Sunrise Express Izumo & Seto Review | Japan’s Overnight Sleeper Train Experience from Tokyo

The Sleeper Express Sunrise Seto (Sunrise Seto) is a sleeper train that connects Tokyo with Izumo City and Izumo City with Tokyo. The Sleeper Express Sunrise Izumo (Sunrise Izumo) connects Tokyo with Takamatsu and Takamatsu with Tokyo. They are the only sleeper trains in Japan.

Starting operations on July 10, 1998, this is the only sleeper train in Japan that runs daily and regularly, traveling between Tokyo Station in Tokyo and Izumo City Station in Shimane Prefecture. It passes through the Tōkaidō Main Line, Sanyō Main Line, Hakubi Line, and Sanin Main Line.

This time, I took a ride on the “Sleeper Express Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto”, experiencing a 12-hour and 48-minute train journey from Tokyo Station to Izumo City.

This article is recommended for people who:

– Don’t know what the “Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo” is!
– Want to ride the “Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo” but don’t know how!
– Want to know the boarding method, fare, and interior of the “Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo”!
– Want to learn everything they need to know before riding the “Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo”!

In this article, we will cover topics such as basic travel knowledge, how to plan your trip, and how to start your journey.

By reading this article, you will gain detailed knowledge about the “Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo.”
Additionally, I will share tips to help you make the most of your trip.

If you are interested in train travel or want to know how to enjoy traveling on a sleeper train, be sure to check this out.

Difference between Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo

Interior Map

Interior map of the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train

photo by mitemil

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On the Sunrise trains, Cars 1 to 7 are for the Sunrise Seto, while Cars 8 to 14 are for the Sunrise Izumo. At Okayama Station, a train detachment operation takes place.

The train detachment and coupling work at Okayama Station is a signature event of the Sunrise trains. Despite the early hour, many people come to watch the operation.

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Only passengers on the Sunrise Izumo can view the train detachment when traveling from Tokyo to Izumo-shi or Takamatsu (downbound), and only passengers on the Sunrise Seto can view it when traveling from Izumo-shi or Takamatsu to Tokyo (upbound).

Note that the Sunrise Seto departing from Tokyo to Takamatsu will leave right after the detachment, so be aware!

Cost of traveling by train on the Sunrise Seto or Sunrise Izumo

Sunrise Seto (Tokyo to Takamatsu)

Nobinobi Seats

Food on board (breakfast/dinner)	3,000 yen
Fare (cheapest “Nobinobi Seats” rate)	11,650 yen (fare) + 3,300 yen (express fee) = 15,480 yen
Shower card	300 yen
Total	18,780 yen

Solo Room

Food on board (breakfast/dinner)	3,000 yen
Fare (cheapest “Solo” room rate)	11,650 yen (fare) + 3,300 yen (express fee) + 6,600 yen (bed fee) = 21,550 yen
Shower card	300 yen
Total	24,850 yen

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Sunrise Izumo (Tokyo to Izumo City)

Nobinobi Seats

Food on board (breakfast/dinner)	3,000 yen
Fare (cheapest “Nobinobi Seats” rate)	12,210 yen (fare) + 3,830 yen (express fee) = 16,040 yen
Shower card	300 yen
Total	19,340 yen

Solo Room

Food on board (breakfast/dinner)	3,000 yen
Fare (cheapest “Solo” room rate)	12,210 yen (fare) + 3,300 yen (express fee) + 6,600 yen (bed fee) = 22,110 yen
Shower card	300 yen
Total	25,410 yen

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When enjoying a train trip on the Sunrise trains, the cost from Tokyo to Takamatsu on the “Sunrise Seto” is at least 19,280 yen, and from Tokyo to Izumo City on the “Sunrise Izumo” is at least 25,910 yen. Be sure to have extra money for optional expenses such as purchasing drinks from vending machines and shower cards.

Nobinobi seats include the bed fee within the express fee!

One Day Itinerary for Train Travel on the Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo

Tokyo to Izumo City (Travel time: 12 hours 48 minutes)

Tokyo → Izumo City 21:50 → 10:00

20:45	Tokyo Station
20:50	Purchase a bento box at Ekibenya
21:05	Arrive at platform 9
21:25	Sunrise train arrives
21:33	Board the Sunrise train
21:50	Depart from Tokyo Station
06:27	Okayama Station Train separation
10:00	Arrive at Izumo City Station

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Izumo City → Tokyo 18:57 → 07:08

17:20	Izumo City Station
17:25	Purchase food at a convenience store
17:40	Arrive at platform 2
18:28	Sunrise train arrives
18:35	Board the Sunrise train
18:57	Depart from Izumo City Station
22:34	Okayama Station Sunrise train connection
07:08	Tokyo Station

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Tokyo to Takamatsu (Travel time: 10 hours 17 minutes)

Tokyo → Takamatsu 21:50 → 07:27

20:45	Tokyo Station
20:50	Bento Shop Purchase lunch box
21:05	Arrive at Platform 9
21:25	Sunrise Train arrives
21:33	Board the Sunrise Train
21:50	Depart from Tokyo Station
06:27	Okayama Station Train separation
07:27	Arrive at Takamatsu Station

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Takamatsu → Tokyo 21:26 → 07:08

20:30	Takamatsu Station
20:35	Purchase bento
20:45	Arrive at Platform 9
20:56	Sunrise Train arrives
21:05	Board the Sunrise Train
21:26	Depart from Takamatsu Station
22:34	Okayama Station Sunrise Train connection
07:08	Tokyo Station

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Osaka to Tokyo (Travel time: 6 hours 35 minutes)

Osaka → Tokyo 00:33 → 07:08

22:40	Osaka Station
22:50	Convenience Store Purchase food
23:35	Arrive at Platform 11
00:28	Sunrise Train arrives
00:30	Board the Sunrise Train
00:33	Depart from Osaka Station
07:08	Tokyo Station

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Sunrise Seto and Izumo: Departure Stations, Stops, and Timetable

Sunrise Seto sometimes extends its service to Kotohira Station after arriving at Takamatsu Station.

Timetable after the schedule revision on March 16, 2024

From Tokyo to Izumo City and Takamatsu (Downward)

Prefecture	Line	Station	Sunrise Seto	Sunrise Izumo	Sunrise Izumo 91
Tokyo	Tokaido Line	Tokyo	21:50	21:50	22:21
Kanagawa	Tokaido Line	Yokohama	22:15	22:15	22:44
Shizuoka	Tokaido Line	Atami	23:23	23:23	↓
Shizuoka	Tokaido Line	Numazu	23:39	23:39	↓
Shizuoka	Tokaido Line	Fuji	23:53	23:53	↓
Shizuoka	Tokaido Line	Shizuoka	0:20	0:20	↓
Shizuoka	Tokaido Line	Hamamatsu	1:12	1:12	↓
Osaka	Tokaido Line	Osaka	↓	↓	6:04
Hyogo	Sanyo Line	Sanomiya	↓	↓	6:27
Hyogo	Sanyo Line	Himeji	5:25	5:25	7:19
Okayama	Sanyo Line	Okayama	6:27	6:27	8:48
Okayama	Sanyo Line	Kurashiki	||	6:46	9:06
Okayama	Hakubi Line	Bichu-Takahashi	||	7:14	9:36
Okayama	Hakubi Line	Niimi	||	7:43	10:23
Tottori	Sanin Line	Yonago	||	9:05	12:02
Shimane	Sanin Line	Yasugi	||	9:16	12:12
Shimane	Sanin Line	Matsue	||	9:33	12:36
Shimane	Sanin Line	Shinji	||	9:47	13:26
Shimane	Sanin Line	Izumo City	||	10:00	13:39
Okayama	Honshi Bisan Line	Kojima	6:52	–	–
Kagawa	Yosan Line	Sakaide	7:09	–	–
Kagawa	Yosan Line	Takamatsu	7:27	–	–
Kagawa	Dosan Line	Tado-Tsu	(8:25)	–	–
Kagawa	Dosan Line	Zentsuji	(8:32)	–	–
Kagawa	Dosan Line	Kotohira	(8:39)	–	–

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From Izumo City/Takamatsu to Tokyo (Upward)

Line	Station	Sunrise Seto	Sunrise Izumo	Sunrise Izumo No. 92
Yosan Line	Takamatsu	21:26	–	–
Yosan Line	Sakaide	21:44	–	–
Honshi-Bisan Line	Kurashiki	22:01	–	–
Sanin Line	Izumo City	||	18:57	13:52
Sanin Line	Shinji	||	19:10	14:24
Sanin Line	Matsue	||	19:26	14:47
Sanin Line	Yasugi	||	19:43	15:15
Sanin Line	Yonago	||	19:53	15:25
Hakubi Line	Niimi	||	21:19	17:16
Hakubi Line	Bitchu-Takihara	||	21:49	18:21
Sanyo Line	Kurashiki	||	22:16	18:51
Sanyo Line	Okayama	22:34	22:34	19:26
Sanyo Line	Himeji	23:33	23:33	21:04
Sanyo Line	Sannomiya	0:11	0:11	21:52
Tokaido Line	Osaka	0:33	0:33	22:29
Tokaido Line	Hamamatsu	↓	↓	↓
Tokaido Line	Shizuoka	4:38	4:38	↓
Tokaido Line	Fuji	5:09	5:09	↓
Tokaido Line	Numazu	5:25	5:25	↓
Tokaido Line	Atami	5:43	5:43	↓
Tokaido Line	Yokohama	6:44	6:44	6:23
Tokaido Line	Tokyo	7:08	7:08	6:51

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What are the room types, sleeper fares, prices, and fares for the Sunrise Seto and Izumo trains?

Room Types & Fares List

Type	Room Type	Sleeper Fare	Notes
A Sleeper Private Room (1 person)	Single Deluxe	13,980 yen	A Sleeper Room for 1 person
B Sleeper Private Room (1 person)	Single Twin	9,600 yen	B Sleeper Room for 1 or 2 persons
B Sleeper Private Room (1 person)	Single	7,700 yen	B Sleeper Room for 1 person
B Sleeper Private Room (1 person)	Solo	6,600 yen	B Sleeper Room for 1 person
B Sleeper Private Room (2 persons)	Sunrise Twin	15,400 yen (for 2 persons)	B Sleeper Room for 2 persons
B Sleeper Private Room (2 persons)	Single Twin	15,100 yen (for 2 persons)	B Sleeper Room for 1 or 2 persons
B Seating (Shared Room)	Nobinobi Seat	530 yen (normal period)	Ordinary Car Reserved Seat

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For the Nobinobi seat, during off-peak periods, the sleeping berth fee is reduced by 200 yen from the regular rate. During peak periods, it is increased by 200 yen from the regular rate.

If you book a twin room, you need to pay for two adults. However, if you are staying with children under elementary school age who will share the bed with you, no additional charge will apply for them.

On the Sunrise Izumo, you will need to pay a combined fee of “fare,” “express train charges,” and “sleeping berth charges.”
The total amount will vary depending on the station of boarding and alighting, as well as the room type.

The difference in cost between a private room and a shared room seat was ¥6,070.
The validity period for the passenger ticket is up to 5 days from the intended travel date, but the express train ticket is only valid on the day of travel, so please be aware of this.

For those who want to travel at a low cost, the Nobinobi seat is recommended!

How to Travel Economically on the Sunrise Seto and Izumo

For Sunrise trains, if the one-way distance is 601 kilometers or more, you can receive a 10% discount on the fare when using it for a round trip.

Only the passenger fare is discounted. The sleeping berth charge and express train charge are not eligible for the discount.

For the return ticket, a separate reservation is required after completing the reservation for the outbound trip.

Seating Chart for the Sunrise Seto and Izumo

Although it is simple, I have created an interior map of all the cars on the Sunrise Izumo and Seto trains.

It is available for download, so I hope it will be helpful when choosing your seats.

▼ Sunrise Izumo and Seto Seating Chart PDF

How to Reserve a Sunrise Izumo Ticket

Midori no Kippu Sales Machine

At the “Midori no Kippu” sales machines installed at JR stations, you can purchase passenger tickets only.

However, to board the Sunrise Izumo, a separate sleeping berth charge is required.

Midori no Madoguchi (Ticket Office)

You can purchase and reserve train tickets, including sleeper car charges, at the “Midori no Madoguchi” (Green Window).

If you have a Midori no Madoguchi near your residence, you can smoothly make a reservation by informing the staff that you want to “reserve the Sunrise Izumo”!

List of JR Stations with Midori no Madoguchi

Online Reservation

You can make a reservation in advance using a smartphone or computer on the official JR Odekake Net website.

▼ JR Odekake Net Sunrise Izumo Reservation Page

https://www.jr-odekake.net/goyoyaku/campaign/sunriseseto_izumo/form.html

Tickets reserved online can be picked up at “Midori no Madoguchi” or “Midori no Kenbaiki” (Green Ticket Vending Machines).

If you made the reservation with a credit card but haven’t picked up the ticket yet, you can issue it at the Midori no Kenbaiki.

If you reserved with a credit card, you will need the credit card used for payment when picking up the ticket.

Those who made an online reservation can check the payment and pickup status of their ticket on the official JR reservation site, e5489.

▼ e5489 Official Site

https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/cspc/CBTopMenuPC

Tips for Reserving the Sunrise Izumo

When can you make a reservation?

Reservations can be made from 10 AM, one month before the date of travel. However, if the same day in the previous month does not exist, such as in March, reservations can be made from the beginning of the month (the 1st).

Difficult-to-Book Seats

The Sunrise Izumo is the only sleeper train in Japan and is extremely popular.

Since it operates daily, you might think rooms would be easy to book, but the A-Class Sleeper Deluxe, B-Class Sleeper Single Twin, Single, and Solo rooms are highly sought after. During the winter season, reservations are particularly difficult to secure up to one month in advance.

However, reservations for the Nobinobi seats (shared seats) are relatively easier to obtain.

How to Secure a Reservation

Whether using online reservations or at the Midori no Madoguchi, the method widely known as “10 AM Push” is commonly used.

At 10 AM, exactly one month before the date of travel, tickets for the Sunrise Izumo are simultaneously released nationwide.

Press the reservation button exactly at 10 AM to complete your reservation.

For online reservations, make sure to pre-enter the departure and arrival stations and other details. When it turns 10 AM, press the search button to complete your reservation.

Shower Card Required for Using the Shower

The shower card costs 330 yen per card.

Each card is valid for one use only and provides 6 minutes of use.

The card features an illustration of the Sunrise train.

Locations of Shower Card Vending Machines

Shower card vending machines are located next to the lounges in cars 3 and 10.
The machines are closer to the doors at the front (car 1) and rear (car 11) of the train due to the vehicle’s structure.

If you want to secure a shower card, try boarding from cars 4 and 11.

Shower Cards Sell Out Quickly, Purchase Immediately Upon Boarding

As mentioned earlier, there is one vending machine for shower cards next to the lounges in cars 3 and 10. Due to the water tank capacity, the number of cards available per car is limited to 20 cards.

Approximately 40 cards are available for the entire train.

Latest Information and Operation Status for the Sunrise Izumo

The Sunrise Izumo service may be canceled depending on the weather conditions in each prefecture.

For information on delays or operational status of the Sunrise Izumo, you can check the official JR West website.

▼ Latest operational status for the Sunrise Izumo

https://trafficinfo.westjr.co.jp/sp/express.html?id=23

Comparing the Cheapest Shared Room and Private Room on the Sunrise Izumo

Nobinobi Seats (Cheapest Shared Room)

Nobinobi seats on the Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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Nobinobi seats are the cheapest option on the Sunrise train, with a seat width of 2m8cm and a width of 85cm. Each of cars 5 and 12 has 28 upper and lower seats respectively.

These seats are budget-friendly and are highly recommended for solo travelers going from Osaka to Tokyo for work or other purposes!

The Nobinobi seats do not have walls up to the feet, but there are partial walls that cover the upper body, so there is no worry about being seen while sleeping. The floor has a low-cost type of floor mat commonly seen in home centers.

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I used Nobinobi seats from Osaka to Tokyo during the cold winter season, and the underfloor heating worked well, keeping my back very warm.

Nobinobi Seat Amenities

Amenities of Nobinobi seats on the Sunrise Izumo: reading light

photo by mitemil

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Small window with blinds
Night light
Reading light
Air conditioning
Drink holder
The air conditioning from the ceiling blew cool air. There is a curtain on the aisle side, but it stops partway through.

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The curtain on the aisle side provides minimal privacy by preventing direct view from the corridor.

Nobinobi Seat Supplies

Supplies for Nobinobi seats on the Sunrise Izumo: cloth

photo by mitemil

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Disposable cup
1 comforter
1 thin cloth
The thin white cloth is likely provided for those who do not want to rest their head on the carpet. You can use the white cloth along with a neck pillow you bring to create a simple pillow.

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Since there is no pillow with the Nobinobi seat, it might be a good idea to bring a neck pillow.

B Sleeper Solo (Cheapest Private Room)

Upper berth of B Sleeper Solo room on the Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The B Sleeper Solo seat is the cheapest private room on the Sunrise train, with a bed length of 1m96cm and a width of 75cm.

Solo seats are available in cars 3 and 10, with a total of 20 rooms. Even-numbered rooms are upper berths, and odd-numbered rooms are lower berths.

Each private room is equipped with a dial lock. You can set your preferred password.

Solo rooms have both upper and lower berths, but unfortunately, seat selection is not possible when making a reservation, so it is a matter of luck. For credit card reservations, there is a cancellation fee of 560 yen.

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The cheapest private room is a bit cramped, but it was very comfortable!

B Sleeper Solo Amenities

Amenities of B Sleeper Solo room on the Sunrise Izumo: switches

photo by mitemil

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Electrical outlet
Dress mirror
Air conditioning
Onboard speaker
Storage shelf
Foldable drink holder
Blinds
Night light
Room light
Foot light
Heater adjustment dial
Alarm clock
The lighting can be controlled by a single button on the wall, which turns on and off both the bed area light and the light at the bottom of the stairs.

It is nice to have the option to brighten just the foot area, as having the entire room bright while sleeping can be too much. The heater in front of the stair lighting gradually warms up the area.

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The air conditioning is surprisingly strong, comparable to a mid-level fan breeze.

B Sleeper Solo Room Supplies

Supplies in the B Sleeper Solo room on the Sunrise Izumo: disposable cup

photo by mitemil

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Disposable cup
Hanger
Slippers
Plastic bag
Comforter
Mattress
Pillow
Pajamas
The slippers felt a bit small but were not unusable; they just exposed a bit of the heel. The plastic bag near the stairs was mainly used for trash.

The bed includes a futon, comforter, pillow, and pajamas. The comforter is fire-resistant and measures 110cm x 190cm.

The pillow is a pipe pillow filled with finely cut straw. There are also pajamas with “J-LINEN” written on them, but I didn’t use them since I prefer my own pajamas for sleeping.

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By the way, J-LINEN is a company under JR West responsible for cleaning services for trains and hotels in the western Japan area.

A Neck Pillow Is Essential for Nobinobi Seats!

Before boarding the Nobinobi seat, I knew there would be no pillow provided, so I brought a neck pillow that inflates with air.

I placed a folded towel on top of the inflated neck pillow and used the white cloth provided with the Nobinobi seat as a pillowcase.

While you can use a backpack or other items as a makeshift pillow, depending on the amount of luggage, it might be too high and cause neck pain.

The self-made pillow from the neck pillow can be adjusted in height by the amount of air added and can be easily packed away after use.

Pros and Cons of the Solo Rooms on the Sunrise Train

Solo Room Upper Berth

Solo Room Lower Berth

Inside the Sunrise Izumo Train

Sunrise Seto/Izumo

Sunrise Izumo train at Izumo City Station

photo by mitemil

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Name – JR West 285 Series Train Started Operation – July 10, 1998 Length – About 21.67 meters (per car) Total Weight – About 43.57 tons (per car) Speed – 130 km/h Passenger Capacity – 158

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Deck (Entrance)

Entrance of the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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The entrances on each car are equipped with sensor-operated doors that open when you wave your hand.

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In shared rooms, it’s best to keep conversations to a minimum, so try to use the deck for phone calls!

Mini Lounge

Mini lounge on the Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The Sunrise trains do not have a dining car. Therefore, if you want to eat, it’s best to buy food before boarding so you can have your meal in the mini lounge.

There are four seats on each side, so they fill up quickly right after boarding. Some passengers enjoy drinks and relax there.

A sticker on the wall advises keeping noise levels down during sleeping hours. It’s best to keep things quiet after 10 PM.

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In the morning, you can enjoy your meal while watching the changing scenery!

Shower Room

Shower room inside the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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The shower rooms are located in cars 3 and 10. The space for removing shoes is narrow, and it’s a private-type shower room.

The shower room has long mirrors on both sides. There are also several handles installed.

Since the train moves a lot while running, you need to balance yourself while showering. Note that the shower room is a paid facility, and a special card is required.

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After using the shower, pressing the cleaning button produces a strong wind from the floor, which was surprisingly smelly! (lol)

Vending Machine

Vending machine inside the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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The vending machines are located next to the lounges in cars 3 and 10. They sell five types of drinks: Ayataka, Irohasu, Emerald Mountain, Coca-Cola, and Real Gold.

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I wanted cold water after showering, but unfortunately, the water was sold out! (T^T)

Wash Basin

Wash basin inside the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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Wash basins are located in cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14.

The wash basins are equipped with hooks, outlets, and hand soap. There are curtains as well, so you can use them without worrying about prying eyes by closing the curtain!

The water can be switched between hot and cold with a single button.

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The wash basins have outlets, so you can use hair irons and other appliances!

Toilet

Toilet inside the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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Toilets are available in all cars of the Sunrise train. The toilets are equipped with child seats.

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The toilets have alcohol disinfectant wipes for the seat, so you can keep them clean at any time!

Multipurpose Toilet

Entrance and inside view of the multipurpose toilet on the Sunrise Izumo train

photo by mitemil

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The washroom and toilets in cars 2 and 9 are wheelchair accessible and larger in size. They appear similar to regular toilets, but are about twice as large with additional handrails.

These larger toilets also have a diaper changing table, which is not present in standard toilets. There is also a dedicated trash bin for baby diapers under the changing table.

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If you’re traveling with a baby, consider booking a single twin room near the multipurpose toilet! It’s a room with bunk beds and an extra bed, making it a great choice.

Door Stickers

Stickers inside the Sunrise Izumo train displaying various awards

photo by mitemil

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The Sunrise Izumo received the Brunel Award for Design Excellence in 1998, making it the only railway-related international design competition award winner that year. It was also recognized at the Good Design Show and praised by international critics in 1998.

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Check out the stickers on the train’s deck doors to see these awards for yourself!

Merits and Demerits of the Sunrise Seto and Izumo

What was good about the ride:

Some inconveniences:

Summary of the Sunrise Seto and Izumo Experience

We’ve introduced the Sunrise Seto and Izumo in this article.
Here’s a brief summary:

For those planning to ride the ‘Sunrise Train,’ have a great journey and take care! Enjoy your train trip (^-^)/