Shinkansen VS Sunrise Express: Which One Should You Choose? (2025 Guide)
- Albert Yasuda
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Japan’s rail system is world-renowned for its speed, efficiency, and variety of travel experiences. But when planning your trip, you might wonder: should you take the Shinkansen or the Sunrise Express? Let’s break it down so you can decide which adventure suits your journey best.
The Case for the Shinkansen: Speed, Flexibility, and Convenience
If you want to get to your destination quickly, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is hard to beat. Traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h (187 mph), it can whisk you from Tokyo to Osaka in under 2.5 hours. You can choose from multiple departure times throughout the day, giving you the freedom to plan your trip on your schedule.
Key Benefits of Taking the Shinkansen:
Incredible Speed: Get to your destination in record time, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.
Frequent Departures: Trains run every 10–30 minutes on popular routes, so you rarely have to wait long.
Convenient Stations: Most Shinkansen stations are centrally located in major cities, reducing transfer times.
Comfortable Travel: Spacious seating, Wi-Fi, and onboard food options make even long rides pleasant.
The Shinkansen in Japan is ideal for travelers who value efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to cover large distances quickly.
But while the Shinkansen is the pinnacle of modern rail travel, what if you’re looking for something more nostalgic? Something that turns the journey itself into an unforgettable part of your trip?
The Case for the Sunrise Express: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
The Sunrise Express is Japan’s last remaining overnight sleeper train, and it offers a travel experience unlike anything else in the country. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about enjoying the magic of train travel itself
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Romanticizing Train Travel in Japan
Imagine stepping onto the Sunrise Izumo or Sunrise Seto in the evening. The train hums to life as it glides out of the station, the city lights gradually giving way to rural landscapes. You settle into your private cabin, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks providing a soothing soundtrack as you drift off to sleep.
As the train races through the night, you dream under the stars, knowing that when you wake up, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular sunrise — just like the train's name suggests. There’s something undeniably romantic about falling asleep in one city and waking up in another, the dawn breaking over the mountains or sea as you sip a morning coffee from your cabin window.
Cost-Effective Travel & Lodging Combined
With the Sunrise Express train, your ticket isn’t just transportation — it’s also your hotel room. You can save the cost of a night’s accommodation while still covering hundreds of kilometers as you sleep, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly way to travel in Japan.
Arrive Early, Adventure Longer
The Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto arrive at their destinations early in the morning, giving you a full day to explore. Imagine waking up just before dawn, watching the sun rise over the Seto Inland Sea, and stepping off the train ready to start your day. Whether you’re exploring ancient shrines in Izumo, the art island of Naoshima, or setting off on a cycling trip in Shikoku, arriving early means you can maximize your adventure.
A Rare and Unique Experience
In an era where most sleeper trains have disappeared, the Sunrise Express remains a beloved relic of Japan’s rail history. It’s not just a train — it’s an experience that many travelers add to their bucket list. The train’s popularity means seats book out quickly, but that only adds to the exclusivity and excitement.
It’s not every day you get to ride Japan’s last sleeper train, and for rail enthusiasts or those seeking something truly special, this is a journey that can’t be missed.
Why Not Get the Best of Both Worlds?
If you can’t decide, why not do both? Take the Shinkansen and the Sunrise Express to complete your ultimate train journey in Japan.
Morning Bullet Train, Evening Sleeper: Use the Shinkansen to cover long daytime stretches quickly, and hop on the Sunrise Express for your overnight leg.
Tokyo → Okayama → Hiroshima: Take the Sunrise Express to Okayama, then change to the Shinkansen to get to Hiroshima early in the morning. This also works for other cities beyond Hiroshima, such as Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
This way, you get to experience the best of Japan’s modern and classic rail travel — speed, comfort, and the romance of sleeping on a train.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Sunrise Express vs Shinkansen comes down to what you value most in your Japan travel itinerary:
For Speed & Flexibility: Choose the Shinkansen for fast, frequent departures and maximum convenience.
For a Unique Experience: Choose the Sunrise Express for a magical, overnight adventure.
For the Ultimate Journey: Combine both trains for a once-in-a-lifetime rail odyssey across Japan.
Whichever you choose, Japan’s train travel options promise an unforgettable ride — and we’re here to help you book Sunrise Express tickets. Click here to book your tickets right away. Safe travels!
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