Japan’s first-ever bunk-bed ‘sleeper bus’ will need you to buckle up while snoozing

A Japanese bus company’s first bunk-bed bus aims to remove accommodation costs for young concert travellers

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Two women try out the Sommeil Profond, an overnight bus service between Tokyo and Kochi which will begin operations in March. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:30am, 4 Feb 2025Updated: 4:33pm, 4 Feb 2025

Japan will unveil its first-ever double-decker sleeper bus on March 4, travelling between Tokyo and the southern city of Kochi, located on the island of Shikoku.

Operator Kochi Ekimae Kanko calls the service a “mobile capsule hotel” on its website, saying it is aimed at domestic travellers hoping to avoid the rising cost of hotels, amid increased inbound foreign travel.

According to news outlet Nikkei, the highest demand is likely to come from young travellers on their way to concerts and other events.

The sleeper bus aims to allow passengers to arrive fully rested, attend the event they want and return home without needing to book accommodation, with journeys expected to last up to 13 hours.

Japan’s first double-decker sleeper bus will ply the Tokyo-Kochi route. Photo: Handout

The bus has been christened “Sommeil Profond”, French for “deep sleep”. Sommeil Profond will house 12 bunks, allowing for 24 passengers at a time, half the average capacity. The journey between Tokyo and Kochi will cost 7,300 yen (US$47) for a limited period.

Last November, the way was paved for full-flat sleeper buses when Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism established safety guidelines for operators.