Joetsu Shinkansen
上越新幹線

The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo Station with Niigata Station in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.

There are two types of train services - Toki and Tanigawa. Toki trains go from Tokyo Station through to Niigata Station, and do not stop at every station on the line. Tanigawa trains go from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station, and stop at each station on the line. If you see the word Max before Toki or Tanigawa (eg Max Toki) it means that it is a double decker train. Head for the upper floor for the best views!

See also:

>> Trains in Japan
>> Regional train line connections

Regional Travel Guides:

>> Minakami
>> Yuzawa and Minamiuonuma
　

About GALA Yuzawa Station:
A winter-only (and Shinkansen-only) station called GALA Yuzawa Stationopens when the GALA Yuzawa snow resort is open during winter - the Shinkansen station shares the same building with the GALA Yuzawa gondola taking people directly up to the slopes. GALA Yuzawa Station is just 1.8km further on from Echigo Yuzawa Station and officially on the 'GALA Yuzawa line' (limited express fee applies!), but essentially it is an extension of the Joetsu Shinkansen Tanigawa trains.

Interesting fact - the branchline was initially built for maintenance purposes but upgraded in 1990 when JR East developed the GALA Yuzawa ski resort.