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

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.

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.