Tokyo’s New Dorm Style Hostel Is Designed From Actual Sleeper Train Carriages

Japan has always been known for its quirky tourist attractions. The new train hostel is one among them. 

Hokutosei is located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. The hostel has been designed from an actual sleeper train, Hokutosei. The train operated for 27 years between Tokyo and Sapporo till 2015. 

It was to the enduring sadness for Japanese railway enthusiasts when the Hokutosei sleeper express train made its last journey in August 2015. But this “Train Hostel Hokutosei” keeps up the spirit of this much loved train with its bunks and cabinet fittings from the defunct Hokutosei sleeper train. 

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

There are 78 beds in the hostel including dormitories and two private rooms, separated from the rest by curtains. The hostel also has shower, laundry, kitchen area and lounge. These beds are available for 2,500 Japanese Yen (£17.70) per night which includes access to kitchen and lounge.  One floor is reserved for women. However, children under the age of four are banned.

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

The beds boast plush headrest and armrest when assembled as seats. Cozy lamps and power points further enhance the experience.

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

The seats folded down flat into beds for sleep. It still has straps that keep the passengers secured during bumpy train rides. This lets the guests experience the 'travelling in train' like feeling.

You might also remember the innovative interiors of "Energy Cafe" designed with scrap.

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

Shared kitchen equipped with all the facilities so that the guests can cook their own food (image)

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

The hostel is actually situated inside a seven storey building in Nihonbashi, a business district in central Tokyo above JR Bakurocho Station. The hostel is only 5 minutes away by train to the Tokyo station.

Source = Tojiro

The Hokutosei was one of Japan’s most famous “blue train” overnight services (image)

Hokutosei was a famous limited express sleeper train that has been running for the 16 and half hour journey between Tokyo and Sapporo since 1988. High speed bullet train services, affordable domestic flights and cheap highway express buses rendered this once popular service obsolete. Train hostel Hokutosei leaves a nostalgic appeal for these rail fans by recycling these fittings from original carriages.

Source = Horibe Hiroyoshi

Whole staff of the hotel can speak English (image)

This accommodation business of JR East is designed by OpenA architectural firm. JR East is working towards attracting guests from all over the world. All staff at the hotel can speak English. The hostel had its grand opening on December 15, 2016 and will be taking up bookings till February 28 of next year. 

Here is a closer look into the Hokutosei Train Hostel