Night train feedback
Oct 10, 2010 | 5:56 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: OSL
Programs: LH SEN, SK Silver, DY Priority
Posts: 444
Night train feedback
I'll be using a 2 week Japan Rail Pass in November. I've been to Japan before, spending time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. This time I want to go further afield and include Sapporo and Hokkaido.
A night train seems like a good option for me, both to save time and, if the free seat option is good, money. I've looked at the list of night trains at: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2356.html and see that some of the night trains have a no cost seat option for Japan Rail pass holders. Has anyone tried any of these "free" options? The "Goron to Shito" from Tokyo to Aomori and the "nobinobi carpet car" on to Sapporo would be the ones I'd most likely use.
A night train seems like a good option for me, both to save time and, if the free seat option is good, money. I've looked at the list of night trains at: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2356.html and see that some of the night trains have a no cost seat option for Japan Rail pass holders. Has anyone tried any of these "free" options? The "Goron to Shito" from Tokyo to Aomori and the "nobinobi carpet car" on to Sapporo would be the ones I'd most likely use.
Last edited by Amexpat; Oct 12, 2010 at 12:38 am
Oct 10, 2010 | 9:44 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
What else does your itinerary include? As much as I love trains, this is something you might want to consider getting a Japan Air Pass for. The price might just come out the same, but you save more time.
I must have a good memory or something because I still remember this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...-railpass.html
Check out the photos:
http://hodo.travel.coocan.jp/s/burut...mg/hama_22.htm
Carpet car.
Akebono train (goron to shito seats)
http://hodo.travel.coocan.jp/s/burut...t/hakgt_04.htm
Night trains are a dying breed. I don't expect those trains to be around in a few years other then the more luxury (money making) night trains. If I ever get time and money, giving the Twilight Express a try would be great.
I must have a good memory or something because I still remember this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...-railpass.html
Check out the photos:
http://hodo.travel.coocan.jp/s/burut...mg/hama_22.htm
Carpet car.
Akebono train (goron to shito seats)
http://hodo.travel.coocan.jp/s/burut...t/hakgt_04.htm
Night trains are a dying breed. I don't expect those trains to be around in a few years other then the more luxury (money making) night trains. If I ever get time and money, giving the Twilight Express a try would be great.
Oct 10, 2010 | 12:08 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: OSL
Programs: LH SEN, SK Silver, DY Priority
Posts: 444
Thanks for finding the old thread - I didn't find it in my search. The pics are about what I expected the "free" sleeper seats to be. I can give it a try for a night. If real bad, I'll pay more for the better sleeper seats.
Oct 11, 2010 | 7:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: UA, AA, WN, 7G, SPG (for now)
Posts: 513
I was going to do the Twilight Express to the Sapporo Snow Festival, but ended up flying instead. I did get to ride the Ginga blue train right before they terminated that service though.
I can't speak for the seats, as that wasn't an option on Ginga. The couchette/lay-down bed was quite nice and comfortable though.
I can't speak for the seats, as that wasn't an option on Ginga. The couchette/lay-down bed was quite nice and comfortable though.
Oct 11, 2010 | 10:45 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
The twilight express is one of the more luxury night trains of Japan. It often gets sold out, so booking early is essential. I think you have to go through special travel agency sometimes since it is so popular.