(JAPAN STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 'OTAKU' PAGE)
Page 5:
Japan's Sleeping Cars
(continued)
Left: Typical open 'B' or 2nd class ('B' Shindaisha) section. Contains 4 berths with ample luggage space on a shelf over the entrance to each section, at the foot of the upper berths. As in 'A' class, the Yukata, bedding and clothes hanger is neatly folded and presented as in the upper berth at left. Slippers are also provided. Open berth cars like these are found on most Blue Trains. These photos were taken aboard the 'Akebono' described above.
2nd from Left: Typical 'B' class corridor with folding aisle seats for privacy.
3rd and 4th from Left: 'Solo' 'B' class private compartments. A marvel of space efficiency, the upper and lower compartments are right on top of each other. The upper has less room than the lower but a nice curved window for dome-like viewing high above the track. I had the lower, as you can see by the book (The Makioka Sisters) and my video camera. The 'Solo' is like a duplex roomette but to enter the lower you have to duck, and climb to get into the upper. They have two music channels on the light panel and individually controlled air vent controls.
Last updated: August 16, 2003
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Aso-Boy
Steam Operation in Kyushu
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