Getting there
From Tokyo to Sakata
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By train
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From Tokyo, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata (2 hours), then transfer to a limited express train to Tsuruoka or Sakata (2 hours). The trip takes around 4 to 4.5 hours, costs about 14,000 yen, and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. Trains run about every two hours.
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By bus
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From Tokyo, Shonai Kotsu runs an overnight bus from Shinjuku, Tokyo, Akihabara, and Ueno stations to Tsuruoka and Sakata stations. The trip takes about 8 hours and costs between 7800 and 9300 yen, depending on the date.
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From Osaka to Sakata
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By train
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From Osaka, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo (2.5 hours), then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata (2 hours). From Niigata, take a limited express train to Tsuruoka or Sakata (2 hours). The whole trip takes around 7-8 hours and costs about 25,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass covers this if you use the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen (extra fees apply for Nozomi trains). Trains run approximately every two hours.
From Kyoto to Sakata
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By train
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From Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo (2.5 hours), then switch to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata (2 hours). From there, take a limited express train to Tsuruoka or Sakata (2 hours). The whole trip takes about 7-8 hours and costs around 24,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass covers the trip if you use the Hikari train between Kyoto and Tokyo (supplementary fees apply for Nozomi trains). Trains run about once every two hours.
From Dewa Sanzen to Sakata
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By train
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From Dewa Sanzen, the JR Uetsu Line connects Sakata and Tsuruoka every 1-2 hours. The local train takes about 30 minutes and costs 510 yen, while the limited express is faster but costs 1030 yen for an unreserved seat. Both are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. Buses to Dewa Sanzan depart from Tsuruoka Station.