By train from Tokyo
Niigata Station can be reached from Tokyo Station in about two hours by Toki trains along the Joetsu Shinkansen. The one way journey costs around 10,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass.
The JR East "View" travel agency also offers special roundtrip packages for the Sake no jin event from Tokyo. In 2009, they were available either for a daytrip (only 12,000 yen) or a two-day excursion packaged with hotel accommodation (from 21,500 yen).
By bus from Tokyo
There are hourly highway bus connections and an overnight bus between Tokyo (Ikebukuro Station) and Niigata. The one way trip takes about 5.5 hours and costs 5250 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 9450 yen.
From Niigata Station to Toki Messe
The Toki Messe convention center can be reached from Niigata Station by bus (about 10 minutes, 200 yen), by taxi (about 5 minutes, approx. 700 yen) or on foot (two kilometers, about 30 minutes).