Sunrise Seto is an overnight train that runs between Tokyo and Takamatsu in Shikoku. This train is coupled with Sunrise Izumo between Tokyo and Okayama. This train depart late night and arrive early morning. It helps you to save your travel time and an accommodation cost.
This train has many kinds of accommodations. One of these is called “Nobi Nobi Seat” which is not a seat but like carpet section. This Nobi Nobi Seat is fully covered by JR pass. This is not a regular berth and the floor is a bit hard. But you can lie on the space and it is much more comfortable than sleeping on a seat. And you have minimum privacy because there is a small partition between the sections.
But some of Japan Rail Pass users want to take a bedroom or another choice even though additional will be charged.
In this post, I will explain you about Sunrise Seto with lots of photos.
Timetable and route
First of all, I show you the route and timetable.
| Station | to Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Takamatsu | 21:26 |
| Sakaide | 21:44 |
| Kojima | 22:01 |
| Okayama | 22:34 |
| Himeji | 23:55 |
| Sannomiya | 0:13 |
| Osaka | 0:34 |
| Hamamatsu | – |
| Shizuoka | 4:38 |
| Fuji | 5:09 |
| Numazu | 5:26 |
| Atami | 5:43 |
| Yokohama | 6:44 |
| Tokyo | 7:08 |
As you see the timetable, you can use this train from Osaka to Tokyo as an overnight train. On the other hand, the train from Tokyo does not stop at Osaka. If you want to get on this train from Tokyo as a overnight train for Osaka, you have to get off this train at Himeji and then take a rapid train to Osaka.
As of August 5th, 2020, the timetable is the following:
Tokyo 22:00 (Sunrise Izumo or Sunrise Seto) 5:25 Himeji
Himeji 5:45 (Special Rapid train) 6:48 Osaka
The Sanyo Shinkansen runs between Himeji and Shin-Osaka and the Shinkansen train is usually faster. But it is too early to catch the Shinkansen train. The Special Rapid is the fastest way to get to Osaka. The Special Rapid is a sort of a commuter train but it is not crowded because it is very early morning.
If you take this train between Tokyo and Okayama, you can take Sunrise Izumo too.
How to reserve this train
You can book a seat online if you buy the JR Pass on the official site.
If you understand Japanese, you can book a seat at JR East online reservation Eki-net (えきねっと) and JR West e5489. But these website are available only in Japanese. You must register before using these online reservation in Japanese. JR Pass users can also book a seat on Eki net, but this is not an official method. It may not cover the JR Pass, so please use at your own risk. The e5489 does not cover the JR pass. These online methods are basically for non JR pass users.
Otherwise you have to book it at the ticket office in Japan.
Book a space on Nobi Nobi seat on JR Pass online reservation site
The Japan Rail Pass new reservation site was launched on June 1st, 2020. If you buy the JR Pass on this site, you can book a space on Nobi Nobi seat in this site. You cannot book a space on other compartmens unformately. But you can secure a space on Nobi Nobi seat at the time of booking. And if you want to change to other compartment, you can try to book a space on other compartment when you exchange a pass after arrival in Japan. In the worst case, you have a space on Nobi Nobi seat so you can’t miss a train.
You must accept the higher price of JR Pass on JR Pass official site. But this is only way to book a space online before you go to Japan.
Please see the link below to find more information:
If you buy the JR pass at the travel agent or other official vendor’s online site, you cannot book a space online. You must book a space after arrival and that means it may be booked out when you will get to Japan.
How to book a space on Surinse Seto at a ticket window
If you do not use JR Pass or you do not want to buy the JR Pass online, you have to book at the reservation window that is called Midori no Madoguchi. Please find more information about booking at the link below:
If you plan to use this train, you have to consider the risk of booked out. If you do not want to have any risks, do not plan riding on this train. It is very hard to find how busy this train is. This train is sometimes booked out in even weekdays of the shoulder season. You must prepare a back up plan in case of booked out.
Can I ask someone in Japan to book a space on this train for me?
If you have a friend or someone whom you can ask, you can ask him/her to book a seat for you. The booking is open at 10:00 am one month before a travel day.
e.g.
If you travel on August 10th, the booking is open at 10:00 am July 10th.
He/She must go to a reservation window in most major JR stations to book it. He/She cannot do it online.
If you use the JR pass, you cannot use this method because when he/she book a seat at the ticket window, he/she has to pay and buy a ticket. The copy of the JR Pass exchange order and a copy of your passport are not accepted. The JR Pass will not be valid until you arrive in Japan and exchange it for yourself.
If you plan to use the JR Pass and really want to secure a space before you go, buy the JR Pass at the higher price online.
This method only works if you are traveling at a regular fare.
How to make a back up plan
If you will not use the JR Pass and you have no one ask to book a seat for you in Japan, you must try to book a space after you arrive in Japan.
First of all, you must have a few days between an arrival date and a travel date on Sunrise Izumo. It is too risky to take this train on the arrival day.
Please search the hotel in your departure place of the travel on Sunrise. And try to find the hotel which allows you to cancel before two days without any cancellation fees.
Right after you arrive in Japan, try to book a space on Sunrise Izumo. If you can make it, just cancel the hotel. If you cannot make it, stay overnight in the hotel and travel on next day.
e.g.
If you plan to take this train from Osaka to Tokyo on November 10th, book a hotel in either Tokyo or Osaka for November 9th, one night. Please remember that Sunrise Izumo leaves Osaka after midnight. The date when you get on the train is one day after the hotel check-in date.
If you book a hotel in Tokyo and you cannot book a space on Sunrise Izumo, take the last Shinkansen to Tokyo from Shin-Osaka and overnight in Tokyo. If you book a hotel and you cannot make it, stay overnight in Osaka and take the earliest Shinkansen on next day.
In my experience, I could make it 4 times and could not make it only once. But I have never traveled in the peak season.
Accommodations
You find the interior of this train in my trip report in the movie below:
As I mentioned above, a JR Pass user can take a reserved seat that is called Nobi Nobi seat without any extra. But you have to pay accommodation fee and surcharge if you take other accommodation. Please see the below to see the details of all types of accommodation and extra charge.
Nobi Nobi seat
No extra charge on top of JR Pass
This is only choice which is covered by JR pass fully. It is not a compartment but it is like a berth. The space is 190 cm length and 80 cm width. You can lie on the space and it is much more comfortable than the seat. But it is very hard to reserve this seat since this is most affordable choice in this train. Of course you must try to book right after you arrive in Japan.
Single Deluxe
Express surcharge and compartment fee are required on top of JR Pass.
This is the best room in this train. The bed size is 196 cm length and 85 cm width. These rooms are located in the upper deck in the double decker car. So you will have a better view than the other class. The desk, chair and sink are equipped in the room. There is no rooms that has a washroom or shower in the compartment of this train. But the shower room is in the same car. The shower card is included in Single Deluxe compartment fee. I will explain you about the shower room later in this post.
There are only six rooms available in Sunrise Izumo. This is most expensive room but this is very popular and it is very hard to book.
Single
Express surcharge and compartment fee are required on top of JR Pass.
This is most common comparment of Sunrise Izumo. All compartments are located in the bi-level car. The bed size is 196 cm length and 70 cm width. Since the compartment is in the bi-level car, the height is about 180 cm. It is a bit tight for a tall passenger.
Solo
Express surcharge and compartment fee are required on top of JR Pass.
This is another type of the single compartment. The bed size is 196 cm length x 70 cm width. But the width is 56cm in some part of the bed. This compartment is located in the single level car. But there are compartments in upper and lower area. The height is very limited. The space where you can stand up is very limited in the upper level. In the compartment at the lower level, you cannot stand up. The space is much smaller than Single. In my opinion, Single is more recommended.
Single Twin
Express surcharge and compartment fee are required on top of JR Pass.
This room can be used as a single room or a twin room. The bed size is 196 cm length and 70 cm width. The floor space of this room is almost same as Single. The upper berth is for the second pessenger. The bed is a bit smaller than the lower berth. The lower berth can be converted to a seat.
This is most affordable compartment for two travelers.
Sunrise Twin
Express surcharge and compartment fee are required on top of JR Pass.
This room is the standard twin room. The bed size is 196 cm length and 75 cm width. This size bed are side by side in the compartment. The space is much bigger than Single Twin. This rooms are located at the lower level in the bi-level car.
Only four compartments are available. It is very hard to book. Usually is is booked out right after a reservation is open.
Lounge space
The lounge space is located at car #3 and #10.
Shower room
Shower room is located at car #3 and #10. You have to buy a shower card at the vending machine in car #3 and #10. It is slod at 320 yen for 6 minutes. But the number of the card is limited because of the water supply.
If you stay in Single Deluxe, you may use the shower room at car #4 and #11. These shower rooms are located at same cars as Single Deluxe compartments. And these shower room at car #4 and #11 are available exclusively for Single Deluxe passengers only. Other passengers must use the shower room at car #3 and #10.
The way of using the shower room is same at all shower spaces. Single Deluxe includes small towel. But other compartments and Nobi Nobi seat passengers cannot get any towels in the train. If you intend using shower room, you must prepare some towels. The shampoo and soap are available in the shower room.
Bathroom
It is available in all cars. But in the morning, this space is busy.
Train formation
Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are coupled between Tokyo and Okayama.
The train from Tokyo, car #1 to #7 is Sunrise Seto and #8 to #14 is Sunrise Izumo. The train to Tokyo, car #1 to #7 is Sunrise Izumo and #8 to #14 is Sunrise Seto.
Fare and accommodation fee
As I mentioned, JR Pass covers Nobi Nobi Seat fully. But you have to add some more extra on top of the pass if you want to book a compartment.
How to calculate the fare
Three kind of fares are required to take this train.
| Ticket, Pass / Fare | Base fare | Limited express surcharge | Accommodation fee |
| Nobi Nobi seat by the JR Pass | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Compartment by the JR pass | Covered | Required | Required |
| Nobi Nobi seat by a regular ticket | Required | Required | Not required |
| Compartment by a regular ticket | Required | Required | Required |
Nobi Nobi seat is a sort of a regular reserved seat. It does not require any accommodation fees.
Base fare
| Departure / Arrival station | Tokyo | Yokohama |
| Osaka | 8,910 yen | 8,580 yen |
| Sannomiya | 9,640 yen | 9,130 yen |
| Himeji | 10,010 yen | 9,790 yen |
| Okayama | 10,670 yen | 10,340 yen |
| Kojima | 11,000 yen | 10,670 yen |
| Sakaide | 11,150 yen | 10,820 yen |
| Takamatsu | 11,540 yen | 11,210 yen |
A limited express surcharge
If you want to use a compartment by the JR Pass, you must add this surcharge on top of the accommodation fee on top of the JR pass. If you use the JR pass to take Nobi Nobi Seat, this fee is not required.
If you use a regular ticket and book a compartment, you have to pay this surcharge on top of the base fare and the accommodation fee. If you use a regular ticket and use Nobi Nobi seat, you have to pay base fare, this limited express surcharge and add 530 yen.
| Departure / Arrival station | Tokyo, Yokohama |
| Osaka, Sannomiya | 2,960 yen |
| Himeji, Okayama, Kojima, Sakaide, Takamatsu | 3,300 yen |
Accommodation fee
This fee is required if you want to use a compartment. All accommodation fee is per room.
| Single Deluxe | 13,980 yen |
| Single Twin (single use) | 9,600 yen |
| Single Twin (twin use) | 15,100 yen |
| Single | 7,700 yen |
| Solo | 6,600 yen |
| Sunrise Twin | 15,400 yen |
Only one adult passenger is allowed in each compartment other than Single Twin and Sunrise Twin.
How to calculate child passenger cost
If you travel with a child who is 5 years old under and share your space with a child, it is free of charge.
If you travel with a child who is 6 to 11 years old and share your space with a child, it is not free of charge for a child. A child passenger requires half amount of the limited express surcharge and half amount of the base fare. If you use the JR Pass, this age range of child required JR Pass child. The JR Pass child covers all. If you use Nobi Nobi seat, a child passenger can take own space by the JR Pass child or half amount of the limited express surcharge and half amount of the base fare.
Preparation before boarding
I would like to share a few tip for your trip on this train. Especially if you take Nobi Nobi Seat, please read the following tips.
You should bring something to eat and drink.
This train does not have any dining services and on board sales. There is a soft drink vending machine only. Please buy something to eat and drink before boarding. You may drink and eat anywhere. You may drink beer, wine, whatever. There is no restrictions. But do not have a party.
Is this train okay to travel with a small child?
If you share your space with child who is 5 years old or younger, it is free of charge. You can share a young child in even Nobi Nobi seat. I have seen a mother and a young child to share one spot of Nobi Nobi seat a few times. However if you ride this train with baby, I recommend you to stay in the compartment. If you stay in Nobi Nobi seat with a baby, both you and other passengers may be stressful because a baby may cry.
Is Nobi Nobi Seat safe for woman traveling alone?
In my experience, a female solo traveler can ride on Nobi Nobi Seat. I have seen many female solo travelers in Nobi Nobi seat. Of course most of travelers are male. But I have seen many types of travelers in Nobi Nobi Seat, like senior couples, a mother and a small child, and some female travelers.
There is no privacy but if you are okay with it, you can get on Nobi Nobi Seat.
Does this train offer Wi-Fi and power outlet?
This train does not offer any Wi-Fi service. If you want connection, please bring a mobile router or slot a SIM card into your phone. Please find more informaion in the post below:
All compartments equip a power outlet. But Nobi Nobi Seat does not have any power outlets. You should bring a mobile battery.
Assessment
We have lots of restrictions to take this train. Especially a booking may be an issue fr you. But this train is only scheduled overnight train in Japan now. You can save your time and save your cost of the accommodation. You may take this train from Osaka to Tokyo. I believe that Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto offer very memorable ride.
I hope this post encourages you to take this train and enjoy your the ride.
Comments
Hi, we will arrive Kansai Airport at 21.30 on the 20th of Jan 2012, we plan to take Ltd express Izumo/ Seto to Tokyo from Osaka Station on the same nite with JR rail pass which we will exchange and activate on arrival at Kansai Airport. How are we able to make sure that we can get reserve seats on Nobi-Nobi if not, can we get any ordinary coach type seats on them. Or are we able to reserve seats in JR ticket office at Kansai Airport on arrival. What are our best options? Please advise
Hi BL,
It is hard to say. But it is not easy. Especially Jan 20 is Friday. Lots of demand will be expected.
If you cannot make Nobi Nobi seat, you need to pay extra or think about other way or stay in Osaka. Nobi Nobi seat is only class that you can take by Japan Rail Pass with no extra charge. There are no coach class.
If you cannot make Nobi Nobi, as I said, take higher class, such as Solo, Single. But you have to expect that even other higher classes will be hard to get.
In other way, JR has overnight bus service between Tokyo and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/overnight-transfer-between-tokyo-and-kyotoosaka.html
But the last bus leave at 23:20 at Osaka. I don’t think you have enough time to get this.
As a result, I don’t recommend to take Sunrise on arrival day. It is hard to get. If your flight is delayed only 30 minutes, the schedule is very tight. If you cannot make it, you need to secure your accommodation in Osaka at the arrival. So it is risky.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Oops! This is a double post! Please feel free to delete this comment thread!!!
Hi Takeshi!
THIS IS A GREAT WEBSITE!! Plus, it is highly informative and up-to-date, which is the best!
Since you are quite knowledgeable, may I ask for advice? I have been snooping so many websites trying to get the cheapest options everywhere and I’m honestly wondering if the JR Pass is now my best option.
We will reach Tokyo from Haneda after noon on 16/12. We plan to go to FujiQ Highland on 19/12 and then travel overnight to Osaka and reach Osaka on 20/12 (it is this part of the trip that is the most difficult right now! ><) We leave Tokyo from Narita on 24/12 in the morning 10am…
Other options I considered were the Moonlight Nagara from Osaka-Tokyo, Surutto Pass in Kansai/One-Day pass, normal SUICA in Tokyo…
So what do you think? Any help will be massively appreciated!! THANK YOU.
Hi Sakinah,
Thank you for visiting my site.
I checked your itinerary. I don’t think Japan Rail Pass is your best option.
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen, Japan Rail Pass is cheaper than regular fare. But you think about overnight transfer to Osaka from Tokyo on Dec 19.
I think overnight highway bus from Tokyo to Osaka is the best option for your transfer on Dec 119.
http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/bus_route_e/#list08
You can use Surutto Kansai Pass for your stay in Osaka. But single fare may be cheaper than Surutto Kansai Pass. I think you checked my newest post, https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html. Single fare is not very expensive. Surutto Kansai Pass can be purchased after you arrive in Osaka. You don’t need to decide it now.
And last thing regarding transfer to Tokyo from Osaka. Do you think about overnight transfer to Tokyo from Osaka on Dec 24? Your flight will depart at 10:00am. I don’t recommend you to take overnight transfer because this is very risky. JR trains are operated very punctual. But if train will delay, you will miss your flight. If you flight depart in the afternoon, it will be acceptable. But 10:00am is very tight. I recommend you to move to Tokyo on Dec 23 and stay one night there.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi!
Thank you very much for your valuable advice! I have looked at the highway buses and found them to be affordable and comfortable looking (: I can’t wait to try it! I would have like to try the Sunrise Seto though, but because I don’t have enough time to book the nobi nobi seat I think highway bus is not a bad idea ^^
Regarding your tip on going back, okay, I will consider it, thank you!
About the surutto kansai, I was wondering if we can use it to travel Nara as well? Perhaps in Osaka, it would be cheaper to simply pay all one way fares?
Speaking of that, in Tokyo, is there any discount fares? Will it be better to buy a SUICA card and travel that way than look for passes? Thank you!
H Sakinah,
Surutto Kansai pass is the best choice in all discount ticket in Kansai area. You can go anywhere in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya, Wakayama and Kansai airport. But a single fare may be cheaper than Surutto pass. It depends on how much you travel among Kansai area. I’m just writing new post about discount ticket in Kansai. It will help you to decide which one is the best for you.
In Tokyo, I don’t recommend you to use Suica. Because Tokyo subways are much more convenient than JR in downtown core of Tokyo. You cannot go to Asakusa, Roppongi by JR. So I recommend you to buy day pass of Tokyo subways.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
Greeting. I’m Kong, we’re 4 traveler, 2 adult & 2 children (4 & 7 yrs old) we”re planning travel Osaka to Tokyo, and Tokyo to Osaka, 2 trip + to & flow airport 2 trip only.
I need your advise on the train.
1.) should we use JR pass or just buy point to point ticket ? which one better.
2.) can we purchase the train ticket online ? before we arrive Japan, shinkasen ticket.
3.) the sunrise seto night train- any schedule from Osaka to Tokyo ? or Tokyo to Osaka.
4.) If we buy the JR pass through agency in my country, can i made reservation of nopi nopi seat straight away? or had to arrive japan at JR office to book ?
thank you.
regards,
Kong.
Hi Kong,
The answers are the following:
1) I recommend to use the Japan Rail Pass. The fare is almost same as 7 days Japan Rail Pass.
2) No, you can’t. Please see this post, How to reserve seat.
3) Please see the schedule in the post of Sunrise Seto. You can use this train to Tokyo from Osaka. But train departs at 00:34. I think it is too late for your kids.
4) Some of the travel agent can do it. Please ask your agent.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi
I’d like to double check on the sunrise seto Osaka – Tokyo,
is it the direct train to Tokyo or need to transit at Takamatsu change another train to Tokyo ?
By the way, regarding the question 1, do you mean if i buy point to point ticket, the fare is almost same as 7 days japan rail pass?
thank you.
regards,
Kong.
Hi C.Y.Kong,
Takamatsu and Tokyo are departure and arrival station of Sunrise Seto. Osaka is on the way. So if you take Sunrise at Osaka. You don’t need to change any train.
Tokyo – Osaka round trip by Shinkansen is around 24000yen. And you may take the train to/from Airport. So it will be almost same as 7 days pass price.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi! I am susy lurin . How can I book the seats for six people on 21 December 2011 for the nobi nobi seat from Osaka to Tokyo without activating my japan rail pass . Because as I know after I activate my pass it will finish on exactly 14 days and I’m not even at japan yet. Because I will book one month or more prior to my departure . One more if I touch down at kansai international airport at 2245 hrs at 21 December 2011 can I still activate my card at the airport or anywhere else. And what date my pass will be expired. Thank you
Hello Susy,
Unfortunately we don’t have any way to make a reservation before we activate a pass. If you really want to get it, you need to use a travel agent. They add a handling charge. But this is only way to get it. Please ask the agent where you bought your pass.
Kansai airport station open from 05:00am to 23:00pm. So you cannot turn in your pass there. And we do not have any other place to open later than Kansai airport staion. So you have to activate your pass on next day. You pass will be expired on Jan 4th if you activate your pass on Dec 22.
And I would like to mention one more thing. Do you have a plan to take Surise Seto from Osaka to Tokyo on arrival day in Kansai airport? If so. it is too risky. You may spend at least one hour to get Osaka station from Kansai airport. And you need to expect to spend another 1 to 1.5 hour to go through Immigration and custom. So you may not catch Sunrise Seto. I don’t recommend you this schedule.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you, Takeshi-san. I’m a little bit happy to hear that at least there’s a chance to get the seats because I have at least 2 weeks to book ahead. I’ll take the risks for the chance to experience these night trains, even if I end up changing my schedule and hotel plans.
I was never a train buff at all till I came across your site. Now I think reading your website has influenced me a bit. I’m getting more curious about the trains I will be riding in Japan. I like the pictures of the front of the trains – all the trains look different!
Is it possible (is there time) to get to the front of the train to snap a picture of the front, and be able to hurry back to our reserved seats? Do the trains stay in station long enough for that? I’m also worried the train will run off without me.
Or perhaps I won’t be able to take a photo of the front of the train, because the front part is out of bounds?
Hi Val,
You can take a picture if you take a train at the first departure station. Usually a train comes 10 to 15 minutes prior to the departure time. You have a time to go the front of the train.
I hope you’ll get a reserved ticket!
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much, Takeshi-san. I’m glad to know I can sleep on the 3 night trains without worrying I’ll miss our stop, and also do not have to stay awake counting stops. Great to know that someone will come round to kick us off the train if we’re still sleeping soundly on arrival.
I arrive in Japan on 30 Nov, and will book the 3 night trains (immediately after I exchange my Jr pass at the airport) for these dates
1) 18 Dec Okayama- Tokyo by Sunrise seto/izumo (Nobinobi)
2) 19 Dec Tokyo (Ueno) – Aomori by Akebono (Goran-to)
3) 24 Dec Sapporo – Aomori by Hamanasu (carpet car/dream car)
Are my chances of getting 6 seats (there are 6 of us) for each night train good or poor?
Do you have any suggestions for alternative trains if I’m unable to get tickets for these night trains?
Thank you!
Val
Hi Val,
To reserve 6 seats is not easy. But you may have a chance because you have 2 weeks or more before you get the trains.
If you cannot get a seat, you don’t have any alternative except Hamanasu. You need to take daytime trains (Shinkansen) and secure your accommodation after you find out you can get it or not in Japan. If you can accept regular ordinary seat, Hamanasu has non reserved seat. You can take this train anyway.
If you really don’t want to re-arrange your schedule in Japan, give up to take night trains. So it is your choice. You can take a risk or not.
This is not good thing. But that’s all I can say to you.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for this very informative and interesting site. I read somewhere on this site, you mentioned that the night trains do not make announcements at the stations they stop at – so as not to disturb passengers, and even if they do, it’s most likely in Japanese.
I intend to take these 3 nights and I was wondering if I need to stay awake all night, counting stations or can I just go to sleep (if my stop is the final station of the train), and someone will come help shoo us off the train (I do hope the place we want to go is the final station).
1) Okayama- Tokyo by Sunrise seto/izumo
2) Tokyo (Ueno) – Aomori by Akebono
3) Sapporo – Aomori by Hamanasu
Thank you.
Val
Hi Val,
You don’t need to worry about that. Because…
1) Okayama- Tokyo by Sunrise seto/izumo
You get off the train at the last station, Tokyo. You can’t miss it. Even if you want to stay, you’ll be forced to get off! : )
2) Tokyo (Ueno) – Aomori by Akebono
It’s same story as Sunrise.
3) Sapporo – Aomori by Hamanasu
It’s same story as Sunrise.
You’ll get the announce. The conductor make an announcement at the last station. As you expect, the announce is in Japanese. But you may find it.
If you get off the train at the station on the way in very early morning, you need to worry about it. But your schedule is fine.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi! I will arrive to Japan on december 25th and want to take the Sunrise Seto from Takamatsu to Tokyo for 28th night. Total 3 passengers. Is there any chance to book it now??? where? how?
Hello Igor,
Japan Railway start to sell the ticket one month prior to the departure date. So you cannot reserve your ticket at this moment. The ticket will be started to sell on Nov 25, 10:00am at any Midori no Madoguchi (reservation window) in major JR station.
Takeshi / JP Rail
たけしさんへ
お返事どうもありがとうございます。１１月２５日まだアルゼンチンにいますからどうすればよろしいでしょうか。
ではまた
イゴル
Hi Igor,
I answer your question in English. Because everybody can see these comments.
If you want to book your ticket before your leave your country, you have to use the travel agent. You cannot do it by yourself.
Please try to find the travel agent on the following links.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/05/en05_4.html
Maybe JTB can do it.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi:
thanks a lot! I will contact the travel agent. This will be my 4th time in Japan but will be my first carry on my mother (I want to show her your beatiful country) so it’s very important for me to be sure that I wont have any problem with my tickets. thanks again.
igor
Hello Igor,
No problem!
I just put the comment from one of my readers, James in Australia.
He has lots of experiences about rail travel in Japan.
——
I think many people here asked for how to get JR tickets before arriving Japan, I would like to add.
*JTB actually charge MORE than $55 Australian dollar($56 US dollar March 2011 currency) per ticket, in fact JTB charge $75 Australian dollar($76 USdollar) per ticket.
The $75 came from $55 service fee plus $20 courier fee to deliver your ticket to your hotel in Japan, $55+$20=$75 Funny my ticket for SL-Yamaguchi express is only $60 therefore altogether I need to pay $135 to get SL-Yamaguchi express ticket!
So, all I can say is, if you want to get a JR train ticket before you get to Japan, make sure you are ok with paying at least $75( $76 US dollar), it helps if you really need to get on a particular train that is very hard to book or if you are travelling during peak season. But if you are not in a hurry, travelling in leisure pace across Japan, perhaps think twice.
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It is not cheap. But this is only way to make a reservation before you leave your country.
Have a safe trip!
Takeshi
I hope is worthy many people told me SL-Yamaguchi express is the best steam train experience ever in Japan.
Hi, thanks as ever! I wonder if I can ask my friend who lieves in Osaka to go to the train station and make a reservation for me… you think he can do it for me???
thanks
igor
HI Igor,
Are you going to use Japan Rail Pass? If so, your friend cannot do it. If you will buy a single ticket, you can ask your friend.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear,
Information on this blog is very useful. It looks too late, yet trying to get answer. I am staying at Hotel NIKKO in Odaiba. I need seat reservation for 9th August night Sunrise night train from tokyo to Okayama and then to get shinkensen for hakata. How and where to make reservation and will it be possible to get seats for 6 persons at such a shore notice
Hello Pritpal,
Please refer this post, How to reserve seat
It will be very hard to get a seat because mid August is the busiest period. Anyway go to station to try it.
Takeshi / JP Rail;