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---|---|---|---|---|
Line | Tokaido Shinkansen | Sanyo Shinkansen | Kyushu Shinkansen | Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen |
Date Opened | 1-Oct-1964 | 15-May-1972 | 13-Mar-2004 | 23-Sep-2023 |
Route | Tokyo~Shin Osaka | Shin Osaka~Hakata (Fukuoka) | Hakata (Fukuoka)~Kagoshima Chuo | Takeo Onsen~Nagasaki |
Length /km | 515.4 | 553.7 | 256.8 | 66 |
Max Operating speed km/h | 285 | 300 | 260 | 260 |
Operator | JR Tokai | JR West | JR Kyushu | JR Kyushu |
Train types | N700A/a/S | N700A/a/S /-7000/-8000; 500;700 | N700-7000; N700-8000; 800 | N700S |
Major Cities Served | Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka | Osaka, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka | Fukuoka, Kumamoto; Kagoshima | Takeo Onsen, Omura, Nagasaki |
Notes | Many trains run through Tokaido Shinkansen~Sanyo Shinkansen | Many trains run through Tokaido Shinkansen~Sanyo Shinkansen and thru Sanyo Shinkansen~Kyushu Shinkansen | Many trains run through Sanyo Shinkansen~Kyushu Shinkansen | currently gap between Takao Onsen and Shin Tosu. Relay express operates between Hakata~Takeo Onsen |
The Shinkansen
the world's first high speed train
![JR East Yamagata Shinkansen E3 at Yonezawa](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/P2092869-JR-East-E3-Yamagata-Shinkansen.jpg?fit=1280%2C960&ssl=1)
![JR East E7 Shinkansen at Tokyo](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_4638-JR-East-E7-Shinkansen-at-Tokyo.jpg?fit=960%2C1280&ssl=1)
![Japan a Rail Fans Paradise JR East E5 & E7 shinkansen](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/P9260002-Tokyo-E5-E7-shinkansen-20210926_TSJR.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![JR East E5 Tohoku Shinkansen](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/E5-Tokyo-Station.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Since 1964
The Shinkansen,
also known as the High Speed Bullet Train, was the world's first high speed train service. It began operating in October 1964, just before the start of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The Tokaido Shinkansen was the first shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, significantly reducing travel time from 8 hours to 3 hours when it first opened and down further to 2 1/2 hrs (fastest trains) nowadays.
Growth
Since its inception in 1964,
the shinkansen network has expanded extensively. It now reaches northwards to Hakodate, Aomori, Akita and Yamagata; towards Niigata and Kanazawa; and extends all the way west and south to Fukuoka and Kagoshima. As a result of this expansion, there are currently ten shinkansen lines with a total network length of 3,100km.
Tomorrow...
A growing & constantly improving network...
And the shinkansen network is still growing. Since September 2022 194km of new line has been opened with a further 212km currently under construction. There is also another 200km of new route that is under consideration. The rail companies are also continually looking at how to improve the speed, operational efficiency and passenger comfort of trains.
The network has grown
to cover much of Japan,
and it has also become faster
and more comfortable
due to the integration of
new technologies into
train design,
infrastructure,
and control systems.
Lots to see for all interests....
![Japan Shinkansen Network](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shinkansen-Map2.jpg?fit=1476%2C1538&ssl=1)
Frequency and Safety as well as high speed...
The Tokaido Shinkansen is not only the first high speed train line in the world, it also has the highest frequency of trains and carries the most passengers, serving the major cities of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. The Shinkansen also has an unenviable safety record. The blue lined white Tokaido shinkansen train has become an icon of Japan, although today it is not actually the fastest.
What is more...
the network is still growing...
In September 2022 the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen opened between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki. This is the first 68km of a line that will eventually link up with the Kyushu Shinkansen at Shin Tosa. The extension of the Hokuriku extension between Kanazawa, Fukui and Tsuruga opened on 16th March 2024. The extension of this line as far as Kyoto and Osaka is still under consideration with a number of routes being considered. The extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo is planned to open in 2030-31.
The Maglev - Tokyo to Nagoya in 45 minutes...
JR Tokai is presently constructing the Chuo Shinkansen, a long-distance Linear Motor Maglev that will traverse the 360km Nagoya~Tokyo route in just 45 minutes. A fast way to travel when it opens (probably around 2030) but you will not see very much as it will go through tunnels under some of the most beautiful parts of Japan.
Travelling on the shinkansen a must on your Japan Rail Fan trip...
At TS Japan Rail, we believe in encouraging visitors and rail enthusiasts to explore Japan's conventional lines as well, in order to experience more of the country. However, there is no denying that the Shinkansen is incredibly convenient for traveling from A to B and traversing across the entire nation. For rail fans visiting Japan, it is a must to experience a journey on Japan's high-speed trains, and also do not limited to the Tokaido Shinkansen, to get the full experience!
![JR East E6 Akita Shinkansen at Akita](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/P9170036-JR-East-E6-Akita.jpg?fit=1280%2C960&ssl=1)
Shinkansen Line
& Train Data
& Pictures
Shinkansen in West Japan
![Shinkansen Map - Tokai-Sanyo-Kyushu](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shinkansen-Map-Tokai.jpg?fit=1024%2C481&ssl=1)
Shinkansen in East Japan and Hokuriku
![Shinkansen line Data Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata & Akita Shinkansen](https://i0.wp.com/railfan.tsjapanrail.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shinkansen-Map-East-e1685864750906.jpg?fit=543%2C640&ssl=1)
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tohoku Shinkansen | Joetsu Shinkasen | Hokuriku Shinkansen | Yamagata Shinkansen | Akita Shinkansen | Hokkaido Shinkansen | |
Date Opened | 23-Jun-1982 | 15-Nov-1982 | 1-Oct-1997 | 1-Jul-1992 | 22-Mar-1997 | 26-Nov-2016 |
Route | Tokyo~Sendai~Morioka ~Shin Aomori | Omiya~Niigata | Takasaki~Nagano~ Toyama~ Kanazawa~Tsuruga | Fukushima~Yamagata ~Shinjo | Morioka~Akita | Shin Aomori~ Shin Hakodate -Hokuto |
Length /km | 674.9 | 269.5 | 470.6 | 148.6 | 127.3 | 148.9 |
Max Operating speed km/h | 320 | 275 | 260 | 130 | 130 | 260 |
Operator | JR East | JR East | JR East / JR West | JR East | JR East | JR Hokkaido |
Train types | E2, E3, E5,E6,E8, H5 | E7 | E7, W7 | E3, E8 | E6 | E5, H5 |
Major Cities Served | Tokyo, Omiya, Fukushima, Sendai, Morioka, Aomori | Tokyo, Omiya, Fukushima, Sendai, Morioka, Aomori | Tokyo, Omiya, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Komatsu, Tsuruga | Tokyo, Omiya, Fukushima, Yonezawa, Yamagata, Shinjo | Morioka, Daisen (Omagari), Akita | Aomori, Hakodate |
Notes | trains run to / from Tokyo via Tohoku Shinkansen | Takasaki~Nagano formerly Nagano Shinkansen. Trains run to / from Tokyo via Joetsu and Tohoku Shinkansen | so called mini shinkansen. tracks shared with standard gauge ou Main Line trains. | so called mini shinkansen. tracks shared with standard gauge ou Main Line trains. | work on going to extend line to Sapporo |
and look out for new shinkansen…
JR East debuted its new E8 shinkansen for the Yamagata Shinkansen route in March 2024. It is also has its experimental Alpha-X (E956 series) train which can reach top speeds of 360km/h
Additionally, JR East is experimenting
with the Alpha-X (E956 series) train, which can reach
top speeds of 360km/h.
This initiative aims to make the shinkansen more competitive
against flying when the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension to Sapporo
becomes operational,probably
in 2030-31.
Observing this train during testing, however, poses a challenge
as most trials are conducted
during nighttime hours.
Central & West Japan: JR Tokai,
JR West and JR Kyushu
Train Type | Operator | Line | Introduced | Withdrawn | Max Speed km/h | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500系 | JR West | Sanyo Shinkansen | 1996 | 285 | Originally ran on Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, now just used on Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama services (reduced from 16 to 8 cars) | |
700-7000系 | JR West | Sanyo Shinkansen | 1999 | 285 | Originally ran on Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, now just used on Sanyo Shinkansen Railstar services (reduced from 16 to 8 cars) | |
N700S系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 2021 | 300 | Major changes from N700A, particularly under the floor and passenger accomodation Capability to be able to form shorter unitsdue to redesign and rationalisation of underfloor eqiptment. | |
N700 A系/a系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 2005 | 300 | N700a were converted from N700 series to include new features from N700A | |
N700-7000系 / N700-8000系 | JR West / JR Kyushu | Sanyo Shinkansen / Kyushu Shinkansen | 2008 | 300 | N700-7000系 owned by JR West N700-8000系 owned by JR Kyushu, but both types basically the same. | |
800系 | JR Kyushu | Kyushu Shinkansen | 2003 | 260 | Used only on Kyushu shinkansen | |
N700S-8000系 | JR Kyushu | Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen | 2022 | 260 | Modified version of JR Tokai's N700S series |
East Japan; JR East, JR West,
JR Hokkaido
Train Type | Operator | Line | Introduced | Withdrawn | Max Speed km/h | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E2系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen | 1995 | 275 | In th e past operated on the Nagano (now Hokuriku) shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen. Gradually being replaced by E5系 | |
E3系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Yamagata Shinkansen | 1995 | 275 | Also operated on the Akita shinkansen up to March 2013. Will be replaced by E8系 | |
E5系 / H5系 | JR East / JR Hokkaido | Tohoku Shinkansen / Hokkaido Shinkansen | 2009 (H5 2016) | 320 | ||
E6系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Akita Shinkansen | 2010 | 320 | ||
E7系 / W7系 | JR East / JR West | Joetsu Shinkansen / Hokuriku Shinkansen | 2013 (W7 2015) | 260 | ||
E8系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Yamagata Shinkansen | 2024 | 300 |
Former shinkansen types
Train Type | Operator | Line | Introduced | Withdrawn | Max Speed km/h | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 1964 | 2008 | 220 | |
100系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 1985 | 2012 | 230 | |
200系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Joetsu Shinkansen | 1982 | 2013 | 230 | |
300系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 1992 | 2012 | 275 | |
700-0系 / 700-3000系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 1999 | 2020 | 285 | |
N700系 | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 2007 | 2016 | 300 | Most N700 units were converted to N700a (N700 small A) |
E1系 (MAX) | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Joetsu Shinkansen | 1994 | 2012 | 240 | Double Deck train |
E4系 (MAX) | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Joetsu Shinkansen | 1997 | 2021 | 240 | Double Deck train |
400系 | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Yamagata Shinkansen | 1992 | 2010 | 240 |
Inspection (Shinkansen) trains
Train Type | Operator | Line | Introduced | Withdrawn | Max Speed km/h | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
923系 (Doctor Yellow) | JR Tokai / JR West | Tokaido Shinkansen / Sanyo Shinkansen | 2000 (JR Tokai) 2005 (JR West) | Tokaido Shinkansen 275km/h Sanyo Shinkansen 285km/h | Based on 700系 | |
E926系 (East-i) | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen / Joetsu Shinkansen / Hokuriku Shinkansen / Yamagata Shinkansen / Akita Shinkansen / Hokkaido Shinkansen | 2001 | 275 km/h (130km/h on Yamagata & Akita Shinkansen) | based on E3系 |
Experimental Trains
Train Type | Operator | Line | Introduced | Withdrawn | Max Speed km/h | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E956 (Alpha-X) | JR East | Tohoku Shinkansen | 2019 | Max speed achieved around 400km/h designed operational speed 360km/h | Experimental train with many experimental features including different front end nose designs. |
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