Japan has no shortage of attractions that would leave any unprepared tourist speechless. From giant robots to public restrooms with bizarre shapes, the surprise factor can be huge, but for a classic and relaxing experience, all you need to do is board a night train. The Sunrise Express is made up of the Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo services. Covering an average of 880 kilometers between them, they are not only mini cities on wheels but also a very special way to get to know the country.
Japanese trains are in a category of their own. Their stations dominate the Top 50 busiest on the planet, passengers make the most of the available services, and some train formations continue to operate in other countries even half a century after being built. Ticket prices suit almost every budget, and if you're planning a trip in the future, you might want to consider boarding the Sunrise Express.
Two services, one train
The express train's activity is divided into two services. On one hand, Sunrise Izumo covers the 953.6 kilometers separating Tokyo and Izumoshi stations (Shimane). On the other, Sunrise Seto separates from Sunrise Izumo at Okayama station, continuing on to Takamatsu station in Kagawa, adding 804.7 kilometers in total. Sunrise Express is the last of the so-called night trains still operating on Japanese soil. The public still remembers "Cassiopeia", the service that went from Tokyo to Sapporo in 16 and a half hours, but it was retired in March 2016. So the question is: what can you find on the Sunrise Express?
Rooms for every budget
The most expensive is "A Single Deluxe", which according to available information costs almost 14,000 yen (112 euros) regardless of distance traveled. That category offers a table, chair, robe, access to the shower, and maximum privacy. Essentially a hotel on wheels. At the other extreme is "Nobinobi", an area where each passenger has an assigned section with a rigid surface to sleep on. It partly reminds us of the famous capsule hotels, with the huge difference that the level of privacy in Nobinobi is zero. The separations are minimal and there are no curtains, but if your budget is tight, it's the best option.
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