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Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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The 1960s saw great improvement in Japan’s economy, including the railways. The first modern high-speed rail line opened in 1964 and many limited express trains and overnight trains started to cross the nation. After the popularity of Japanese sleeper trains peaked in the 70s, however, the country’s expanding network of bullet trains, domestic air routes, and cheaper night buses have nearly wiped out this way of travel.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: ajitk55

The Sunrise Seto and the Sunrise Izumo are the only regularly operating sleeper trains left. On their outward journey from Tokyo, the two trains are coupled together as one long 14-car train until they reach Okayama.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: sandy_ganlath

At Okayama Station, the Sunrise Seto and the Sunrise Izumo are separated into two 7-car trains. Each train then continues on their own, eventually reaching different destinations. The Sunrise Seto goes to the city of Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku, and the Sunrise Izumo goes to the city of Izumo in Shimane Prefecture.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: ajitk55

On their return journeys, these two trains run separately from their starting points at Takamatsu and Izumo, and are coupled together once again when they reach Okayama and stay that way all the way to the final stop at Tokyo.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: kiji.life

The daily trains depart Tokyo at 10 pm and arrive at their destinations at 7:27 am (Takamatsu) and 9.58 am (Izumoshi). Taking advantage of this service can save travelers the expenses of a night in a hotel.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: happytrain_sunamichan

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: apubby

The Sunrise Seto/Izumo don’t offer regular seating. Instead, the carts are equipped with private cabins and an open area called “nobi nobi” which invites to lay down on carpeted ground.

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Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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Depending on the compartment type, Japan Rail Pass holders will have to pay an additional supplement up to about 17,000 yen (~$153) to ride in the cabins, but usually will be able to use the “nobi nobi” without paying extra.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: apubby

Common use areas include a shower that passengers can use for 6 minutes after buying a token. However, there is a limited supply of these tokens, so everyone who wants to use the shower during their trip is advised to buy one early.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: apubby

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Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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Other facilities on the train include toilets, vending machines, and lounges.

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: W0746203-1 / Wikipedia Commons

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: apubby

The Sunrise Seto/Izumo aside, numerous Japan Railway companies are trying to attract new customers by offering luxury sleeper trains. These usually have five-star lounges with working fireplaces, dining and observatory cars with floor-to-floor panoramic views and menus devised by Michelin-starred chefs. A trip on one of these can set you back up to $10,000!

Twilight Express Mizukaze

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: AFP

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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Image credits: AFP

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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The Seven Stars train

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: japanspecialist

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: japanspecialist

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Image credits: japanspecialist

People had a lot to say about these trains

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

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Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis

Ilona Baliūnaitė

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

What do you think ?

Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago

Looks lovely - only problem is if you get a loud snorer on one of the open carriages. Tried to sleep in a hospital ward with snorers and found it impossible!!

30points

diane a 5 years ago

When I was in hospitaI for a month I used earplugs - and I WAS the snorer.

15points

Load More Replies...

Samhhain Cat 5 years ago

So weird how sleep is utterly disturbed in a hospital from both noise and nurses waking you up for whatever reason when the ONE THING you need to get better is SLEEP!

3points

Victor Manteca Hierro 5 years ago

I have sleep apnea and I snore like a lumber mill. Just let me plug my CPAP and all solved.

2points

Stormapotamus 5 years ago

ear plugs, bruh!

1point

diane a 5 years ago (edited)

Used to get the overnight sleeper from Scotland every week. Used the "seated" carriage which was very comfy, as needed to get off at 4.30am. Most people were asleep anyway. I never dared doze off as after the service from Inverness was joined to the Aberdeen train at Edinburgh It became the longest passenger train in the UK and few stations could accomodate it. If I had missed my 4.30am stop at Preston, I would have been stuck on if for a further 200 miles to London.

9points

Daria B 5 years ago

It's so expensive, though. But looks so nice.

9points

Load More Comments

Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago

Looks lovely - only problem is if you get a loud snorer on one of the open carriages. Tried to sleep in a hospital ward with snorers and found it impossible!!

30points

diane a 5 years ago

When I was in hospitaI for a month I used earplugs - and I WAS the snorer.

15points

Load More Replies...

Samhhain Cat 5 years ago

So weird how sleep is utterly disturbed in a hospital from both noise and nurses waking you up for whatever reason when the ONE THING you need to get better is SLEEP!

3points

Victor Manteca Hierro 5 years ago

I have sleep apnea and I snore like a lumber mill. Just let me plug my CPAP and all solved.

2points

Stormapotamus 5 years ago

ear plugs, bruh!

1point

diane a 5 years ago (edited)

Used to get the overnight sleeper from Scotland every week. Used the "seated" carriage which was very comfy, as needed to get off at 4.30am. Most people were asleep anyway. I never dared doze off as after the service from Inverness was joined to the Aberdeen train at Edinburgh It became the longest passenger train in the UK and few stations could accomodate it. If I had missed my 4.30am stop at Preston, I would have been stuck on if for a further 200 miles to London.

9points

Daria B 5 years ago

It's so expensive, though. But looks so nice.

9points

Load More Comments

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