Contents
- Leave Tokyo at Night, Wake Up in San’in
- Major Stops & Timetable
- Private Rooms & Nobinobi Seating
- Approximate Fares
- Reservations Can Be Difficult
- Planning Your Journey
- Traveling by Shinkansen & Yakumo
- Continue Your Journey Through San’in
Leave Tokyo at Night, Wake Up in San’in
The Sunrise Izumo is Japan’s only regularly scheduled overnight sleeper train.
Leave Tokyo after dark.
Sleep while the train quietly travels west.
Wake up to mountains, rivers, and the gentle morning light of San’in.
More than simply reaching your destination, the Sunrise Izumo lets the journey begin while you are asleep.
The train travels through the night before entering the Hakubi Line, crossing the mountains of western Japan from Okayama toward Yonago.
As morning arrives, peaceful valleys, rivers, and rural landscapes slowly appear outside the window.
The Hakubi Line follows the Hino River through the Chugoku Mountains, offering one of Japan’s most scenic railway journeys.
Unlike high-speed rail, the scenery encourages you to slow down and simply watch the landscape unfold.
Although Europe still has famous sleeper trains such as the Orient Express, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are now Japan’s only regularly scheduled overnight sleeper services.
If you would like to explore the railway itself, see:
→ Tracing the Mountains — The Hakubi Line Toward San’in
For another story about the train, see:
→ Sunrise Izumo — Encounters Beginning at Matsue Station
Major Stops & Timetable
Major Stops
Tokyo → Yokohama → Osaka → Okayama → Kurashiki → Niimi → Yonago → Yasugi → Matsue → Tamatsukuri Onsen → Izumo-shi
| Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Matsue | 22:26 | 9:33 |
| Tokyo → Izumo-shi | 22:26 | 10:00 |
| Izumo-shi → Tokyo | 18:57 | 7:08 |
| Matsue → Tokyo | 19:24 | 7:08 |
Timetables may change. Please check the official JR timetable before traveling.
Private Rooms & Nobinobi Seating
The Sunrise Izumo offers several accommodation types:
- Single Deluxe
- Single
- Solo
- Sunrise Twin
Private rooms provide a comfortable overnight journey, while the popular Nobinobi Seating offers an affordable way to experience Japan’s sleeper train culture.
Unlike private rooms, Nobinobi Seating consists of carpeted sleeping spaces where passengers can lie down.
Each space includes a blanket, privacy partition, and curtain.
There is no pillow, so many travelers use a jacket or small bag instead.
Showers, vending machines, and a shared lounge are also available onboard.
For many travelers, Nobinobi Seating recalls the atmosphere of Japan’s former overnight trains such as the Moonlight Nagara.
Approximate Fares
- Single Deluxe: approximately ¥13,980
- Single: approximately ¥7,700
- Sunrise Twin (2 people): approximately ¥15,400
Base fare and limited express surcharge are charged separately.
Prices may vary depending on the season.
Reservations Can Be Difficult
The Sunrise Izumo is extremely popular.
Private rooms often sell out shortly after reservations open.
If your preferred room is unavailable, Nobinobi Seating is an excellent alternative for experiencing Japan’s last regular sleeper train.
Booking the Sunrise Izumo
International visitors can reserve Sunrise Izumo tickets through JR-West’s official online reservation service.
→ Book Sunrise Izumo tickets via JR-West
Planning Your Journey
After arriving in San’in, many travelers continue to nearby hot spring towns, gardens, and historic cities.
If you’re looking for accommodation after your train journey:
Looking for a more personal story?
→ An Unexpected Night on the Sunrise Izumo
Traveling by Shinkansen & Yakumo
If sleeper train reservations are unavailable, another comfortable option is to take the Shinkansen to Okayama and transfer to the Limited Express Yakumo.
(Yakumo photo)
The Yakumo follows the Hakubi Line through mountain valleys and along the Hino River before reaching Yonago and Matsue.
Many visitors enjoy this route for its beautiful scenery.
Continue Your Journey Through San’in
After crossing the mountains, the train reaches Yonago, one of the main gateways to the San’in region.
From here, your journey can continue in many different directions.
Matsue
A castle town known for tea culture, waterways, and quiet evenings.
→ Matsue — A Town of Shadows and Quiet Beauty
Tamatsukuri Onsen
One of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, closely connected with Japanese mythology.
→ Tamatsukuri Onsen — The Ancient Hot Spring Known as the Water of the Gods
Izumo Taisha
Japan’s most famous shrine for matchmaking and one of the country’s most important sacred places.
→ Izumo Taisha — Places to Stay Near Japan’s Sacred Shrine
Daisen
The highest mountain in western Japan and a sacred peak surrounded by forests and temples.
→ Daisen Temple and the Ley Line
Sakaiminato
A harbor town where yokai seem to wander after dark.
Spend an evening walking beneath glowing street lamps, discovering bronze yokai statues, fresh seafood, and one of San’in’s most unforgettable night walks.
→ Night Walk in Sakaiminato
Stay in San’in
Whether you prefer hot springs, lakeside inns, harbor towns, or mountain retreats, San’in offers many peaceful places to stay.
→ Explore Places to Stay in San’in