Elements of sleeper train revived as Tokyo hostel

[David Benton]

In 1988, the Hokutosei sleeper express was the first train to use the Seikan tunnel to link Ueno Station in Tokyo to Sapporo, over a journey of 1200 kilometers. It gained popularity through such charms as luxury sleeping cars and a dining car where travellers could enjoy French-style cuisine. However, to the regret of many fans, in August 2015 the train service was discontinued due to the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen line and the aging of the Hokutosei train cars.
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