High speed train in Japan – JR Central

Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Japan • JR Central

Summary: The JR Central Shinkansen, operated by the Central Japan Railway Company, serves as a vital high-speed rail network connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka through the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Opened in 1964, it is Japan’s first Shinkansen line and remains one of the busiest, spanning 515 km. Known for its reliability and efficiency, it uses advanced train models like the N700S Series, offering speeds up to 285 km/h. JR Central is also pioneering the Chūō Shinkansen (Maglev) project, expected to link Tokyo and Nagoya in under 40 minutes by 2027, revolutionizing high-speed travel with magnetic levitation technology.

➤ See also: Shinkansen overview – Shinkansen infrastructure and stations – JR Hokkaïdo – JR East – JR West – JR Kyushu

➤ See also: High speed train in France – High speed train in Germany – High speed train in Italy – Economics

Note: this page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the official page of the operating company or manufacturer.

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In brief

In April 1987, the Japanese National Railways (JNR) were divided into seven companies: one for freight and six for passenger transport, known as JR. We will briefly present the high-speed rolling stock of each of these companies : JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu.

The JR Central Shinkansen, operated by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), is a vital part of Japan’s high-speed rail network, connecting key regions in central Honshu. Its flagship line, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, opened in 1964, is the world’s first high-speed rail line and remains one of the busiest and most profitable. It links Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, covering 515 kilometers in just under 2.5 hours.

Caracteristics

Infrastructure managers: JR Central
Operators: JR Central
First services: (October 1964 under JNR)
Lenght of Shinkansen network : 515 km
Speed : 270 to 285km/h

Trains on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen operate at speeds of up to 285 km/h, utilizing state-of-the-art rolling stock like the N700S Series, which offers improved energy efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. Known for its punctuality and frequent services, the line is crucial for business and tourism, transporting millions annually.

JR Central is also spearheading the development of the Chūō Shinkansen, a maglev train line that will connect Tokyo to Nagoya by 2027, with speeds reaching an astonishing 500 km/h. This project represents a leap in high-speed rail innovation, significantly reducing travel time between major cities.

With its commitment to technological advancement, safety, and sustainability, JR Central Shinkansen continues to be a global leader in high-speed rail, connecting Japan’s most populous regions with unparalleled efficiency.

Definition of High Speed Train
The definition of a high-speed train varies by region, but generally, it refers to trains that operate at speeds of at least 250 km/h (155 mph) on newly built lines and 200 km/h (124 mph) on upgraded lines. In Europe, for example, the UIC (International Union of Railways) considers a commercial speed of 250 km/h as the principal criterion for high-speed rail. In the United States, the definition can include trains operating at speeds ranging from 180 km/h (110 mph) to 240 km/h (150 mph).

➤ See the UIC definition

National rolling stock (past and present)

300 series (†)
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
1990 – 2012

The 300 series Shinkansen, introduced in 1992, operated at 270 km/h on Japan’s Tokaido and Sanyo lines. Initially used on Nozomi services, they replaced older models on Hikari routes. With 66 trains by 1998, they phased out earlier units. Gradually replaced by newer models, the 300 series retired in 2012.

700 series
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
1997 – …

The 700 series Shinkansen, built from 1997 to 2006, entered service in 1999. Designed by JR Central and JR-West, it operates on the Tokaido, San’yō, and Hakata Minami lines. Known for its “duck-bill” nose and smooth ride features, it replaced the 300 series and offered lower-cost alternatives to the 500 series for improved comfort.

N700 series
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
2007 – (2019)

The N700 series Shinkansen, introduced in 2007, features tilting capability, enabling speeds of 270 km/h on curves. With faster acceleration and advancements, the N700A model reaches 285 km/h. Retrofits brought all N700 trains to N700A standards. The N700S, introduced in 2020, will replace earlier models.

N700A series
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
2005 – (2019)

The N700A series, introduced in 2013, is an upgraded version of the N700 series, featuring improved brakes, bogie vibration detection, and ATC enhancements. Externally similar to its predecessor, it has new logos. JR Central ordered 31 sets between 2012 and 2019 to replace older 700 series trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen at a cost of 88 billion yen.

N700S series
Hitachi, Nippon Sharyo
2020 – …

The N700S series (N700S系, Enu nana-hyaku esu-kei) is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train with tilting capability operated by JR Central and JR West on the Tokaido and San’yō Shinkansen lines since 2020, and JR Kyushu on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen line since 2022.

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