Itinerary
The Sake & Sea Route: Niigata to Kanazawa by Rail
9 days · 19 stops · ¥180,000–¥280,000
Mon, Oct 5 – Tue, Oct 13
A 9-day train journey from Tokyo into Niigata's sake heartland, then westward to the Sea of Japan coast for seafood, and finishing in Kanazawa for ramen and culture.
Days
CC BY-SA 3.0
Ginza District
Tokyo
Schedule
Day 01 of 09🛬
Arrive 14:00 · first activity from 16:30
2.5h customs + airport transit buffer
Land at HND · Mon, Oct 5 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Stay
Tokyo · 2 nights
Mon, Oct 5 → Wed, Oct 7 · 2 guests
16:30
EXPLORE
銀座
Stay ~1h 30m
Yūrakuchō Station
Ginza is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district known for its upscale boutiques, department stores, and fine dining. The area is also famous for its modern architecture and art galleries, making it a cultural hub in Tokyo.
~4 min on foot
18:04
EXPLORE
歌舞伎座
Stay ~1h 30m
Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/Toei Asakusa Line)
Kabuki-za is Tokyo's principal theater dedicated to kabuki, the classical Japanese dance-drama art form, standing on Harumi-dori in Ginza, Chuo City since 1889. The current building (5th iteration, completed 2013) was designed by Kengo Kuma with Mitsubishi Jisho Design, preserving the momoyama-style facade of the pre-war structure while adding a 29-story office tower behind it. It remains Japan's flagship kabuki venue, seating up to 1,964 people.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Tokyo central · Days 1–2
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Niigata City & Yahiko · Days 3–4
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Kanazawa & Noto · Days 5–9
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
01 / 09
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥12,000–¥20,500 / person / day
¥215,000–¥365,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥9,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 18 travel legs and 8 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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