Japan is well known for it’s extensive Shinkansen, or ‘bullet train’ network that transports locals and travellers alike around the country at break neck speeds – with speeds ranging from 240 km/h (150 mph) to 320 km/h (200 mph) depending on the specific line, train model, and segment.
Starting October 1, JR Central and JR West will introduce Supreme Class, a new premium seating category on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. The new class will debut on Japan’s busiest high-speed rail corridor, connecting destinations including Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.
The new Supreme Class is designed to provide the highest level of quality and service, even better than the existing Green Car – the Shinkansen equivalent of business class. The new premium options will feature two types of private compartments (cabins) and semi-private compartments (seats).
Supreme Class Cabin
The private Supreme Class Cabin, located in Car 7, will feature two private cabin types – a double room accomodating two passengers, and single passenger cabins in cabin 10. Each cabin features a large reclining seat with table (perfect for eating your ekiben en route), electronic lockable door and luggage space. The two-person cabin will also include a sofa-style second seat.
Image: JR Central/JR West
Amenities will include a dedicated Wi-Fi network, built-in speakers that can connect to passengers’ personal devices, and an in-seat tablet that allows travellers to adjust lighting, air conditioning, and the volume of onboard announcements.
Supreme Class Cabins will be introduced from October 1st, 2026, limited to six round trips per day. It is expected that additional services will be available as the new class is expanded across the fleet. It should be noted that seats cannot be rotated, so you may be seated backwards on some journeys.
Supreme Class Seat
Car 10 will feature three rows of Supreme Class Seats – semi-private compartments, seating up to six passengers total. While providing a more spacious ride, and a higher level of privacy, they are not fully enclosed rooms. Unlike the cabins, these seats can be rotated to face the direction of travel.
Image: JR Central/JR West
Guests travelling in The Supreme Class Seat will have access to the same amenities as the cabins. The service is scheduled to be introduced during fiscal year 2027, meaning sometime between April 2027 and March 2028.
Ticketing Information
Supreme Class will carry a significant premium over both standard reserved seats and Green Car accommodation. The table below compares the approximate one-way fares between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. * Fare for the double room is based on two passengers travelling together.
| Seating Class | Approximate One-Way Fare (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Unreserved | ¥13,870 |
| Ordinary Reserved | Around ¥15,000 |
| Green Car | Around ¥20,000 |
| Supreme Class Single Room | Around ¥42,000 |
| Supreme Class Double Room* | Around ¥61,000 |
Supreme Class will be available as a ticketless product through smartEX. Passengers can use either the IC card linked to their smartEX account or a QR code generated within the app to pass through ticket gates and unlock their cabin or seat. If seats or cabins are still available, onboard purchases may also be possible.
Images provided by JR Central/JR West
