[1][2] The Sunrise Izumo runs daily between Tokyo and Izumoshi in Shimane Prefecture, taking approximately 12 hours for the 953.6 km (592.5 mi) journey.

On top of these, those wishing to travel in a private room must also pay for a berth ticket (寝台券, Shindai ken), while those traveling in the Nobi-nobi sleeping area must pay a small seat reservation charge (座席指定料金, zaseki shitei ryoukin) in order to reserve an individual sleeping space.

[8] Previously, the Izumo operated as a separate "Blue train" service connecting Tokyo with the Sanin region.

However, these trains were becoming less popular as equipment became outdated, and air and bus services attracted more passengers.

Following the introduction of the Sunrise Izumo, the original Izumo locomotive-hauled "Blue train" service was reduced from two return workings daily to one return working, serving the Sanin Main Line between Kyoto and Tottori Prefecture, most of which was not electrified and thus inaccessible by the electric Sunrise Express trains.

The change cleared the 10:00 PM departure slot for one of the new Shōnan limited express services to Odawara.