Japan's last two sleeper trains. How to book, room types, and schedules.
Sunrise departs Tokyo 22:00 coupled as 14 cars. At Okayama (6:27 AM), the train splits: 7 cars continue as Sunrise Seto to Takamatsu (Shikoku, arr 07:27), 7 cars become Sunrise Izumo to Izumoshi (arr 09:58). Return trips mirror — from Takamatsu 21:26 and Izumoshi 18:51 meet at Okayama and continue as one.
**Nobi-nobi** (のびのび座席): carpet floor with individual partitions, first-come spots. Cheapest — just the base fare + limited express ¥3,170 + Nobi-nobi ¥0. Can't sit upright fully, but you lie down. JR Pass covers the base; you pay the extras (~¥10,000).
**Solo** (ソロ, B-class): private 2m² cabin, single bed. +¥6,600 berth charge. **Single** (シングル, A-class): bigger, more legroom, storage. +¥7,700 berth. **Single Twin**: single room + pull-out bunk for 2nd person. +¥9,600 for 1, +¥7,700 for 2. **Twin**: 2 beds side-by-side. +¥15,400 total (shared). **Deluxe Single** (Izumo only): largest single, includes shower card. +¥13,400.
Tickets release at EXACTLY 10:00 AM JST, 1 MONTH before departure date. Popular Friday/Saturday nights sell out in 5-10 minutes for private compartments. Strategy: arrive at Midori counter at a major station 9:55. Fill out form in advance with options. Present at 10:00 sharp. Or use JR East online reservation (in Japanese) — also opens at 10:00.
Railfans who want the experience (majority). Business travelers saving hotel cost + next-morning commute. Tourists doing Tokyo-Shikoku without losing a day. Budget travelers (Nobi-nobi is cheaper than bullet + hotel). Photo fans shooting the unique split-train ceremony at Okayama 6:27 AM.
Pack earplugs — train noise + other passengers. Eat dinner BEFORE boarding — no restaurant car. Shower at a station en route: Himeji (westbound 04:02-04:05) or Okayama (06:27+) have shower facilities inside station, short dash. Take photos of the split ceremony at Okayama — it's special. JR Pass holders: Nobi-nobi is nearly free, but private rooms you still pay the berth charge.
