Sunrise Express Sleeper Train Review | Tokyo to Izumo, Japan

The difference between Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo is their destinations.

Sunrise Seto (Cars 1–7)｜Tokyo ~ Takamatsu, Kagawa
Sunrise Izumo (Cars 8–14)｜Tokyo ~ Izumo, Shimane

The coupling and decoupling of the trains at Okayama Station is a famous Sunrise train event.
Many people come to watch this process early in the morning.

Only passengers of the Sunrise Izumo bound for Izumo/Takamatsu (downward) from Tokyo can observe the decoupling process.

The Sunrise Izumo/Seto is the only regular overnight train remaining in Japan.

Even after 25 years since it was manufactured, the Sunrise trains continue to run. There are no planned successor trains, and they continue to operate with regular maintenance.

The cheapest shared seat, the “Nobinobi Seat“, is relatively easy to book.

Private rooms in A Class Single Deluxe, B Class Single Twin, Single, or Solo are harder to book.
Especially during long holidays or winter, reservations can be full up to one month in advance.

This is a booking method available via online reservation or at a Midori no Madoguchi counter.
It is commonly referred to as “10 o’clock booking.”

Tickets for Sunrise Izumo are released simultaneously at 10:00 a.m. one month in advance.
You try to secure a seat by pressing the booking button exactly at 10:00 a.m., but it is extremely difficult to get a seat.

Tokyo → Takamatsu (Sunrise Seto): approx. 9 hours 30 minutes
Tokyo → Izumo (Sunrise Izumo): approx. 12 hours 10 minutes

You can book Sunrise Seto / Izumo via JR West’s online reservation service “e5489”, at station “Midori no Madoguchi” counters, “Midori no Ticket Vending Machines Plus”, or through travel agencies.

Reservations can be made nationwide at JR counters starting 1 month before the boarding date (10:00 a.m.).
However, due to high demand for private rooms, early booking is recommended.

Single: For 1 person, most popular.
Solo: Slightly smaller room for 1 person, cheaper.
Single Twin: For 1–2 people, with an extra bed.
Sunrise Twin: Private room for 2 people.
A Class Single Deluxe: Top-tier, comes with dedicated shower card and washbasin.
Nobinobi Seat (reserved seat): Simple sleeping space, affordable and popular.

Tickets booked via “e5489” must be collected before boarding at “Midori no Madoguchi”, “Midori Ticket Machines”, or “Midori Pickup Machines”.

Some cars have shared shower rooms. A shower card (¥320) is required, and the number of cards is limited, so securing one early is recommended. A Class Single Deluxe passengers can use the shower for free.

Since the train mainly has private rooms, it provides peace of mind. There is no female-only section, so if concerned, booking a “Single” or “Solo” room is recommended. The train is also well-cleaned and highly rated for safety.

A carpeted semi-private space. It can be used with only the reserved seat fare, offering great value. However, it has no curtain or door, so it is not suitable for those who prioritize privacy.

Power outlets: available in some private rooms (A & B Class fully equipped)
Wi-Fi: not available on the train
Those needing to charge devices should bring a mobile battery for safety.

Ticket sales start at 10:00 a.m., one month before the departure date from the first station.

On “e5489”, you can reserve the following:

・Nobinobi Seat (ordinary car reserved seat)
・A Class Single Deluxe (private room for 1)
・B Class Private Rooms for 1 person (Single Twin, Single, Solo)
・B Class Private Room for 2 persons (Sunrise Twin)

However, on “Ekinet”, only Nobinobi Seats can be reserved, sleeper tickets cannot be booked.

Sunrise Seto / Izumo does not have onboard sales. Passengers need to purchase bento or drinks before boarding.
Water is sold at onboard vending machines, but availability is not guaranteed.
Bringing one extra bottle as backup is recommended.

Since amenities on the train are limited, it is recommended to bring towels, toothbrushes, toiletries, snacks, drinks, and for those prone to motion sickness, medication for nausea to ensure a comfortable journey.

In principle, passengers cannot get off at intermediate stations. However, some passengers temporarily leave the train at the split point at Okayama Station (with a stop of about 5–10 minutes).