Inside a luxury resort train in Japan.

Echigo Tokimeki Resort Setsugekka is a luxury scenic train that takes passengers along the Japanese coast, offering stunning views of the majestic Mount Myoko.

At each stop, travelers can enjoy a wide variety of dishes. The two trains operate only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning train departs from Joetsu Myoko Station and travels to Itoigawa Station (French cuisine), while the afternoon train runs in the opposite direction, departing Itoigawa Station and returning to Joetsu Myoko Station (Japanese cuisine). On the Shinkansen, this journey takes approximately 15 minutes, but the Setsugekka, traveling at a slower pace, takes about three hours.

Begin the journey

To experience the Setsugekka train, you must book and pay for your tickets a few days in advance. The resort will then send you a ticket decorated like a postcard by mail. The Setsugekka is a unique train made entirely from materials sourced from Niigata Prefecture, from the food and drinks to the train itself.

The first carriage of the Setsugekka features numerous large glass windows, some reaching 2.3 meters in height. The luxurious interior is arranged in a lounge style, overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan and the Myoko mountain range on the other side, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the ever-changing views of the sea and mountains.

The second carriage uses natural oak wood from Niigata Prefecture and features a luxurious, sophisticated restaurant-style design. Seats are angled 3 degrees relative to the windows for comfortable viewing while dining. The seats are more comfortable and larger than the Gran class seats on the Shinkansen.

The walls of the Sakura Lounge cafe and the bar in carriage number 2 are made of Japanese bird-shaped cherry wood. Furthermore, the cherry blossom-colored copper-plated patterns on the side of the bar are crafted by artisans from Tsubame-Sanjo, a town renowned for its metalworking skills.

The Setsugekka train stops at Nihongi Station, Myoko Highlands Station, and Noetsu Station before reaching its final destination, Itoigawa Station. At each station, passengers can purchase local specialties and souvenirs. At each stop, loudspeakers announce the unique sights and local products to tourists.

Enjoy the exquisite cuisine.

Upon exiting Myoko Highlands Station, visitors will be treated to a French-style lunch featuring fresh ingredients from Niigata Prefecture. This is an authentic French menu created by Iizuka Ryuta, head chef of Ryuzu Restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo. This chef has received two Michelin Guide Tokyo stars for four consecutive years (2015-2018). The owner is originally from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, and is very familiar with Niigata's seasonal produce.

Each dish is served in small wooden boxes. The appetizer is grilled beef, then chilled. This is Echigo Joetsu shorthorn beef, raised at Sasagamine Farm in Myoko City, at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The significant temperature difference between day and night gives the beef its rich flavor.

The main course features fresh, delicious vegetables prepared in the French style. Asparagus, potatoes, and daikon radish are also sourced in Niigata Prefecture, along with the thick and succulent Yaoiro mushrooms, a specialty of Minami Uonuma City, and Etsu no Maru eggplant, known as the king of eggplants. The next course is a Tsumari pork sandwich, a specialty of Tokamachi City, served with traditional spicy Kanzuri sauce. The side dish is ratatouille, a summer vegetable dish. The meal also includes a corn soup with a rich, concentrated sweetness.

The final leg of the journey

After finishing their meal, the Setsugekka train neared the end of its three-hour journey. Passengers were then served dessert along with two special coffee and tea drinks. These two beverages are brewed using the yukimuro method, which uses snow to ferment and preserve the ingredients. Between Noetsu and Itoigawa stations, the train runs along the coast with spectacular views of the Sea of ​​Japan. A unique feature of this leg is that the train passes through numerous tunnels as it descends from the mountains to the coast.

The train passes through the famous Tsutsuishi Station, which is located inside a tunnel. Morning trains simply glide past, while afternoon trains stop to allow passengers to disembark and explore. This unique tunnel station attracts railway enthusiasts from all over the country.

Before disembarking, passengers receive souvenirs depending on whether they traveled on the morning or afternoon train. The luxurious Setsugekka scenic train is a suitable experience for travelers holding weddings, birthdays, or marriage proposals.

Anh Thi