Key Facts
• In 2026, JR Central launches “fully private rooms” on Tokaido Shinkansen.
• Each N700S train set will have 2 fully private rooms.
• 2027 will see introduction of 6 “semi-private” seats in car 10 of N700S.
• Fully private rooms feature AGC’s 5G-compatible transparent glass antennas for stable Wi-Fi.
• Rooms include reclinable seats with leg rests and personalized control of lighting, air conditioning, and audio volume.
• NTT’s patented Personalized Sound Zone speakers prevent sound leakage.
• Seven new N700S train sets with advanced track inspection functions will be added in 2026.
• Full-line deployment of TASC (fixed-point stopping control) begins, improving punctuality.
• TASC enables automatic precise stops, supporting up to 13 “Nozomi” trains per hour.
• Continuous N700S deployment reduces CO2 emissions, aiding sustainability.
• Semi-private seats have lockable doors, large back shell seats with leg rests, and can rotate for face-to-face use.
• Semi-private rooms balance privacy and social interaction, targeting business and leisure travelers.
• Fully private rooms exceed Green Car class in comfort and privacy.
• The N700S base model’s advanced capabilities enable these innovations.
• Safety and comfort improvements are backed by new inspection tech replacing retiring Doctor Yellow trains.
Summary
Starting in 2026, the Tokaido Shinkansen will transform travel with the debut of fully private rooms on select N700S trains, offering unparalleled comfort beyond the Green Car class. These rooms integrate cutting-edge technology such as AGC’s 5G transparent glass antennas for enhanced Wi-Fi and NTT’s Personalized Sound Zone speakers to ensure privacy. In 2027, semi-private seats with lockable doors and flexible seating arrangements will expand premium options. Behind the scenes, JR Central is enhancing safety and punctuality by adding seven N700S train sets equipped with new track inspection functions and implementing TASC across the entire line, enabling precise automatic stops and supporting a dense timetable of up to 13 “Nozomi” trains per hour. The ongoing introduction of energy-efficient N700S trains also contributes to significant CO2 reductions. Together, these advancements mark a shift from mere transportation to a premium, personalized travel experience on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
