Overnight sleeper trains were once a common way to travel long distances across Japan, but today they are a rarity. As faster shinkansen services and affordable flights have taken over, most sleeper routes have disappeared. The Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto now stand as Japan’s last regularly scheduled sleeper trains, offering a unique way to travel while you sleep.
Operated by JR, these twin services run together for part of their journey before splitting to serve different destinations in western Japan.
Routes Across Western Japan
Both trains depart from Tokyo Station in the evening and travel overnight toward the Kansai and Chūgoku regions.
- Sunrise Izumo runs from Tokyo to Izumoshi in Shimane Prefecture, near the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine.
- Sunrise Seto runs from Tokyo to Takamatsu on Shikoku island.
For much of the journey, the two trains are coupled together. They separate at Okayama Station, with each continuing on its own route. In the morning, passengers wake to views of rural landscapes, coastlines, and smaller regional stations far removed from Japan’s high-speed rail corridors.
A Range of Sleeping Options
One of the defining features of the Sunrise trains is their variety of sleeping accommodations, catering to different budgets and comfort levels.
- Nobi Nobi Seats
These are open-plan, carpeted sleeping spaces where passengers stretch out on raised platforms. There are no doors or private rooms, but each space has enough room to lie flat. This is the most affordable way to ride the train overnight. - Single and Solo Cabins
Private sleeping compartments designed for one person, offering a compact but enclosed space with a bed, small desk, and privacy. - Single Twin and Twin Cabins
Larger cabins suitable for two people, with bunk-style or side-by-side beds depending on the configuration. - Deluxe Cabins
The most comfortable option on board, featuring more space and additional amenities, making the journey feel closer to a hotel on rails.
Japan Rail Pass and Sleeper Trains
The Japan Rail Pass can be used on the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto, but with some important limitations. Pass holders are entitled to a Nobi Nobi sleeping space at no extra cost, making it an excellent value option for overnight travel.
However, private cabins are not fully covered by the pass. Passengers wishing to use a Single, Twin, or Deluxe cabin must pay an additional sleeper and room upgrade fee, even when travelling with a valid Japan Rail Pass.
A Rare Way to Travel Through the Night
While sleeper trains are no longer a common sight in Japan, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto continue to attract rail enthusiasts, travellers, and those looking for a nostalgic way to cross the country. The experience is slower than flying and less efficient than the shinkansen, but that is part of its appeal.
For travellers with time to spare, these trains offer a chance to combine transport and accommodation, wake up in a new region, and experience a fading chapter of Japanese railway history.
