Think about trains in Japan and the image that immediately comes to mind is the Shinkansen, the bullet trains that zip long distances in relatively short time around the country. But Japan Railways’ newest offering is a slower sleeper, a throwback to another time.
Specifically, it’s a throwback to 2016, when the railroad stopped running overnight sleepers from Tokyo to the northern Tohoku region, allowing passengers a restful night’s sleep and arrival in time for breakfast, with departures at 9 pm and arrivals at 9 am. Service will start in Spring 2027.
The new trains on the run are different, though, from the old Cassieopia service. The new sleeper, which hasn’t been given a name yet, consists of ten cars, all sleepers, with compartments for one, two or four passengers. They’re designed with seating on a series of cushioned sofa-like arrangements which can then be arranged into bed form for the night. In addition to the nine sleeping cars, there’s one car set aside as a common lounge.
