Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Japan • JR West

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In brief

This milestone significantly expanded the Shinkansen network, connecting the Kansai region (Osaka) with western Japan (Kyushu), and making high-speed rail travel more accessible across the country.

Technologically, these trains operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h on dedicated tracks, using advanced signaling systems like ATC (Automatic Train Control) for safety and efficiency. The Sanyo Shinkansen connects Osaka to Fukuoka, integrating seamlessly with the Tokaido Shinkansen operated by JR Central. Meanwhile, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, partially under JR West’s jurisdiction, extends toward Kanazawa, with further extensions planned to connect the network to regions like Tsuruga.

Economically, the JR West Shinkansen serves as a vital artery for passenger and business traffic across western Japan, contributing significantly to regional economies. The Sanyo line, in particular, links major urban centers and industrial hubs, driving domestic tourism and facilitating labor mobility. High load factors and premium ticketing options ensure a strong revenue stream. Despite high operational costs, including maintenance of advanced infrastructure and rolling stock, the Shinkansen’s profitability benefits from its punctuality, energy efficiency, and economies of scale.

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.

500 series
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Hitachi Kasado Works, Nippon Sharyo
1997 – …

The 500 series Shinkansen, operated by JR-West, ran on the Tōkaidō and San’yō Shinkansen lines. Introduced in 1997, it was designed for speeds up to 320 km/h but operated at 300 km/h. After being retired from Nozomi service in 2010, the trains were refurbished and downgraded to Kodama service between Shin-Ōsaka and Hakata.

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.

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.

W7 series
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industrie,s Kawasaki Railcar Mfg, J-TREC
2015 – …

The E7 and W7 series Shinkansen are high-speed trains developed by JR East and JR West. Since 14 March 2015, with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension from Nagano to Kanazawa, W7 series trainsets are also used on Hakutaka, Kagayaki, and Tsurugi services alongside the similar design JR East E7 series trains.

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Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Japan • Lexical