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Train Hostel Hokutosei in Bakurochō: Japan’s Famous Sleeper Train Finds a Tokyo Home

  • On August 23, 2015, the Hokutosei arrives at Ueno Station at the end of its last run. (@ Jiji)

    On August 23, 2015, the Hokutosei arrives at Ueno Station at the end of its last run. (@ Jiji)

  • The hostel is directly accessible from JR Bakurochō Station.

    The hostel is directly accessible from JR Bakurochō Station.

  • The train’s rollsign hangs over the reception desk. The wall to the left replicates the motif on the Hokutosei cars and is a popular backdrop for photos.

    The train’s rollsign hangs over the reception desk. The wall to the left replicates the motif on the Hokutosei cars and is a popular backdrop for photos.

  • At the top is a sign indicating the sleeper car series number. The car number on the plate below indicates the floor number.

    At the top is a sign indicating the sleeper car series number. The car number on the plate below indicates the floor number.

  • The berths in the dormitory-style room have the original ladders from the Hokutosei.

    The berths in the dormitory-style room have the original ladders from the Hokutosei.

  • The folding seat offers a comfortable perch for conversation.

    The folding seat offers a comfortable perch for conversation.

  • Okazaki Akiko, manager of Train Hostel Hokutosei.

    Okazaki Akiko, manager of Train Hostel Hokutosei.

  • The rich brown tones of the semi-private A-class single room accentuate its high-grade feel.

    The rich brown tones of the semi-private A-class single room accentuate its high-grade feel.

  • The lavatory door bears the original “Grand Chariot” plate that marked the entrance to the Hokutosei dining car.

    The lavatory door bears the original “Grand Chariot” plate that marked the entrance to the Hokutosei dining car.

  • Folding chairs line the hallway wall. There is no sound to be heard from the radio panels between the seats, but they add an authentic touch nevertheless.

    Folding chairs line the hallway wall. There is no sound to be heard from the radio panels between the seats, but they add an authentic touch nevertheless.

  • The shared kitchen has many of the appointments from the Grand Chariot dining car. At the time of this interview, the kitchen was being used by guests from India.

    The shared kitchen has many of the appointments from the Grand Chariot dining car. At the time of this interview, the kitchen was being used by guests from India.

  • One of the photos donated by former guests.

    One of the photos donated by former guests.

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