Top 5 Overnight Sleeper Trains in Japan: Historical and Present, and How to Book Them!
- Albert Yasuda
- Mar 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Japan once boasted dozens of overnight sleeper trains, blending adventure and nostalgia as they rolled through breathtaking landscapes, offering passengers a cozy mobile hotel experience. Today, if you’re searching for the best sleeper train experiences in Japan or wondering how to book an overnight train with beds in Japan, this guide is your ticket. We’ll explore the top 5 sleeper trains in Japan—past and present—and reveal the easiest ways to enjoy overnight train travel in Japan in 2025. Dive in to discover iconic routes, booking tips, and more!
Twilight Express
"The Twilight Express was the pinnacle of luxury sleeper train travel in Japan. Linking Osaka in Kansai to Sapporo in Hokkaido in a scenic 22-hour journey, it ran until its discontinuation in 2015. This iconic sleeper train in Japan dazzled with vintage charm, elegant dining cars, and sweeping views of the Sea of Japan. Its suites, complete with private baths, made it a standout for travelers craving indulgence on the rails. When tickets for its final run hit the market, they vanished in just two seconds—a testament to the Twilight Express’s cult following among Japan’s train lovers. Though the original is gone, its legacy thrives in the Twilight Express Mizukaze, a luxury sleeper train in Japan relaunched in 2017. Running select routes like Kyoto to Shimonoseki, the Mizukaze ups the ante with opulent interiors, gourmet kaiseki meals, and observation decks framed by Japan’s countryside. Priced from ¥270,000 (~$1,800 USD) per person, it’s a splurge, but one of the best sleeper train experiences in Japan today. Booking the Twilight Express Mizukaze requires planning—tickets sell out fast via JR West’s website or authorized agents, often months ahead. For 2025 travelers, it’s a must for those chasing the ultimate overnight train travel in Japan."
Sunrise Express (Sunrise Seto & Izumo)
The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are Japan’s last remaining regular overnight trains in Japan. They run from Tokyo to Takamatsu and Izumo, respectively, and connect passengers to the Seto Inland Sea and the historic Izumo Taisha Shrine. The Sunrise Express sleeper train in Japan is beloved for its private compartments, communal shower rooms, and beautiful sunrise views. The Sunrise Express lives up to its name as passengers can enjoy the sunrise on both ways of the journey. The sunrise on the Sunrise Seto is particularly magical, because you can enjoy it as the train crosses the Great Seto Bridge – which connects the island of Shikoku with Honshu, the main island.
Booking Tip: Tickets can be booked online on Sunrise Express Tickets, but they sell out quickly – especially during peak travel seasons. Make sure to book at least a month in advance to have a shot at taking Japan’s last overnight sleeper train!
The Sunrise Seto over the Great Seto Bridge
Cassiopea
The Cassiopeia sleeper train once offered a luxurious overnight journey between Tokyo and Sapporo, treating passengers to incredible views of Tohoku and Hokkaido. It left Ueno Station at 4 pm, and would go through the Seikan Tunnel – an undersea tunnel connecting Honshu with Hokkaido before arriving at Sapporo the following morning at 9:30 am. All rooms were considered First Class rooms with luxurious amenities. There was also a French restaurant on board to dine at while the Tohoku scenery passed by. It’s all-private rooms, including two-level suites, made it one of the most comfortable ways to experience overnight train travel in Japan.
Although the Cassiopeia ceased regular service in 2016, it occasionally operates as a charter train for special events and tours.
Booking Tip: Watch out for special event announcements, as seats on Cassiopeia charters are highly sought after. Join our email list for notification when a new tour is announced!
The Cassiopea Suite sits at the back of the train. You can enjoy the scenery from a viewpoint only usually offered to the train crew. 4. Nihonkai Sleeper Train (Sea of Japan)
The Nihonkai sleeper train connected Osaka and Aomori, skirting the Sea of Japan’s coastline on its overnight route. Known for its scenic ocean views and relaxed atmosphere, it was a favorite among budget-conscious travelers who still wanted the overnight train Japan experience.
Though it stopped running in 2012, the Nihonkai is fondly remembered as a classic piece of Japan train travel history.
Booking Tip: While this train no longer operates, travelers seeking a similar route can use limited express trains or the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
The Limited Express Nihonkai in the winter. Fun fact: The Sea of Japan side of Japan is the snowiest region in the world! 5. Akebono
The Akebono sleeper train in Japan ran between Ueno Station in Tokyo and Aomori, taking passengers through the rugged landscapes of northern Honshu. Its cozy sleeper cars and retro appeal made it a beloved option for rail enthusiasts and travelers alike. It took the Sea of Japan approach to Aomori, first by cutting across from Ueno to Niigata prefecture before making its way up north before arriving at Aomori City. Once passengers arrived at Aomori, many would indulge themselves at the fish market by making Nokke-dons, self-served Sashimi bowls with all the fish they wanted!
The Akebono ended service in 2014, but its legacy lives on through countless photographs and nostalgic accounts from its loyal passengers.
Booking Tip: For a modern northern Japan experience, consider the Gran Class seats on the Tohoku Shinkansen for luxury and comfort.
Last run of the Akebono at Ueno Station. Hundreds of rail fans came to get one last glimpse of the train before it retired.
Honorable Mention: Train Suite Shikishima
Although not a traditional sleeper train in Japan, the Train Suite Shiki-shima deserves recognition for pushing luxury rail travel to new heights. The Train Suite Shiki-shima is a “cruise train” which takes passengers across Eastern Japan (Tohoku) for up to three nights and four days. This ultra-premium train offers multi-day itineraries with gourmet dining, exquisite suites, and glass-walled observation cars. There is a year-long waiting list to board this train, and prices go as high as 1.5 million yen ($10k USD)!!
Booking Tip: Shiki-shima tours are booked through a lottery system, and demand is extraordinarily high. Submitting an application through JR East is the best way to secure a seat. While we cannot book the train for you, we can provide consultation services to help improve your chances at boarding the train. Please email us at info@sunriseexpresstickets.com for more information.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you dream of reliving the golden age of overnight sleeper trains in Japan or want to ride the last of the Japan overnight trains still in service, these iconic routes offer something for every traveler. While some trains are now just memories, the excitement and romance of sleeper train travel in Japan endure — and with careful planning, you can still embark on an unforgettable journey.
Looking to book an overnight train with beds in Japan? Sunrise Express Tickets makes booking Japan sleeper trains easy, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
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