Sunrise Express Sleeper Train Review | Tokyo to Izumo, Japan

The difference between Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo is the destination.

■ Sunrise Seto: Cars 1–7
Tokyo → Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)

■ Sunrise Izumo: Cars 8–14
Tokyo → Izumo (Shimane Prefecture)

Coupling and decoupling operations take place at Okayama Station.

■ Watching decoupling
Only available for passengers of the Izumo-bound train from Tokyo

■ Watching coupling
Only available for passengers of the Seto-bound train to Tokyo from Takamatsu

The Sunrise Seto & Izumo trains are the only regularly operated sleeper trains currently in service in Japan.

Although they have been in service for over 25 years, there are no successor trains, and they are maintained while in operation.

The easiest seats to book are the shared-type “Nobinobi Seats“.

Private rooms (Single Deluxe, Single Twin, Single, Solo) are very popular, and during major holidays or winter, reservations can be fully booked up to one month in advance.

“10 o’clock booking” refers to reserving seats right when sales start at 10:00 AM.

Tickets for travel one month in advance are sold at this time, but it is very competitive.

■ Tokyo → Takamatsu (Sunrise Seto): about 9 hours 30 minutes
■ Tokyo → Izumo-shi (Sunrise Izumo): about 12 hours 10 minutes

Reservations can be made through JR West’s “e5489”, at station “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket counters, “Midori no Kenbaiki Plus” machines, or travel agencies.

■ Reservations nationwide start at 10:00 AM, one month before the travel date
■ Private rooms are popular, so early booking is recommended

■ Single: for 1 person, most popular
■ Solo: slightly smaller for 1 person, more affordable
■ Single Twin: for 1–2 people, includes an extra bed
■ Sunrise Twin: for 2 people
■ A-class Single Deluxe: top-tier, includes a private shower card and washbasin
■ Nobinobi Seat (treated as a reserved seat): simple sleeping space, inexpensive and popular

If booked via “e5489”, tickets can be collected before boarding at:

■ Midori no Madoguchi
■ Midori no Kenbaiki machines
■ Midori ticket pickup machines

Some cars have shared shower rooms.

■ A shower card (320 yen) is required for use, and availability is limited
■ A-class Single Deluxe rooms can use the shower for free

Private rooms are standard, so it is generally safe.

■ There is no women-only area, but private rooms (Single, Solo) are recommended
■ The train is well-maintained and safety is highly rated

They are carpeted semi-private spaces.

■ Can be used with only a reserved seat ticket
■ No curtains or doors, so not ideal for those who prioritize privacy
■ Popular for budget-conscious travelers

■ Power outlets: available in some private rooms (A & B-class rooms are equipped)
■ Wi-Fi: not available

Bringing a mobile battery is recommended if you need to charge devices.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM, one month before departure from the origin station.

Reservations via “e5489” include:

■ Nobinobi Seats (reserved ordinary seats)
■ 1-person A-class sleeper rooms (Single Deluxe)
■ 1-person B-class sleeper rooms (Single Twin, Single, Solo)
■ 2-person B-class sleeper rooms (Sunrise Twin)

On “Ekinet”, only Nobinobi Seats can be reserved; sleeper tickets cannot be booked.

There is no onboard sales.

■ Purchase bento boxes and drinks before boarding
■ Water is available from onboard vending machines, but may sell out
■ Bring extra drinks just in case

Since onboard amenities are limited, bringing the following items will make your trip more comfortable:

■ Towels, toothbrushes, and other personal care items
■ Snacks and drinks
■ Motion sickness medicine if needed

In principle, intermediate stops cannot be used for disembarking.

■ At Okayama Station, you may temporarily leave the train during the splitting operation (around 5–10 minutes)