Kitaguni

This 583 EMU train is ready to depart from Osaka as the northbound Kitaguni express.

The Kitaguni (きたぐに) is an overnight train service that operates in Japan. Operated by East Japan Railway Company and West Japan Railway Company, it runs between Niigata Prefecture and Osaka in the Kansai region. The one-way journey lasts approximately nine hours northbound and eight hours southbound.

The southbound train originates at Niigata Station at 10:55 PM, arriving in Osaka at 6:49 AM.

The northbound service leaves from Osaka at 11:27 PM, terminating at Niitsu station at 8:10 AM. A connecting rapid train makes the final 15-minute journey to Niigata.

Major stops along the Kitaguni route include Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Maibara, Tsuruga, Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama and Naoetsu.

The Kitaguni uses a dedicated 581/583 EMU train consisting of both unreserved and reserved accommodations. A flat fee is charged for type "A" and "B" reserved accommodations, regardless of starting or ending location, while Green Car reserved accommodation rates are based on distance. Currently, accommodation rates range from about ¥6000 for a type "B" bunk to about ¥10000 for a type "A" bunk. A Green Car seat covering the entire distance from Osaka to Niigata costs ¥5150.

The other fares, the basic fare and express fare, are based on distance. For foreign tourists using the Japan Rail Pass, the basic fare does not have to be paid.