I just returned from an unforgettable journey across western Japan, and I wanted to share some details in case anyone else is planning something similar. My wife and I wanted to explore some of Western Japan’s most beautiful and historic places, and the Sunrise Express trains ended up being the perfect bookends to our adventure! 

Day 1: The Sunrise Express from Tokyo to Okayama

We started our journey by boarding the Sunrise Izumo Express in Tokyo at 21:50, traveling in two separate Single Room to Okayama. I’d heard a lot about these trains and managed to snag our tickets through Sunrise Express Tickets which made the whole process really smooth for us.

The room was cozy but comfortable—just enough space to relax and sleep as we cruised overnight. Waking up to views of rural Japan outside our window as the train neared Okayama was magical. By the time we arrived, we felt well-rested and ready to explore.

The Sunrise Express: A Highlight of the Trip

One of the main reasons we embarked on this journey was the chance to ride the Sunrise Express, Japan’s very last sleeper train. For me, the experience was steeped in nostalgia. Many years ago, when I first came to Japan as a participant in the JET Program (the government brings in foreigners to teach English for a few years), I lived in Aomori and used to take an overnight sleeper train from Tokyo to get back up north. The excitement of boarding the train late at night and watching the landscape change as we rolled toward the Tohoku region is a memory I’ve always cherished.

Sadly, most of Japan’s sleeper trains have disappeared over the years. So, when I found out that the Sunrise Express was still running, I knew I had to experience it again—this time, heading south instead of north. There’s something uniquely nostalgic and romantic about traveling by sleeper train, especially in a country where trains play such an iconic role in daily life. Taking the Sunrise Express wasn’t just a mode of transportation for us; it was one of the highlights of the trip.

The train itself felt like an adventure—drifting off to sleep in Tokyo and waking up in a completely new region felt surreal. The combination of comfort, privacy, and stunning scenery made it an unforgettable experience and one of the reasons we planned our whole itinerary around these iconic trains. Booking the tickets through Sunrise Express Tickets was seamless, and I’d definitely recommend experiencing it if you’re planning a trip through Japan.

Day 2-3: Hiroshima and its History

From Okayama, we hopped on a the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Our first stop was the Atomic Bomb Dome and the surrounding Peace Memorial Park, a sobering but essential experience. After that, we explored the Yamato Museum in nearby Kure, where we got to learn more about Japan’s naval history and even saw a 1:10 scale model of the infamous battleship Yamato.

On the following day, we visited Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. The floating torii gate at high tide was even more stunning than in the photos! We took our time wandering the island, eating some grilled oysters, and admiring the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4-5: Biking Across the Shimanami Kaido

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly biking across the Shimanami Kaido, a breathtaking cycling route that connects Honshu to Shikoku via several islands and massive suspension bridges. We rented bikes in Onomichi and spent two days leisurely cycling the route.

The scenery along the way was incredible—sparkling waters, quaint island villages, and sweeping views from the bridges. We even stayed in a small guesthouse along the way, which gave us a chance to unwind and chat with some friendly locals.

Day 6: Shikoku and Takamatsu

After completing the Shimanami Kaido, we took a train to Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku. The city’s highlight was Ritsurin Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that was a perfect spot to relax after all that cycling (70 km+!).

We also enjoyed some Sanuki udon, Takamatsu’s famous udon dish. There's nothing quite like freshly made udon noodles after a long day of travel!

Day 7: The Sunrise Seto Back to Tokyo

To wrap up our trip, we boarded the Sunrise Seto for the journey back to Tokyo. This time, my wife and I stayed in the Sunrise Twin Room, which was a bit more spacious than the single rooms. Having a private space together made the overnight trip even more enjoyable. We loved watching the scenery from our room during the day and were surprised by how comfortable the train was to sleep on!

Final Thoughts

This trip was a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. The Sunrise Express trains were a great way to start and end the journey, offering both convenience and a unique travel experience. If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to try something a little different, I highly recommend this itinerary!