Sleeper Seat on Japan's Newest Overnight Train 😴 12 Hour Trip from Kyoto πŸ› Solo Travel Vlog - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the text:

**Title:** Experience on Japan's Newest Sleeper Train: West Express Ginga

**Key Points:**

* **Route:** Kyoto to Shingu (315km, 12 hours)
* **Cost:** Β₯36,500 (approx. $330 USD) for a night's stay and round-trip transportation
* **Accommodations:** Reviewer stayed in a "First Seat" (Car No.1), a semi-private room with a convertible bed
* **Amenities:**
+ Spacious seat/bed, table, lamp, outlets, USB ports, and free Wi-Fi
+ Access to a lounge (Car No.4) with stylish design and local specialties
+ Meal service with local dishes and scenic ocean views
* **Experience:**
+ Enjoyed the slow and scenic ride, with stops at various stations (e.g., Wakayama, Kushimoto)
+ Highlighted the train's safety, cleanliness, and courteous staff
+ Only drawbacks mentioned were the lack of a shower room and a minor issue with sticky hands from a dessert
* **Booking:** Note that the "First Seat" has limited capacity (8 people) and reservations can be challenging to secure (now available online).

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, keeping them short and avoiding opinions:

**Train Details**

1. Train name: West Express Ginga (meaning "galaxy")
2. Departure station: Kyoto Station
3. Final destination: Shingu Station
4. Distance: 315km (195 miles)
5. Journey time: 12 hours

**Train Composition**

6. Number of cars: 6
7. Car No.6: Private rooms ("Premier Rooms")
8. Car No.5: Cheapest sleeper berths ("Couchette")
9. Car No.4: Lounge
10. Car No.3: Large private rooms for family use
11. Car No.2: Women-only car
12. Car No.1: Mixed, including "First Seat" (where the author stayed)

**Amenities and Services**

13. Handicap-friendly seats available
14. Free Wi-Fi on board (though not fast)
15. Power outlets (2) and USB ports (2) per seat
16. Large windows with blinds for viewing
17. Lounge areas with stylish designs (e.g., chessboard tables)
18. Meal service: Lunch box with local dishes (optional)
19. Restrooms: Handicap-friendly, with baby chair and diaper changing table

**Stations and Route**

20. Stops include: Shin-Osaka Station, Tennoji Station, Wakayama Station, Hineno Station, Kushimoto Station, Kii-Katsuura Station
21. Near Wakayama Station: Opportunity to try Wakayama Ramen
22. Kushimoto Station: Southernmost station on Japan's main island
23. Kansai International Airport near Hineno Station
24. Abeno Harukas (tallest building in Japan) near Tennoji Station

**Booking and Capacity**

25. Car No.1 ("First Seat") capacity: 8 people (16 seats, 2 seats per person)
26. Reservation difficulty: Very high, with recent introduction of online booking in addition to phone booking