Which Japanese Shinkansen line links Tokyo with Niigata on the Sea of Japan side?

The Joetsu Shinkansen links Tokyo with Niigata on Japan’s Sea of Japan side.

The line runs north from Tokyo through Saitama and Gunma prefectures, crossing mountainous terrain before reaching Niigata. It opened in 1982 and provided a fast connection between the capital region and the northern part of the prefecture of Niigata.

The route is named after the Joetsu region, although its northern terminus is Niigata city. This can cause confusion with the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which also serves areas on the Sea of Japan side but follows a different route toward Kanazawa and Tsuruga.

Joetsu Shinkansen services share tracks with the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Omiya.