Itinerary
The Sake, Sea & Slurp Express
9 days · 16 stops · ¥150,000–¥220,000
Mon, Oct 5 – Tue, Oct 13
Nine days tracing Niigata's legendary sake, Toyama's freshest seafood, and Fukuoka's ramen soul — all by train, all off the main tourist track.
Days
Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery
Niigata
Schedule
Day 01 of 09Land at KIJ · Mon, Oct 5 · from JFK · 1 traveler
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Niigata · 5 nights
Mon, Oct 5 → Sat, Oct 10 · 1 guest
14:00
EXPLORE
今代司酒造
Stay ~1h 15m
Niigata Station
Start your Niigata sake education with a guided tasting at this historic downtown brewery — rice, water, and craft.
~32 min by train
15:47
EXPLORE
北方文化博物館
Stay ~1h 30m
Ogikawa Station (JR Shin'etsu Main Line), via YOKO-BUS shuttle
Explore a Meiji-era landowner's sprawling mansion with gardens — a quiet window into Niigata's rice-baron wealth.
~33 min by train
18:00
EXPLORE
津南食堂
Stay ~1h
Niigata Station
A cozy local spot near the station serving Niigata's famous rice alongside seasonal small plates — pure comfort.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Niigata City & Yahiko · Days 1–5
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Sado Island · Day 6
Small island — explore on foot, by bicycle or local taxi (ferry across).
Toyama & Tateyama → Takayama & Shirakawa-go · Days 7–8
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Sado Island · Day 9
Small island — explore on foot, by bicycle or local taxi (ferry across).
Rental 1: Niigata City & Yahiko · Days 1–5
Rental 2: Toyama & Tateyama · Days 7–8
Separate rentals — you fly (or ferry) between these regions, so return each car before you leave it.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 09
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥15,500–¥27,000 / person / day
¥140,000–¥245,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 15 travel legs and 8 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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