What Japanese Trains Look Like Inside and Why They Surprise Tourists So Much

Railway is the main means of transport for passengers in Japan. 45 of the 51 busiest stations in the world are located there. And it’s not surprising. Japan’s progress does not stop with technology, it also affects the comfort level of people’s lives and Japanese trains are a vivid example of convenience.

Bright Side finds Japanese trains amazing and wants to show you how they look inside.

Sunrise Express

Sunrise Express is a Japanese overnight sleeping train. It consists of Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto. These 2 trains are coupled on the way from Tokyo to Okayama where they split and go to different destinations. Sunrise Izumo goes to Izumoshi while Sunrise Seto goes to Takamatsu. On their way back, the trains are coupled again in Okayama and run to Tokyo.

Traveling on this train is an exciting cultural experience of immersion in Japanese life, as well as the opportunity to see amazing landscapes.

First class

Unlike many modern trains, this train has as many as 6 types of accommodations.

Single Deluxe, or A class, looks like a cozy room for one person. There is a table with a chair and a personal sink beside the bed. There are even light and radio controls and a passenger gets slippers, a bathrobe, and a set of toiletries. Also the use of these compartments gives you free access to the shower.

This accommodation type makes you feel like you are in a moving, nice hotel room, while admiring the local beauty through the wide window. If you like maximum comfort and privacy, then you will definitely like this separate compartment with lockable doors.

Second class

The other types of accommodations belong to B class: Sunrise Twin, Single Twin, Single, and Solo. They are meant for one or 2 people. This doesn’t mean that these types are much worse than first class. The doors also can be closed which creates an atmosphere of isolation and convenience. The advantage is that several people can stay here at once.

And what could be better than to travel in a small room with your friends? We know what! Nobinobi.

Nobinobi

The last type is the Nobinobi sleeping area. It represents a single 2-level space with flat, rigid surfaces. Each sleeping space is divided from the others by small wooden walls and it has a window to see the nature and cities that are passing by. The seats are long enough for comfortable sleeping.

It’s a great opportunity to feel like a local, meet new people, and it helps to immerse you in the culture. And even in the train, traditions of the country are respected. You will need to take off your shoes before settling into your space.

6 minutes per shower

There also toilets, drink vending machines, smoking cabins, and lounges in the train. One car has a compartment accessible for a wheelchair.

An unusual and interesting thing happens in the shower. It’s pay as you shower, so you need to buy a special card to take a shower. Water flows for 6 minutes while a countdown is displayed on the timer. It’s a small challenge to wash all the shampoo and soap off before the time ends.

And in the best Japanese cleaning traditions, after you’re finished you need to press the auto clean button.

Would you like to travel by train in Japan? What surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!