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, which takes about 2 hours. Then transfer to a limited express train to Tsuruoka or Sakata, which takes another 2 hours. The full trip takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and costs about 14,000 yen. It's fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. Trains run roughly every two hours.
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By bus
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From Tokyo, you can take an overnight bus to Tsuruoka or Sakata. The ride takes about 8 hours and costs between 7800 and 9300 yen, depending on the day. Book online via Willer or Japan Bus Online.
Book here →
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By plane
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From Tokyo, fly with ANA from Haneda to Shonai Airport. The flight takes 1 hour. Discount fares are usually 14,000–18,000 yen. Buses run to Tsuruoka (30 min) and Sakata (35 min).
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From Osaka to Sakata
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By train
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From Osaka, take the Hikari Shinkansen to Tokyo (2.5 hours), then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata (2 hours). From Niigata, a limited express train takes you to Tsuruoka or Sakata in about 2 hours. The full trip takes 7 to 8 hours and costs around 25,000 yen. It’s fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you avoid Nozomi trains. Trains run about every 2 hours.
From Kyoto to Sakata
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By train
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From Kyoto, take the Hikari Shinkansen to Tokyo (2.5 hours), then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata (2 hours). From there, a limited express train takes you to Tsuruoka or Sakata in about 2 more hours. The whole trip takes 7 to 8 hours and costs around 24,000 yen. It’s fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you don’t use Nozomi trains. Trains run about every two hours.
From Dewa Sanzan to Sakata
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By train
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From Dewa Sanzan, take a bus to Tsuruoka Station. From there, trains run to Sakata every 1–2 hours. The local train takes 30 minutes and costs 510 yen. A faster limited express costs about 1030 yen. Both are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass.