A Hostel that Recreated the Sleeper Train Hokutosei, “Tokyo Train Hostel Hokutosei”!

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Written by tinyasu

“Sleeper Train Hokutosei” was opened in 1988 as the first non-stop train connecting Tokyo and Hokkaido, and while it shut down in 2015, it was Japan’s first luxury sleeper train. This time, I stayed at “Train Hostel Hokutosei,” a facility that utilizes actual parts of the famous sleeper train for its interior decorations.

A Hostel that Recreates the Sleeper Train Hokutosei
A Hostel that Recreates the Sleeper Train Hokutosei

Transportation

The hostel is located right next to JR Bakurocho Station, just two stops away from Tokyo Station. I was surprised to see how close it was to the station!

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the signboard, made using Hokutosei’s nameplate!

Signboard Landmark
Signboard Landmark

Conveniently, there are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby.

Around the Hostel
Around the Hostel

An Interesting Hotel That’s Like a Sleeper Train!

Prices start at 2,100 yen for a bunk bed in a mixed dormitory-style room.
(In addition to mixed dormitories, there are also women-only dormitories available.)

Front Desk
Front Desk

There’s also a 10% discount available for early reservations made up to 45 days in advance.
You get a passcode for coming and going after you’ve paid when checking in, so there’s no curfew.
There’s no specific procedure for checkout.

Lobby
Lobby

Non-guests can utilize the showers for 500 yen.

Floor Plan
Floor Plan

Sleeper trains don’t have private rooms, so use these free earplugs if that may be a problem for you.

Free Earplugs
Free Earplugs

You need a passcode to enter the rooms.
Place your valuables into the lockers.

Room Entrance, lockers
Room Entrance, lockers

The Sleeping Areas are Truly Like “Sleeper Train Hokutosei”!

The hostel uses the very same beds that were used on Hokutosei. It feels like the train should start running at any moment!

Dormitory Bunk Beds
Dormitory Bunk Beds

Pillows, mattresses, and comforters are prepared on each bunk.
You can lay out the sheets and really savor the feeling of a time gone by.

Beds
Beds

You lay out the sheets yourself.

Your bed is only blocked off by a curtain, so there’s not the same sense of being closed off as in a capsule hotel.
Instead, you do have to worry about the potential for snoring though.

Lights are out from 11:30pm to 9:00am.
The sleeper train atmosphere deepens even further when the lights go out!

Lights Out
Lights Out

Standard Facilities

All rooms are non-smoking, so there is a designated smoking area on the roof.
There is are coin-operated laundry machine and showers.

Entrance to Shower and Laundry
Entrance to Shower and Laundry

30 minutes with the coin-operated laundry machine is 100 yen, and be aware that the machines only accept 100-yen coins.

Laundry
Laundry

Laundry detergent is available in the room.

Washbasin, Shower Room
Washbasin, Shower Room

There are 5 shower rooms each for men and women.
They are equipped with 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner as well as body wash.

Toilet
Toilet

This private bathroom stall has a door like those you’d find on a train.
They didn’t have to recreate the train down to the toilets without bidets though…!

Lounge
Lounge

I wonder if a lot of people enjoy the look of dining cars.

Lounge
Lounge

This is the common area lounge. The tables and chairs from the sleeper train’s dining car are used here.

Lounge and Simple Chairs
Lounge and Simple Chairs

These chairs are also reused from the sleeper train!

The kitchen is fully equipped.
The kitchen is fully equipped.
Refrigerator, Seasonings, Induction Stove
Refrigerator, Seasonings, Induction Stove

You can freely use the kitchen appliances, which include an induction stove, a toaster, and pots.

Black Tea and Coffee
Black Tea and Coffee

There’s also all-you-can-drink black tea and coffee!

There are photos and displays about Hokutosei up for visitors who aren’t familiar with the train.

This hostel is easily accessible, cheap, feels clean, and is surrounded by restaurants.
Additionally, the interior’s decorations are carefully designed so that it really feels like you’re in a sleeper train.
I highly recommend this hostel to everyone, not just fans of trains!

Basic information on Tokyo Train Hostel Hokutosei

Address
1-10-12 Nihombashibakurocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access
Directly outside of the #4 exit of JR Sobu Line’s Bakurocho Station
TEL
03-6661-1068
Check-in: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Check-out
11:00 am
Room Price
From 2,100 yen
URL(English)
http://global.trainhostelhokutosei.com/en-gb
tinyasu

Author

Birth place: Tokyo

tinyasu

I used to be a writer/editor for a game magazine. I’ve also edited game strategy guides and Nintendo manuals.