Twilight Express and JR Pass

Hi there!

The Twilight Express can indeed be booked up to one month in advance, however this can only be done in Japan or via the telephone or internet (both are Japanese only), you however do need a credit-card issued in Japan for this, which makes the process pretty impossible for most people.

I would really recommend reading this webside about booking the Twilight express (with the JR Pass). Apparently you can reserve the train by paying the limited express charge as well as the sleeping accommodation charge without having to pay for the normal fare (which is covered by the JR Pass).

Taking some information from one of Mari's great posts The basic fare for the trip from Osaka to Sapporo is ¥16,170 - this is fully covered by the JR Pass. On top of this you will have to pay the room fee that can range from ¥8,400 for the cheapest sleeper car B room, to ¥13,650 for the expensive sleeper car A rooms. Note that you may also have to pay an additional limited express fare Fare ¥ 3,150 if you travel between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto or if you stay on board for additional stations in Hokkaido.

I hope this helps you on your way!
Daniel

Thanks, Daniel! The tip about the Japanese-issued credit card was super helpful!