Tourism Japan's sleeper trains see rapid sell-outs amid rising demand

Japan's overnight trains are back in the news, and travel industry professionals say the appeal now lies less in getting from one place to another and more in the experience itself. JR West's WEST EXPRESS Ginga, which began running in September 2020, is often cited as an example because it has become so popular that securing a reservation is extremely difficult. The service leaves Kyoto at 21.15 and arrives in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, at 10.50 the following morning, covering more than thirteen hours of travel through the night. The basic fare of 12,950 yen includes both the one-way ticket and the limited-express reserved-seat charge. Its reclining seats are broader than those in a standard Green Car, with deeper angles so passengers can rest more comfortably. Travellers paying the same fare can also choose a "Nobinobi" space, which lets them stretch out and lie down rather than sit upright.

A 17,820-yen "First Seat," designed for single passengers, offers a box-style arrangement that is not a private compartment but can be converted into a bed by folding down the seat surface. The 20,870-yen "Premium Room" provides a fully private compartment with a sofa facing the window, which transforms into a bed, allowing passengers to relax, sleep comfortably, and enjoy the passing scenery in solitude. These sleeper services can now be found across Japan, with multi-day luxury tours that circle regional areas also proving highly popular. Among the major overnight trains currently operating are Sunrise Seto/Izumo, WEST EXPRESS Ginga, Train Suite Shiki-Shima, Twilight Express Mizukaze, and Seven Stars in Kyushu.

Click to expand...