Japan prepares for a busy Silver Week travel season
Rail travel demand is rising sharply ahead of Japan’s Silver Week holiday period, with major operators reporting a dramatic increase in reservations compared with last year. West Japan Railway Company, known as JR West, says reservations for the Sanyo Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen have surpassed 660,000 seats—approximately double the figure recorded during the same period last year.
Reservations for conventional railway services have also increased by more than 80 percent, highlighting strong interest in domestic travel during one of Japan’s most important holiday periods. Silver Week is a popular autumn break that occurs when national holidays create an extended period of time off, encouraging people to visit family, explore regional destinations and take short domestic trips.
Travel to the San’in region proves especially popular
By destination, trains traveling toward the San’in region via the Chizu Express route have recorded the strongest growth. Reservations for these services are approximately three times higher than last year. The San’in area, facing the Sea of Japan, is known for its coastal scenery, historic towns, traditional hot springs and regional cuisine.
For international visitors, the rail network serving western Japan offers access to destinations beyond the country’s biggest cities. Travelers can use connections from major hubs such as Osaka and Kyoto to reach areas including Tottori, Kurayoshi and other parts of the San’in region. The sharp increase in reservations suggests that domestic and inbound travelers alike are showing renewed interest in regional Japan.
Shinkansen peak dates announced
According to Central Japan Railway Company, the busiest travel days for the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen are expected to be September 19 for trains heading away from major urban centers and September 22 for return journeys. From September 18 through September 23, Nozomi services will operate with all seats reserved.
Passengers planning to travel during this period should book as early as possible, particularly for popular departure times and routes between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Visitors unfamiliar with Japan’s railway system should also check whether their ticket covers a reserved seat, as boarding a fully booked train without the correct reservation may not be possible.
Kintetsu turns the “Hinotori” into an overnight train
Adding a distinctive option to the holiday travel lineup, Kintetsu Railway will operate its limited express “Hinotori” as an overnight train between Osaka and Nagoya. The service is scheduled to depart Osaka-Namba shortly after midnight on September 22, stop at Nabari for approximately four hours, and arrive at Nagoya shortly after 7 a.m.
Passengers will receive an eye mask and earplugs, while a light breakfast will be provided in the morning. The unusual service gives travelers the chance to experience one of Japan’s best-known premium limited express trains in a different way, while also saving a night of hotel accommodation.
A return service from Nagoya to Osaka is also planned. Reservations are required, and Kintetsu said both directions still had available seats as of September 9. The one-way fare between Osaka-Namba and Nagoya is 10,900 yen for a Premium Seat. The Regular Seat option is listed at 6,200 yen under the applicable two-seat, two-passenger pricing arrangement.
Advice for visitors
Silver Week can be an exciting time to travel across Japan, but crowded stations, limited hotel availability and busy tourist attractions are common. Travelers should reserve Shinkansen seats and accommodation early, allow extra time for transfers and confirm service details directly with the railway operator before departure. With careful planning, the holiday period offers an excellent opportunity to combine Japan’s efficient rail system with visits to both major cities and less-visited regional destinations.
