A great journey on 12 hours Overnight train, “Sunrise Izumo.”
Sleeper trains and overnight trains were once very common in Japan. However, there are only two
trains that operate everyday. The Sunrise Izumo and Seto (寝台列車サンライズ出雲/瀬戸) are those two trains. Izumo and Seto offer two very unique experiences, such as an onboard shower,
lounge viewing rooms, private rooms, and large scenic viewing windows that allow you to view the incredible cities, towns, and countryside of Japan. If you have the chance to take either the Sunrise Izumo or Seto, I highly recommend this journey for anyone who loves Japan or train travel.
On this trip, I will be traveling from Tokyo station (東京駅) to Izumo-shi station (出雲市駅). Izumo and Seto trains are coupled upon leaving Tokyo station and decoupled at Okayama station. The total journey time is about 12 hours. There are multiple station stops along the route, including Yokohama, Hamamatsu, Himeji, and the well-known decoupling station Okayama (岡山駅). Destination Izumo-city is known for Izumo-taisha (出雲大社), a historic Shinto shrine that is one of the oldest sacred shrines in Japan.
🚋IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS🚋
*The total trip distance is almost 600 miles (950 km) from Tokyo to Izumo-city
*Total travel time is 12 hours (Tokyo to Izumo)
*Train ticket cost is $179 one way
*A single twin room includes pajamas, slippers, pillows, and blankets
*Ticket must be purchased 30 days in advance (I got tickets at “Midori no-Madoguchi,” or another way is “JR Odekake-Net” website.
(If you aren’t in Japan for that length of time, it’s best to use a travel agency)
*There is no food service on the train except drink vending machines (It’s best to buy a bento box meal/Ekiben or snacks at Tokyo station)
*It’s best to purchase a shower card as soon as you board (Shower cards sell out quickly) The cost is about Y330 ($3). No towels are provided for the shower be sure to bring one.
*Seto train decouples at Okayama station (Around 6:30 am.) *Check time table
*Louge or viewing car is open to all passengers
*No WiFi Service on board (I brought a portable WiFi)
#overnighttrain #sleepertrain #tankenjapan
tankenjapan.com
00:00 Preview
00:19 Arrived At Tokyo Station
01:36 Buying Ekiben (A Bento Boxed Meal)
02:28 Getting Ready To Go On A Sunrise Express Izumo
04:56 Room Tour (Private Room/Single Twin *Bunk Beds)
07:28 Let’s Explore The Train
09:46 Dinner Time (Self-Heating Ekiben Meal)
11:00 Taking A Shower
14:14 Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo Uncoupling
16:09 Having Breakfast
16:35 Enjoy The Scenery Through The Train Window
19:30 Arrived at The Final Destination, Izumo-Shi Station