,000 yen per person without meals, and 14,800 yen per person or more including meals (three-tier wooden bento box, one free drink, soup, dessert, and souvenir). Winter prices may vary. In addition, the Setsugekka Sightseeing Train operates on a fully reservation-only basis. Reservations must be made by phone, and payment in full is required before the booking is confirmed.For details, please visit the official website of Echigo Tokimeki Railway (https://www.echigo-tokimeki.co.jp/setsugekka/index.html) for more information.