The Sunrise Seto is an overnight sleeper train that runs between Tokyo and Takamatsu. It is coupled with the Sunrise Izumo until Okayama where the latter runs to Izumoshi. It is the last remaining regularly scheduled overnight train in Japan. There are multiple berths to choose from. The nobinobi seats are included with the JR Rail Pass.
After the Seven Stars, I knew the Sunrise Seto will feel lacking in many ways but that’s not really fair. It is still a cool train in its own right. In addition to the different accommodations, the train offers showers, lounges, and even vending machines. However the showers are in very limited supply and sells out almost immediately.
My excitement waned however when the train was running late. It was scheduled to depart Osaka at 00:33am and my flight was later that day in Tokyo so I started to fear the worst. I was also starting to get really tired. Fortunately, it was only delayed nine minutes.
Most cars are bi level and my rooms have always been downstairs. A narrow corridor on each floor separated the compartments on each side. The harsh lighting and plain interior was definitely a far cry from the interior of the Seven Stars.
The frugal use of space continued into the room. The gap between the bed and door for the single is just wide enough for a carryon to stand sideways. Placing my backpack on the floor leaves very little room for my feet. There’s a mirror, shelf, and outlet at the foot of the bed. On the other end, there’s a panel with an alarm clock, controls for lighting and heat, and what looks like a radio. Each room includes a flat sheet, pillow, and pajamas. The best part was the window. It stretched almost the length of the room and roughly a foot above the bed to the ceiling. A blind is enclosed.
The twin room is very similar just with two beds separated by a narrow aisle that’s wide enough for a checked luggage. A table below the shared controls sit in the middle. There’s a small cubby for one bed whereas the other has a small open closet with hanger. There’s also some space under the bed.
Okayama station where the train comes together or apart remains a beloved tradition for rail fans. Some passengers arriving from the west climbed out of bed merely for the occasion. Thankfully the procedure took less than ten minutes.
I was awoken in the morning likely by the train announcements though I am sure the sun didn’t help. The heat must have worked wonders because I get cold easily but the thin sheet was enough to not disturb my slumber. While I still felt very tired, Tokyo station was less than 20 minutes away so I stumbled to the public sink located by the entrance landing where I found another passenger already there going through his morning routine. The Sunrise Seto may lack frills, it serves its function well and I hope to ride it again.
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