A reserved seat on the Japanese Sunrise Izumo night train

There are a few night trains left in Japan. We will tell you about the Sunrise Izumo/Seto train, which connects Tokyo with Shimane Prefecture in western Japan and the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. In fact, there are two trains: in the evening the train departs from Tokyo, splits into two parts in Okayama, and in the morning two parts arrive in Izumo and Takamatsu. At the same time, in the opposite direction, the trains interlock in Okayama and go to the capital.

There are three classes on the train: a single deluxe compartment, a single and double second-class compartment, as well as an analogue of the reserved seat, which is called nobinobi.

Moreover, nobinobi can cost you absolutely free if you have a JR Rail Pass. Tickets to another class with this pass will be discounted.

The local reserved seat consists of two-level segments, separated from each other by small walls at the window. The Japanese are used to sleeping on the floor. Curtains can be separated only from the aisle, but not from adjacent segments. Although, if you sleep with your head to the window, you won't see the neighbors.

There are more seats in the segment than in a capsule hotel, plus each passenger has a window. The length of the segment is 220 centimeters, so even basketball players will fit.

Single compartment, or single deluxe. In addition to the bed, the compartment has a sink, a table with a chair, a control unit and a TV.

You can adjust the air conditioner, turn down the volume of the announcement of stops and dim the lights on the control unit.

The cosmetic bag contains all the necessary toiletries: a toothbrush with paste, shampoo and shower gel, a comb, a razor.

A second-class single compartment is a bed with a minimum of luggage space.

There are showers on the train, four per train. The shower is paid — you buy a card (about 100 rubles), and hot water flows for 6 minutes, a timer ticks in front of your eyes.

At the exit, you need to press the disinfection and sanitation button, which cleans the cabin in 1 minute.