Neya Port is the departure point for Showa Maru, a local fishing charter boat in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. If you are visiting Niigata from overseas, one of the most important things to plan is how to get from Niigata Station to Neya Port.
This guide explains the main access options: rental car, train, taxi, and staying overnight near Murakami. Because fishing charters often depart early in the morning, please plan your transportation before booking.
Please check our English charter page for plans, safety, access, and catch take-home support.
Private Fishing Charter in Niigata, Japan
Where is Neya Port?
Neya Port is located in Murakami City, in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast.
Meeting area: Showa Maru, Neya Port
Address: 149 Neya, Murakami City, Niigata 959-3946, Japan
It is a local fishing port, not a large tourist terminal. For that reason, it is important to check your route, arrival time, and transportation method in advance.
The best way: rental car from Niigata Station
For most international visitors, the easiest and most flexible way to reach Neya Port is by rental car.
From Niigata Station, drive north toward Murakami and the Sea of Japan coast. The route usually uses the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway and local roads. The official Showa Maru access page explains that Neya Port is about 30 minutes by car from Asahi Mahoroba IC via Route 7 toward Tsuruoka.
As a practical travel plan, allow about 2 hours or more from Niigata Station to Neya Port, depending on traffic, rest stops, weather, and road conditions.
Why rental car is recommended
- You can arrive before an early morning fishing departure.
- You can carry fishing clothes, coolers, luggage, and your catch more easily.
- You do not need to worry about limited train times.
- You can visit Murakami, Sasagawa Nagare, hot springs, or local seafood spots after fishing.
If your group has 2 to 4 people, a rental car is often the most comfortable option.
Train option: Niigata Station to Katsugi Station
It is also possible to reach the area by train, but it requires careful planning.
The nearest station to Neya Port is Katsugi Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line. According to the Showa Maru access page, Neya Port is about a 15-minute walk from Katsugi Station.
A typical train route is:
- Start from JR Niigata Station.
- Take JR lines toward Murakami, Katsugi, or the Uetsu Main Line area.
- Get off at Katsugi Station.
- Walk about 15 minutes to Neya Port.
However, train frequency can be limited, especially north of Murakami. Early morning fishing departures may not match the train schedule. Always check the latest JR East timetable before planning this route.
Another train option: Niigata Station to Fuya Station, then taxi
Another possible route is to travel by train to Fuya Station and then take a taxi to Neya Port.
The Showa Maru access page lists Fuya Station as about 15 minutes by taxi from Neya Port. This can be easier than walking from Katsugi Station if you have luggage, fishing clothes, or a cooler.
However, taxis may not always be waiting at rural stations. If you plan to use a taxi, arrange it in advance or ask your hotel for help.
Taxi from Niigata Station: possible, but expensive
You can take a taxi from Niigata Station to the Murakami area, but it will usually be expensive because of the long distance.
This option may work for a private group, late-night arrival, or guests who do not want to drive in Japan. If you choose this option, reserve a taxi or hired car in advance and confirm the fare estimate before departure.
Recommended plan: stay overnight before the charter
If your fishing charter departs early in the morning, the safest plan is often to stay overnight near Murakami, Senami Onsen, or the northern Niigata coast before your trip.
This makes the day much easier:
- You do not need to travel from Niigata Station before sunrise.
- You can sleep better before the boat trip.
- You reduce the risk of missing the departure time.
- You can enjoy local food, hot springs, or sightseeing before or after fishing.
If you are booking a private charter as part of a Japan trip, we strongly recommend planning it as an overnight coastal experience, not just a same-day transfer from Niigata Station.
Suggested travel plans
Plan A: Rental car day trip from Niigata Station
This is the best option for guests who are comfortable driving in Japan.
- Pick up a rental car near Niigata Station.
- Drive to Neya Port with extra time for breaks.
- Join the fishing charter.
- Visit Murakami, Sasagawa Nagare, or a hot spring after the trip.