With the summer holidays now drawing to a close, our attention turns to the coming autumn. Though days are still hot, the worst of the humidity has now gone and the evenings are cool and comfortable. The first hint of autumn is in the air and with that, it’s a great time to start planning your autumn getaways to Central Japan.
Running from Tokyo to Niigata, the Joetsu Shinkansen is Central Japan’s third line on Japan’s high-speed shinkansen network. Stopping at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, the line provides easy access to Yuzawa and Niigata – the north-eastern region of Central Japan – including many fantastic destinations and activities around Yuzawa.
Our ‘Joetsu Shinkansen’ page provides information about the line and the services that run on it including the daily Joetsu timetable.
For international visitors both the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass and JR East Pass can be used to ride services on this line.
Our ‘15 Things To Do In & Around Yuzawa’ page introduces the area and some of the activities and attractions waiting to be discovered.
Nestled at the eastern end of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and high mountain peaks of Niigata, Yuzawa is a great place to enjoy some of Central Japan’s best autumn leaves using ropeways at Yuzawa, Naeba, Tanigawa and Hakkai to ascend into a sea of red, yellow, amber and brown.
Since last week, from August 20th onward, many shinkansen tickets are being discounted by 50% – an offer which also applies to the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Tokaido Shinkansen lines, and is expected to run until at least the end of March 2021. To take advantage of this offer, you simply need to register through Japan Rail East’s website and follow the directions to book and collect your tickets.
So time to get planning! For our friends overseas, discounted shinkansen tickets are expected to continue until next year. While the borders remained closed at this time, we hope that you will also be able to take advantage of the discounted travel and return to Japan as soon as possible.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.
Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination.
Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
