How to get there

From the Tokyo area: The Joetsu Shinkansen runs frequently between Tokyo and Niigata, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Naoetsu can be reached via the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo, with a transfer at Joetsu-Myoko Station to a local train. The total journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.

From the Osaka/Kyoto area: JR West offers daily rail service to Naoetsu or Joetsumyoko. Access buses leave from Naoetsu Station and Joetsumyoko Station East Exit bound for Sado Kisen Naoetsu Port.

Getting to Sado Kisen Ports: Route buses to Sado Kisen Niigata Port depart from Terminal #17 at JR Niigata Station. English-speaking staff are available at JR Niigata Station (2nd floor) to assist with directions. From JR Naoetsu Station (North Exit), buses are available to Sado Kisen Naoetsu Port. For those traveling from Joetsu-Myoko Station, direct buses to Sado Kisen Naoetsu Port depart from the East Exit. Alternatively, it is possible to take a train from Joetsu-Myoko Station to Naoetsu Station and transfer to a bus there.

Online Route Planning: Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan is a free service for finding train routes and schedules in Japan.

Transportation Assistance: For JR East transportation information in English, Chinese, and Korean, call the JR Info Line at 050-2016-1603 (available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM).

Exclusive Passes for JR Pass Holders: Holders of the JR East Pass or JR Rail Pass can purchase the exclusive Sado Niigata Pass.

(As of March 1, 2024, conditions may be subject to change without notice. )

Highway and overnight buses provide more affordable travel options.

Kosokubus.com offers route search and booking services, and WILLER TRAVEL provides direct services between major cities and Niigata. Route searches and bookings for both services can be made online.

Ferries to Sado Island: Sado Kisen operates daily ferries between Niigata and Ryotsu (2 hrs 40 min by car ferry or 67 min by jetfoil) and seasonal ferries between Naoetsu and Ogi (2 hrs 40 min).

Phone: 025-245-1234 (Niigata Information Office)
Phone: 0255-44-1234 (Naoetsu Information Office)
Sado Kisen Ferry Schedules in English

Transportation Assistance: For JR East transportation information in English, Chinese, and Korean, call the JR Info Line at 050-2016-1603 (available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM).

Japan National Tourist Organization Tokyo Information Center
Phone: 03-3201-3331 (9:00am – 5:00pm daily)
The organization gives you comprehensive information of touring throughout Japan.

International Tourism Center of Japan offices provide multilingual information services: