The Sunrise Express Izumo is a popular sleeper train that connects Tokyo and Izumo City, and vice versa. During this trip, I opted for the most affordable option, a solo private room in the B-class sleeper cabin.

This sleeper train, which began operation on July 10, 1998, is the only one of its kind in Japan that operates daily on a regular schedule, running from Tokyo Station in Tokyo to Izumo City Station in Shimane Prefecture, traversing the Tokaido Main Line, Sanyo Main Line, Hakubi Line, and Sanin Main Line.

In this article, I will share my experience of traveling aboard the Sunrise Express Izumo from Tokyo Station to Izumo City. I’ll provide tips and insights on what to expect and how to enjoy the train journey to the fullest!

Sunrise Express Izumo : Introduction of Specifications

1. Train Name: JR West Japan 285 Series Train – Sunrise Express Izumo
2. Commencement of Operation: July 10, 1998
3. Length: Approximately 21.67 meters (per car)
4. Gross Weight: Approximately 43.57 tons (per car)
5. Speed: 130 km/h
6. Passenger Capacity: 158 passengers

Introduction to the Interior of the Sunrise Express Izumo

Deck

Entrance/exit inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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Each car is equipped with entry and exit doors. The doors leading to reserved seats open automatically using sensors. Simply wave your hand near the door to proceed to your designated area.

Mini Lounge

View from the mini lounge inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The Sunrise trains do not have dining cars. Therefore, passengers who wish to eat should purchase food before boarding, as they can enjoy their meals in the mini lounge.

With only four seats on each side, the seats fill up quickly after boarding. I noticed a few passengers enjoying drinks.

Stickers reminding passengers to refrain from making noise during sleeping hours were placed on the wall. It’s better to keep quiet after 22:00.

In the morning, passengers can enjoy their meals while appreciating the changing scenery outside!

Shower Room

Shower room inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

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 the shower rooms are of the individual type.

There were long mirrors on both sides of the shower room, and multiple handles were installed.

Since the train often sways during the journey, it’s necessary to maintain balance while taking a shower. Additionally, please note that the shower rooms are available for a fee, and a dedicated card is required.

Vending machine

Vending machine inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The vending machines were located next to the lounges in cars 3 and 10. The available drinks included Ayataka, Irohasu, Emerald Mountain, Coca-Cola, and Real Gold, totaling five varieties.

Interestingly, only the sample of Irohasu seemed to be distorted, possibly due to the train’s movement (lol)

Washbasin

Washbasin inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The washbasins on the Sunrise train are available in 10 cars, specifically in cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14.

Each washbasin is equipped with hooks, power outlets, and hand soap. Curtains are also provided, allowing users to close them for privacy while using the facilities.

Moreover, the washbasin’s water can be easily switched between hot and cold by pressing a single button.

Toilet

Toilet inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The toilets are installed in all cars of the Sunrise train.

Inside the toilet, there is a child seat attached.

Barrier-Free Toilet

Multi-purpose toilet inside the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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The washrooms and toilets in cars 2 and 9 were the only ones that were wheelchair accessible and larger in size.

While they may not appear significantly different from regular toilets at first glance, they are actually about two sizes larger and have several additional handrails installed.

Due to their larger size, these toilets are equipped with a diaper changing table, which is not found in regular toilets. Additionally, there is a dedicated trash bin for disposing of baby diapers located under the diaper changing table.

Stickers

Stickers with numerous awards attached to the windows of the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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Sunrise Izumo was awarded the Encouragement Prize at the Brunel Awards, the only international design competition for railway-related designs, in 1998. It was also highly praised at the Good Design Show in the same year, receiving recognition from overseas critics.

Keep an eye out for stickers on the doors of the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto train decks!

Compare the cheapest shared room and the cheapest private room at Sunrise Izumo

Nobi-Nobi Seat (Cheapest shared room)

Room

Novi-Novi seats on the Sunrise Izumo sleeper express

photo by mitemil

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“The ‘Nobinobi’ seats are the most affordable option on the Sunrise train, with a seat width of 85cm and a length of 2m8cm. There are 28 seats each on the upper and lower levels in cars 5 and 12.

These seats are known for being very budget-friendly, making them ideal for individuals traveling alone, such as for work trips from Osaka to Tokyo!

While there is no wall at the foot of the seat, there is a wall that conceals the upper body, so you don’t need to worry about others seeing you while you sleep.

The floor is covered with inexpensive floor mats commonly seen in hardware stores. During a previous trip from Osaka to Tokyo in the cold winter months, I used the ‘Nobinobi’ seats and found that the floor was equipped with floor heating, making my back feel very warm.”

Facilities

photo by mitemil

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– Small window with blinds
– Night light
– Reading light
– Air conditioning
– Drink holder

Cold air was coming out from the air conditioning unit on the ceiling. There are curtains on the aisle side, but they stop halfway.

The curtains, intended to prevent visibility from the aisle side, provide a moderate level of privacy.

Amenities

photo by mitemil

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– Disposable cups
– One blanket
– One thin sheet

There are no pillows provided in the ‘Nobinobi’ seats.

The blanket is thin, and regarding the white sheet, I believe it is provided for those who do not want to sleep with their heads directly on the carpet.
Using the white sheet along with a neck pillow you bring along can serve as a makeshift pillow.
Despite being the cheapest option, the facilities are quite decent with the presence of floor heating.

B Class Bed Solo (Cheapest Private Room)

Room

B Class Solo private room on the upper row of the sleeper express Sunrise Izumo

photo by mitemil

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Bunk Bed Solo seats are the cheapest private rooms on the Sunrise trains, with a bed length of 1m96cm and a width of 75cm.

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

All private rooms are equipped with dial-type locks, allowing passengers to set their preferred password.

Solo private rooms have both upper and lower berths, but unfortunately, seat selection cannot be made at the time of reservation, so it depends on luck. For credit card payments, there is a cancellation fee of 560 yen.

If payment is not confirmed, such as with convenience store payments, no cancellation fees will be incurred, so if you’re particular about your seat, consider adjusting your reservation using a convenience store payment method.

Facilities

The switch for the B-class solo compartment on the Sunrise Izumo Limited Express

photo by mitemil

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– Outlet
– Wardrobe mirror
– Air conditioning
– In-car speaker
– Storage shelves
– Foldable drink holders
– Blinds
– Night light
– Interior Lights
– Foot lamps
– Heater adjustment dial
– Clock with alarm
– The clock with alarm was accurate.

The air conditioning breeze was surprisingly strong, about the medium breeze of a fan if I had to use an analogy.
Lighting was on/off at the touch of a button on the wall, not only above the bed but also the light at the bottom of the stairs.

It is nice to be able to brighten only the foot of the bed because it is too bright to light up the entire room while sleeping.
There is a heater in front of the staircase light, so it slowly gets warmer.

Amenities

Amenities in the B-class solo compartment of the Sunrise Izumo Limited Express sleeper train

photo by mitemil

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– Disposable cups
– Hangers
– Slippers
– Plastic bag
– Quilt
– Mattresses
– Pillows
– Sleepwear

The bag felt a little small, but not so small that I couldn’t wear it, but just enough to stick out my heels a little.
The plastic bags on the stairs were mainly used for trash.

There are four beds: a mattress, a comforter, pillows, and nightclothes.
The quilt is fireproof and measures 110cm x 190cm.

The pillow was a pipe pillow stuffed with finely cut straw.
A nightgown labeled “J-LINEN” was also provided, but I did not use it because I cannot sleep without my own nightgown.

Incidentally, J-LINEN is the name of a company called JR West Japan Linen, which operates a train and hotel cleaning business in the western Japan area.

Neck pillows are very useful when riding in a knobby seat!

I knew before boarding the Novinobi seat that there were no pillows, so I brought an inflatable neck pillow.

I placed a folded towel on top of the inflated neck pillow and used the white cloth provided in the Novinobi seat as a sheet.

Advantages and disadvantages of upper and lower bunks

It depends on the room type, but most seats are in similar circumstances, so maybe it applies to you.

Upper Bunk

• Advantages: Better view, less noise than below
• Disadvantages: smaller rooms than below, more swaying than below, only stairs to stand on.

Lower column

• Advantages: wider than the upper level, smoother entry and exit, less shaking than the upper level
• Disadvantages/views are not as promising as the above, eyes from the platform when stopping at each station (curtains are available), train motor noise is noisy

Reservation method for the Sunrise Izumo Limited Express

Midori-no-Kenbaiki(Ticket Vending Machines)

At JR stations, you can purchase tickets using the “Green Ticket Vending Machines.” However, additional sleeper charges are required to board the Sunrise Izumo Limited Express.

Midori-no-madoguchi

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

If there is a Midori no Madoguchi near your location, simply inform the staff that you would like to reserve the Sunrise Izumo, and they will assist you in making the reservation smoothly!

You can find a list of stations with Midori no Madoguchi on JR’s official website.

Online Booking

You can make advance reservations using your smartphone or computer through the official JR website called “JR Odekake Net.”

▼ JR Odekake Net Sunrise Izumo Reservation Page

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

Tickets reserved online can be collected at the “Midori no Madoguchi” window or from the “Midori no Kenbaiki” vending machines.

If you’ve completed the reservation with a credit card but haven’t picked up the tickets yet, you can print them out at the vending machines.

Those who reserved with a credit card need to bring the same card used for the reservation when collecting the tickets.

For those who made reservations online, you can check the payment and pickup status of your tickets on JR’s official reservation site called “e5489”

▼ e5489 Official Website

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

Tips for Reserving the Sunrise Izumo Limited Express

When can you make a reservation?

Reservations can be made from 10:00 AM one month before the date of travel. However, if the same date does not exist in the previous month, reservations can be made from the beginning of the month (the 1st).

Difficulty in securing reservations

The Sunrise Izumo Limited Express is the only sleeper train in Japan and is highly popular. Despite operating daily, certain room types such as the A-class single deluxe, B-class single twin, single, and solo rooms are extremely popular. During the winter season, reservations for these private rooms may be unavailable up to one month in advance. However, shared compartment seats are relatively easier to book.

How to Secure Reservations

This method, known as “hitting at 10,” is a strategy for securing reservations through both online booking and at the Midori no Madoguchi ticket counters.

At 10:00 AM one month prior to the desired travel date, tickets for the Sunrise Izumo are simultaneously released nationwide.

As soon as it hits 10:00 AM, quickly press the reservation button to complete your booking.

For online reservations, input the necessary information such as the boarding and alighting stations and the desired train beforehand, then hit the search button precisely at 10:00 AM to make your reservation.

Sunrise Izumo Limited Express Seat Map

I’ve created a simple seat map for all the carriages inside the Sunrise Izumo and Seto trains.

It’s available for download, so I hope it can be helpful as a reference when choosing seats.

▼ Sunrise Izumo and Seto Limited Express Seat Map PDF

Room Types & Sleeper Charges for Sunrise Izumo

Room Types & Price List

Room Type	Room Type	Sleeper Charge	Sleeper Charge	Remarks	Remarks
A-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	A-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	Single Deluxe	Single Deluxe	13,980 yen	A-class Single Room (1 person capacity)
B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	Single Twin	Single Twin	9,600 yen	B-class Single Room (1 person・2 person capacity)
B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	Single	Single	7,700 yen	B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)
B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)	Solo	Solo	6,600 yen	B-class Single Room (1 person capacity)
B-class Single Room (2 person capacity)	B-class Single Room (2 person capacity)	Sunrise Twin	Sunrise Twin	15,400 yen (for 2 persons)	B-class Single Room (2 person capacity)
B-class Single Room (2 person capacity)	B-class Single Room (2 person capacity)	Single Twin	Single Twin	15,100 yen (for 2 persons)	B-class Single Room (1 person・2 person capacity)
B-class Seat (shared)	B-class Seat (shared)	Spacious Seat	Spacious Seat	530 yen (regular period)	Ordinary Car Reserved Seat

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The sleeping berth fare for the Nobinobi seat is ¥200 less than the regular fare during the off-peak season and ¥200 more during the peak season.

For those who reserve a twin room, the fare for two adults is required, but there is no charge for children who sleep with an adult.

On the Sunrise Izumo, you pay a combined fare for “fare, limited express charge, and berth charge.”

The fare varies depending on the stations you board and alight at, as well as the type of room.

The price difference between the private room and the shared room seat was ¥6,070.

The validity period of the boarding ticket is up to 5 days from the scheduled boarding date, but the limited express ticket is only valid on the day of boarding, so please be careful.

For those who want to ride at a reasonable price, the Nobinobi seat is recommended! (^-^)

Sunrise Izumo and Seto Duration

Tokyo 21:50 → Izumo City 9:58 – 12 hours 48 minutes

Tokyo 21:50 → Takamatsu 7:27 – 10 hours 17 minutes

Osaka 0:33 → Tokyo 7:08 – 6 hours 35 minutes

Sunrise Izumo Departure Platform, Stops, and Timetable

Sunrise Seto sometimes operates extended services to Kotohira Station after arriving at Takamatsu Station.

Timetable after the timetable revision on March 16, 2024.

From Tokyo to Izumo City & Takamatsu.

Pref.	Route	Station	Sunrise Seto	Sunrise Izumo	Sunrise Izumo No.91
東京都 (Tokyo)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	東京 (Tokyo)	21:50	21:50	22:21
神奈川県 (Kanagawa)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	横浜 (Yokohama)	22:15	22:15	22:44
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	熱海 (Atami)	23:23	23:23	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	沼津 (Numazu)	23:39	23:39	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	富士 (Fuji)	23:53	23:53	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	静岡 (Shizuoka)	0:20	0:20	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	浜松 (Hamamatsu)	1:12	1:12	↓
大阪府 (Osaka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	大阪 (Osaka)	↓	↓	6:04
兵庫県 (Hyogo)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	三ノ宮 (San-nomiya)	↓	↓	6:27
兵庫県 (Hyogo)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	姫路 (Himeji)	5:25	5:25	7:19
岡山県 (Okayama)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	岡山 (Okayama)	6:27	6:27	8:48
岡山県 (Okayama)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	倉敷 (Kurashiki)	||	6:46	9:06
岡山県 (Okayama)	伯備線 (Hakubi Line)	備中高梁 (Bitchu-Takahashi)	||	7:14	9:36
岡山県 (Okayama)	伯備線 (Hakubi Line)	新見 (Niimi)	||	7:43	10:23
鳥取県 (Tottori)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	米子 (Yonago)	||	9:05	12:02
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	安来 (Yasugi)	||	9:16	12:12
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	松江 (Matsue)	||	9:33	12:36
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	宍道 (Shinji)	||	9:47	13:26
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	出雲市 (Izumoshi)	||	10:00	13:39
岡山県 (Okayama)	本四備讃線 (Honshi-Bisan Line)	児島 (Kojima)	6:52	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	予讃線 (Yosan Line)	坂出 (Sakaide)	7:09	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	予讃線 (Yosan Line)	高松 (Takamatsu)	7:27	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	土讃線 (Dosan Line)	多度津 (Tadotsu)	(8:25)	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	土讃線 (Dosan Line)	善通寺 (Zentsuji)	(8:32)	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	土讃線 (Dosan Line)	琴平 (Kotohira)	(8:39)	–	–

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出雲市・高松から東京(上り)

Pref.	Route	Station	Sunrise Seto	Sunrise Izumo	Sunrise Izumo No.91
香川県 (Kagawa)	予讃線 (Yosan Line)	高松 (Takamatsu)	21:26	–	–
香川県 (Kagawa)	予讃線 (Yosan Line)	坂出 (Sakaide)	21:44	–	–
岡山県 (Okayama)	本四備讃線 (Honshi-Bisan Line)	児島 (Kojima)	22:01	–	–
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	出雲市 (Izumoshi)	||	18:57	13:52
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	宍道 (Shinji)	||	19:10	14:24
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	松江 (Matsue)	||	19:26	14:47
島根県 (Shimane)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	安来 (Yasugi)	||	19:43	15:15
鳥取県 (Tottori)	山陰本線 (Sanin Main Line)	米子 (Yonago)	||	1953	15:25
岡山県 (Okayama)	伯備線 (Hakubi Line)	新見 (Niimi)	||	21:19	17:16
岡山県 (Okayama)	伯備線 (Hakubi Line)	備中高梁 (Bitchu-Takahashi)	||	21:49	18:21
岡山県 (Okayama)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	倉敷 (Kurashiki)	||	22:16	18:51
岡山県 (Okayama)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	岡山 (Okayama)	22:34	22:34	19:26
兵庫県 (Hyogo)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	姫路 (Himeji)	23:33	23:33	21:04
兵庫県 (Hyogo)	山陽本線 (Sanyo Main Line)	三ノ宮 (San-nomiya)	0:11	0:11	21:52
大阪府 (Osaka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	大阪 (Osaka)	0:33	0:33	22:29
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	浜松 (Hamamatsu)	↓	↓	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	静岡 (Shizuoka)	4:38	4:38	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	富士 (Fuji)	5:09	5:09	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	沼津 (Numazu)	5:25	5:25	↓
静岡県 (Shizuoka)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	熱海 (Atami)	5:43	5:43	↓
神奈川県 (Kanagawa)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	横浜 (Yokohama)	6:44	6:44	5:56
東京都 (Tokyo)	東海道本線 (Tokaido Main Line)	東京 (Tokyo)	7:08	7:08	6:23

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Sunrise Seto, Sunrise Izumo Difference

The Sunrise trains consist of cars 1 through 7 for the Seto service and cars 8 through 14 for the Izumo service.

At Okayama Station, the train separation procedure takes place.

The train separation process at Okayama Station is a famous event associated with the Sunrise trains.

Despite the early hour, many people come to witness the separation procedure.

For those planning to watch the separation of the Sunrise trains, pay attention here!

“Depending on the direction of travel, passengers on Sunrise trains may not be able to witness the train separation process. The train departs at the time of separation.

If you want to take a bath, you need a shower card.

Each shower card costs 330 yen.

Each card is valid only once and can be used for 6 minutes.

The card has an illustration of the Sunrise train.

Location of Shower Card Vending Machines

One shower card vending machine is located next to the lounge on cars 3 and 10.

The location of the shower card vending machines is closer to those entering through the doors of Cars 1 and 11 due to the structure of the cars.

If you want to win the battle for the shower card, try boarding from Car 4 and 11.

Shower cards must be purchased as soon as you board the train, or they will sell out quickly.

As mentioned earlier, one shower card is located next to the lounge of Car 3 and Car 10, but due to the capacity of the water tank, the number of cards sold per unit is limited to 20.

The total number of cards for the entire train is 40.

I actually went to the platform one hour before the Sunrise train was scheduled to depart because I really wanted to purchase a shower card, but there were already more than 10 people waiting in line (OMG)

Sunrise Izumo Train Update and Operation Status

The Sunrise Izumo train may be cancelled depending on weather conditions in each prefecture.

You can check the operation status of the Sunrise Izumo train, including information on delays, from the official website operated by West Japan Railway Company.

▼The latest information on the Sunrise Izumo

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

My impressions after riding the Sunrise Izumo

I recently took a trip from Tokyo to Izumo City Station aboard the Sunrise Izumo train, and I’d like to share my experience with you. Despite opting for the most budget-friendly and compact private room available on the Sunrise train, I found it surprisingly comfortable. Being able to lie down horizontally in a private space made the journey quite enjoyable, and the changing scenery along the way added to the experience, making it feel like a luxurious adventure.

While the train’s movement caused a few bumps as I walked through the aisle, it wasn’t enough to disrupt my overall experience. I was still able to comfortably enjoy my meals in the mini lounge. I hope my experience serves as a helpful reference for those planning to ride the Sunrise Izumo or Sunrise Seto trains in the future, heading towards Izumo City or Takamatsu.

To those embarking on their journey, I wish you a safe and pleasant train ride ahead!