The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are the only remaining regularly scheduled sleeper trains in Japan. They run from Tokyo to Shikoku and western Honshu.
Sunrise Seto with fall foliage – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The Sunrise Seto and its sister train, Sunrise Izumo (see following section), are the only remaining regularly scheduled sleeper trains in Japan (as opposed to luxury “cruise trains”).
Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi sleeper trains. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Sunrise Seto (JR Central/West)
The Sunrise Seto runs between Tokyo Station and Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku, stopping at Okayama and a few other places en route. There are wonderful private rooms and economical “nobi-nobi” seats that are actually fully flat sleeping areas in a communal space.
This would be an interesting way to travel from Tokyo to Takamatsu and then on to Naoshima (Japan’s “art island”). You can ride this with a Japan Rail Pass and reserve a “nobi-nobi” seat using the JR online booking system. It’s a cool way to get from Tokyo to western Japan.
Schedules
- westbound: leaves Tokyo Station daily at 9:50pm and arrives at Takamatsu the following day at 7:27am
- eastbound: leaves Takamatsu daily at 9:26pm and arrives at Tokyo Station the following day at 7:08am
Sunrise Seto Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Sunrise Seto train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
- Ask a friend in Japan or a Japan travel company to buy tickets for you.
- Buy at a JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket window up to 1 month in advance.
- Buy a Japan Rail Pass online from JR and reserve a “nobi-nobi” seat (the cheapest fare) online with the JR online booking system.
Sample Fares
Base fare: ¥11,650 between Tokyo and Takamatsu, plus ¥6,600 to ¥15,400 per compartment if you use a private compartment.
Sunrise Izumo (JR Central/West)
The Sunrise Izumo runs together with the Sunrise Seto from Tokyo to Okayama and then splits apart and heads up to Izumo, on the northern coast of western Honshu. It also boats private and semi-private sleeping areas. The Sunrise Izumo would be a good way to visit Izumo Shrine, one of Japan’s holiest places.
Sunrise Izumo single sleeper – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Sunrise Izumi Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Sunrise Izumi train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Schedules
- westbound: leaves Tokyo Station daily at 9:50pm and arrives at Izumoshi the following day at 9:58am
- eastbound: leaves Izumoshi daily at 6:55pm and arrives at Tokyo Station the following day at 7:08am
Reservations and Tickets
- Ask a friend in Japan or a Japan travel company to buy tickets for you.
- Buy at a JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket window up to 1 month in advance.
- Buy a Japan Rail Pass online from JR and reserve a “nobi-nobi” seat (the cheapest fare) online with the JR online booking system.
Sample Fares
Base fare: ¥12,210 between Tokyo and Izumoshi, plus ¥6,600 to ¥15,400 per compartment if you use a private compartment.
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
