Japan’s famous bullet trains are getting an upgrade in autumn 2026, with the introduction of a new “Supreme Class” offering lockable, private suites and reclining chairs that are being compared to First Class accommodation on planes.
The Shinkansen trains set for the makeover are run by JR Central and JR West, and operate on the country’s most-used route, linking Tokyo with Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. With their current standard or “green” (business) class carriages, they already boast an enviable reputation among high-speed rail transport for fast, comfortable journeys, but from 1 October, they are set to surpass themselves as the private compartments are rolled out.
The operators have said around 30% of all Tokaido Shinkansen trains will feature Supreme Class by the end of 2028, but initially, 12 departures per day will feature the new Supreme Class, with 30 brought online by the end of the year.
The new cabins can be configured for two passengers, with a settee, and more room, or a smaller layout meant for solo travellers. The cabin seating, however, will not be able to be rotated to face the direction of travel both ways. There will be one of each cabin type on each train fitted with the carriages on the Nozomi Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya. Eventually, some Hikari and Kodama routes may also feature the suite-like accommodation.
In addition to the private suites, Supreme Class Seats are slated for introduction between April 2027 and March 2028. It will consist of three rows of two seats that will be rotatable, so it may be better suited for passengers who suffer from travel sickness. The Supreme Class Seats are described as “semi-private”, though not fully enclosed.
Passengers in the seats and the suites will benefit from dedicated Wi-Fi, personal seat speakers, plus a device enabling them to adjust lighting, air conditioning, and announcement volume. Light refreshments will also be included in the ticket price.
The advent of the Supreme Class cabins and seats aligns with wider travel trends towards premium services. JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa said the cabins would “provide better services to customers who want high-quality offerings.”
Fares are set to start at ¥32,440 (€176) one way for the solo accommodation, rising to ¥47,060 (€255), plus basic and express ticket costs for the second traveller in the larger cabin on the same route. Tickets will be digital-only and can be booked onboard last-minute, subject to availability.
