The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan is easily one of the most impressive forms of transport in all of Asia. Fast, comfortable, and incredibly efficient, it’s hard to imagine a better way of zipping around a country than in something like this.
That said, if you’re not in a rush, there’s a more chill alternative that lets you take in some scenic views of the Japanese countryside at a less hectic pace: A Japanese sleeper train.
The Abroad in Japan YouTube channel recently documented their experience onboard a Sunrise Express sleeper train heading to the Tottori sand dunes. By the looks of it, it’s a neat way to go about travel in Japan if you’re trying to maintain a more leisurely pace. Watch:
It’s neat, but it’s not perfect. The sleeper train’s first-class cabins are top-notch, equipped with relatively large beds, and offer an excellent view of what’s outside. Other accommodations, though, apparently come with subpar A/Cs and an annoying public address system that blares reminders at every stop. Showers are also available, though passengers are limited to just six minutes of use each.
Man, we sure wish a sleeper train of this quality would pop up here in the Philippines someday. We would much prefer dozing off heading down south in one of these over being stuck in traffic at toll gates and side roads. Agree?
