Viola from Florence, Italy
Traveling with a group of seven friends can be an adventure in itself, but when that adventure takes place on the Sunrise Express, it becomes truly unforgettable. We had decided to take the Nobi-Nobi Seat on the journey from Okayama to Tokyo Station, and what an experience it turned out to be.
As the train smoothly departed Okayama, we all settled into the Nobi-Nobi area. It was cozy, and even though we were a large group, we had plenty of space to stretch out and chat. I hadn’t expected to sleep as soundly as I did, but the rhythmic motion of the train and the comfortable setup made it easy to drift off.
The Nobi-Nobi Seat on the Sunrise Express
One of the highlights of our journey was spending time in the lounge car. It was the perfect place to relax with my friends, laughing and reminiscing about our travels in Japan. The atmosphere was lively, with other passengers chatting and enjoying snacks they had brought onboard. I love how trains bring people together, and this night was no exception. We ended up striking up conversations with a group of locals—despite my patchy Japanese and their limited English, we shared stories and snacks, and even exchanged travel tips for Tokyo.
An empty Lounge Car at 3 am. Everyone else has gone to bed.
There’s something magical about waking up just before sunrise, seeing the countryside slowly transform into the outskirts of Tokyo. As the sky lightened, I remember feeling a rush of excitement knowing we’d soon arrive in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. We reached Tokyo Station around 7 AM, just as the city was waking up, which gave us the entire day to explore.
The sun rising over the Pacific Ocean. The train runs parallel to the Pacific as it comes into Tokyo Station.
Looking back, the journey was a huge part of the adventure. The camaraderie in the lounge, the friendly exchanges with other passengers, and the novelty of sleeping while racing through the night all made the trip memorable. I wouldn’t have discovered this incredible train journey if it hadn’t been for a little help from a ticket service that specializes in these bookings. If you ever get the chance to take the Sunrise Express, don’t hesitate—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will add so much to your time in Japan.
As I stood on the platform at Tokyo Station, watching the Sunrise Express roll away, I felt so grateful for the memories we made that night. Traveling doesn’t always have to be about the destination; sometimes, it’s the journey itself that you’ll remember forever.
Comments