Notice: Sunrise Express Schedule Change Effective March 14, 2026 — Earlier Departure from Tokyo

Important update for all Sunrise Express travelers:

Beginning March 14th, 2026, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto overnight trains will operate on a new timetable, with the Tokyo departure time shifting 24 minutes earlier than the current schedule.

This schedule adjustment is being implemented by JR to increase the available maintenance window for nighttime rail work, helping improve long-term safety, reliability, and network efficiency. While the change is relatively small, passengers should plan accordingly to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

What’s Changing?

• Departure from Tokyo Station will be 24 minutes earlier on both Sunrise Express routes.

• Arrival times at major stations may also shift slightly depending on the section of the line.

• The updated schedule ensures JR maintenance teams have additional overnight track time; especially important due to increased rail congestion and ongoing modernization projects across the network.

• There will be no changes to the schedule of the Sunrise Express train to Tokyo.

Why Is JR Adjusting the Sunrise Express Timetable?

Overnight trains in Japan share tracks with freight operations and maintenance crews.

Adjusting the Sunrise Express departure time allows JR to:

• Improve track inspection and maintenance precision

• Reduce midnight congestion across key segments

• Enhance overall safety and reliability for long-distance travelers

• Support Japan’s long-term rail modernization efforts

These improvements benefit all riders and help ensure the Sunrise Express, Japan’s last remaining regularly operating overnight train, continues to run smoothly for years to come.

Updated Timetable (Effective March 14, 2026)

	Tokyo	Yokohama	Atami	Numazu	Fuji	Shizuoka	Hamamatsu
Old timetable (until March 13th, 2026)	21:50	22:14	23:23	23:39	23:53	0:20	1:12
New timetable (from March 14th, 2026)	21:26	21:52	22:57	23:16	23:32	23:59	0:54

(There will be no changes in the timetable after Hamamatsu).

Planning to Ride After March 2026? Book Early.

Demand for the Sunrise Express remains extremely high, particularly during weekends, holidays, and cherry blossom season. In 2025, over 90% of trains were completely sold out within 5 minutes of the tickets going on sale. It is imperative to book early in order to secure a spot on Japan's last sleeper train.

With the timetable change approaching, we recommend:

• Booking as early as possible

• Double-checking departure times on your confirmation email

• Arriving at Tokyo Station at least 20–30 minutes before the new departure time

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about the new schedule, ticket availability, or route details, feel free to reach out to us any time at booking@sunriseexpresstickets.com.