"Sunrise Izumo" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "Sunrise Izumo," a sleeper limited express train operated by JR East, JR Central, and JR West, connecting Tokyo Station and Izumo City Station. It covers timetables, fares for major sections, stations served, sleeper and seating facilities, ticket purchasing procedures, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card usage status. As Japan's only regularly scheduled sleeper train, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "Sunrise Izumo" is a sleeper limited express train connecting Tokyo Station and Izumo City Station. Operated by the 285 series electric train, which debuted in July 1998, it runs coupled with the sleeper limited express "Sunrise Seto" from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station. After being separated at Okayama Station, it continues to Izumo City Station via the Hakubi Line and San'in Main Line. As of 2026, it is the only regularly scheduled sleeper train in Japan. All seats are reserved, so advance seat and berth reservations are required. As a train that carries on the legacy of sleeper limited express trains dating back to the JNR (Japanese National Railways) era, it enjoys enduring popularity not only among railway enthusiasts but also among general travelers.

What is "Sunrise Izumo"?

The "Sunrise Izumo" is a sleeper limited express train operated by the 285 series electric train, which debuted on July 10, 1998. It departs from Tokyo Station and travels along the Tokaido Main Line and Sanyo Main Line to Okayama Station, where it operates as a 14-car train coupled with the "Sunrise Seto" (bound for Takamatsu). At Okayama Station, it is split into two 7-car trains, and the "Sunrise Izumo" then travels along the Hakubi Line and San'in Main Line to Izumo City Station. It is the only sleeper train in Japan that continues to operate on a regular schedule, and is highly popular among railway enthusiasts.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the "Sunrise Izumo" lies in the fact that you can travel from Tokyo to Izumo without changing trains and even sleep while you travel. The "Nobinobi Seats," which can be used without paying a sleeper fare, are carpeted spaces where you can lie down, allowing you to experience sleeper train travel at a reasonable price. Private sleeping compartments include Single, Single Twin, Sunrise Twin, Solo, and A-class Single Deluxe private sleeping compartments, catering to a wide range of needs. Another advantage of this train is that you can travel long distances overnight, allowing you to make the most of your daytime sightseeing time.

"Sunrise Izumo" Timetable

*The "Sunrise Izumo" train operates daily, but cancellations and delays may occur.

Downbound (towards Izumo City) Timetable

*The train will operate in conjunction with the "Sunrise Seto" between Tokyo and Okayama.

Upbound (towards Tokyo) Timetable

*Times shown are examples.

The "Sunrise Izumo" operates daily, making one round trip between Tokyo Station and Izumo City Station. Between Tokyo Station and Okayama Station, it is coupled with the "Sunrise Seto" as a 14-car train. At Okayama Station, it is split into two 7-car trains, which then travel to Izumo City Station via the Hakubi Line and San'in Main Line. One of its attractions is that it allows passengers to travel long distances at night, saving daytime travel time and arriving at tourist destinations quickly.

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

The "Sunrise Izumo" train operates daily throughout the year. However, cancellations and delays may occur due to bad weather or equipment maintenance. Furthermore, heavy rain or snow may cause service suspensions on the San'in Main Line and Hakubi Line, so it is advisable to check the daily service information as well.

Operating Sections of "Sunrise Izumo"

Main Sections

• Tokyo Station to Okayama Station (Tokaido Main Line/Sanyo Main Line, operated in conjunction with "Sunrise Seto")
• Okayama Station to Izumo City Station (Hakubi Line/San'in Main Line)

Izumo City Station is the closest station to Izumo Taisha Shrine (with bus connections) and serves as a base for sightseeing at Izumo Taisha, a power spot known for matchmaking. Along the Hakubi Line, you can also enjoy the scenery from the train windows of the mountainous area around Niimi Station and the beautiful gorge near Ikuyama Station.

Stations Served by "Sunrise Izumo"

Main Stops

• Tokyo Station
• Yokohama Station
• Okayama Station
• Kurashiki Station
• Niimi Station
• Yonago Station
• Matsue Station
• Izumo City Station

*The stations served may vary depending on the train and operating day.

Fares for "Sunrise Izumo"

Representative Section Fare

*No sleeper fare is required for Nobinobi Seats. If you use a private sleeping compartment, a sleeper fare will be added depending on the type of seat/berth.

*No sleeper fare is required for Nobinobi Seats. A sleeper fare will be added if you use a private sleeping compartment.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket, Limited Express Fare, and Sleeper Fare

The fare for the "Sunrise Izumo" is calculated by adding a sleeper fare to the basic fare and limited express surcharge, depending on the type of seat or private compartment used. The "Nobinobi Seats" offer space to lie down and can be used with only the basic fare and limited express surcharge; no sleeper fare is required. If you use a private sleeping compartment (Single, Single Twin, Sunrise Twin, Solo, etc.), a separate fare for the respective compartment is required. Children's fares and limited express surcharges are half the adult fare (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen), but private sleeping compartment fares may be the same for children as for adults.

Types and features of private sleeping compartments

Private sleeping compartments include B-class Single, Single Twin, Sunrise Twin, and Solo compartments, as well as A-class Single Deluxe compartments. The Sunrise Twin is a B-class private compartment for two people, and the Single Deluxe is a higher-grade private compartment for one person.

How to Buy Tickets for "Sunrise Izumo"

Eki-net / e5489 (Internet reservation)

You can purchase sleeper tickets and reserved seat tickets using credit card payments through JR East's Eki-net and JR West's e5489. Because these are popular trains, they often sell out immediately after going on sale one month before the travel date, so early booking is important.

 

 

Reserved seat ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase sleeper tickets and reserved seat tickets at the station's designated seat ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi starting one month before your travel date.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seats and berths on the "Sunrise Izumo" train.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "Sunrise Izumo" train runs on JR lines, so it may be usable with a JR Pass. The "Nobinobi Seats" are treated as reserved seats in ordinary cars, but additional charges such as sleeper fares apply if you wish to use a private sleeping compartment. Please check when booking, as the handling may vary depending on the type of pass and where you purchased it.

*The applicable routes and usage conditions for each pass vary depending on the type of pass.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

In most cases, sleeper tickets and reserved seat tickets for the "Sunrise Izumo" train must be picked up as paper tickets at designated ticket machines or Midori-no-madoguchi at stations before boarding. Whether you can board ticketless after making an online reservation depends on the service you use.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

Since the "Sunrise Izumo" is a long-distance sleeper train, it's essential to prepare a separate ticket in advance, including a basic fare ticket, limited express ticket, and sleeper or reserved seat ticket, rather than relying solely on an IC card. Whether you can use an IC card for the basic fare portion depends on the section and area you're traveling across, so it's safer to prepare a paper ticket.

The contactless payment service for boarding via credit card is not available for the entire long-distance journey on the "Sunrise Izumo" train.

*Please note that you cannot board using only an IC card. Limited Express Fares and Sleeper Fares must be purchased separately.

Seat and Berth Information for "Sunrise Izumo"

Seat/Berth Type (all seats reserved)

The "Sunrise Izumo" consists of Nobinobi Seats and various private sleeping compartments. There are no open-type sleeping compartments (separated only by curtains); private sleeping compartments are the main feature.

Features of Seating

The Single Deluxe is a private A-class sleeping compartment for one person, offering a more spacious and higher-end experience. The Sunrise Twin is a private B-class sleeping compartment for two people, ideal for those who wish to share a private room. The Nobinobi Seat is a carpeted space where you can lie down without paying a sleeper fare, making it popular with travelers who want to experience overnight train travel at a reasonable price.

Luggage Storage Area

Each private room and seating area has space to store luggage.

Accessible Facilities

The 285 series trains have private compartments that are accessible to passengers. If you use a wheelchair, it is recommended that you contact a JR West or JR East ticket office or information center in advance.

 

 

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Dining on "Sunrise Izumo"

There is no onboard sales on the "Sunrise Izumo." While some private compartments have washbasins, there is no dining car, so it is recommended to prepare food and drinks at Tokyo Station or elsewhere before boarding. The train also has a lounge car where you can relax on bench seats facing the windows.

*Availability of onboard sales and Ekiben varies depending on the train and time of year.

Important Notes for Riding "Sunrise Izumo"

Since all seats on the "Sunrise Izumo" are reserved, if you have a specific date in mind, it is recommended to book early as soon as tickets go on sale one month prior to your travel date. Popular private rooms such as Sunrise Twin and Single Twin often sell out immediately after tickets go on sale. Also, after departing Tokyo Station, there are few stops until the next morning after passing Yokohama Station, so if you plan to get off at an intermediate station, be sure to check the stops in advance.

Since there are no onboard sales or dining cars, please prepare your food and drinks before boarding. The train splits into the "Sunrise Seto" at Okayama Station, so please be careful not to board the wrong car.

Summary

The "Sunrise Izumo" is Japan's only regularly scheduled sleeper limited express train, connecting Tokyo Station and Izumo City Station. Operated by 285 series electric trains, it offers a wide range of seating and private compartments, from Nobinobi Seats to various private berths. As all seats are reserved, in addition to the basic fare and limited express surcharge, a sleeper fare is required depending on the seat or compartment chosen. The JR Pass can be used on JR lines, but additional charges such as sleeper fares are required for private berths. Since its launch in 1998, it has been a valuable part of preserving Japan's sleeper train culture.

Please note that timetables, fares, and seating arrangements are subject to change. Before departure, please check the latest information and enjoy the "Sunrise Izumo," a long-distance journey from Tokyo to Izumo where you can sleep while you travel.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.