{"id":14979,"date":"2021-04-09T10:54:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T08:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=14979"},"modified":"2025-09-19T08:34:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T06:34:12","slug":"shinkansen-train-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinkansen-train-types","title":{"rendered":"Shinkansen series guide: All Shinkansen train models"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Japan\u2019s high-speed Shinkansen services are the fastest and most convenient way to get around the country. There have been <strong>a variety of types of bullet train series<\/strong> used on the lines since the first was inaugurated in 1964.<\/p>\n<p>While some of the many types of bullet trains have been retired from use or upgraded to newer models as updated technology was developed, there are still many <strong>different trains in operation on each Shinkansen line<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>This complete guide can help you identify the different types of Shinkansen models before you begin your journey with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Shinkansen_train_types_in_operation\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Shinkansen train types in operation<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#500_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> 500 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E2_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> E2 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E3_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> E3 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E4_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.4<\/span> E4 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#700_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.5<\/span> 700 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#N700_N700A_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.6<\/span> N700 \/ N700A series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#N700S_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.7<\/span> N700S series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#800_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.8<\/span> 800 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E5_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.9<\/span> E5 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E6_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.10<\/span> E6 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E7_W7_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.11<\/span> E7 \/ W7 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E8_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.12<\/span> E8 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#H5_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.13<\/span> H5 series<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Old_Shinkansen_train_types\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Old Shinkansen train types<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#0_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.1<\/span> 0 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#200_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.2<\/span> 200 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#100_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.3<\/span> 100 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#300_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.4<\/span> 300 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E1_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.5<\/span> E1 series<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#400_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.6<\/span> 400 series<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Future_Shinkansen_train_types\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Future Shinkansen train types<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#E956_8211_Alfa-X\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.1<\/span> E956 &#8211; Alfa-X<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#L0_series_8211_Maglev\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.2<\/span> L0 series &#8211; Maglev<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#E10_series\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.3<\/span> E10 series<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Train_services_by_shinkansen_line\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Train services by shinkansen line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Shinkansen_train_types_in_operation\">Shinkansen train types in operation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#types-of-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet trains<\/a> currently in operation in Japan form part of the <strong>\u2018next generation of models which began production in the late 1990s<\/strong>. They feature a number of upgraded features from the original bullet trains first inaugurated in the 60s.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"500_series\">500 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15005\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15005\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-15005 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-500-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen 500 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-500-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-500-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-500-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15005\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 500 series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Masterminded by German industrial designer Alexander Neumeister, the 500 series Shinkansen <strong>cost an estimated 5 billion yen to construct per train<\/strong>. Only 9 were ever built.<\/p>\n<p>They were originally used on the primary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi service<\/a> on Tokaido Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. However, they were downgraded to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kodama-shinkansen\">Kodama service<\/a> between Shin-Osaka and Hakata in 2010.<\/p>\n<p>The 500 series was <strong>designed to provide a smoother and safer ride than previous Shinkansen models<\/strong>. They achieved this by using dampers between cars to improve stability and computer-controlled active suspension in the running gear.<\/p>\n<p>The front of the train was also designed to resemble a kingfisher\u2019s beak in order <strong>to increase speed and reduce the noise level <\/strong>to improve passenger comfort.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:<\/strong> 300 km\/h (186 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction: <\/strong>1997<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E2_series\">E2 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15030\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15030\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-15030 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e2-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen E2 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e2-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e2-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e2-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15030\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E2 series &#8211; Photo by View751 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>These Shinkansen, operated by JR East, come in either 8 or 10 car sets. The 10-car trains <strong>can be coupled with E3 series trains<\/strong>. A total of 502 E2 series trains were built between 1997 and 2010. Withdrawls of this Shinkansen type started in 2013.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:\u00a0<\/strong>275 km\/h (170 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction:<\/strong>1997<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Joetsu Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E3_series\">E3 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15035\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15035\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-15035 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e3-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen e3 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e3-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e3-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e3-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15035\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E3 series &#8211; Photo by Jet-0 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>E3 series Shinkansen were <strong>built to coincide with the opening of the new Akita Shinkansen<\/strong> \u201cmini-shinkansen\u201d line between Morioka and Akita. The production process was overseen by industrial designer Kenji Ekuan.<\/p>\n<p>Intitally only used for Komachi services, they were later introduced for use on Tsubasa services on the Yamagata Shinkansen Line.<\/p>\n<p>Similar to the 400 series of trains, they were <strong>designed to have a smaller loading gauge than mainline Shinkansen trains<\/strong> to fit on the narrower \u201cmini-shinkansen\u201d lines.<\/p>\n<p>These trains <strong>will gradually be replaced on Tsubasa services by the E8 series<\/strong>, which entered service in March 2024.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:\u00a0<\/strong>275 km\/h (170 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction:<\/strong>1997<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Yamagata Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Akita Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E4_series\">E4 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15040\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15040\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-15040 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e4-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen e4 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e4-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e4-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e4-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E4 series &#8211; Photo by Sui-setz under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Like the E1 series, E4 trains are bi-level Shinkansen with<strong> double-decker cars designed to accommodate high commuter traffic<\/strong> in the areas around Tokyo and other urban zones.<\/p>\n<p>The 8-car sets can be coupled together to form a 16-car train. This has a total capacity of 1,634 seated passengers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>240 km\/h (150 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction:<\/strong>1997<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Joetsu Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"700_series\">700 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15010\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15010\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15010\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-700-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen 700 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-700-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-700-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-700-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15010\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 700 series &#8211; Photo by Mitsuki-2368 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Part of the next generation of Shinkansen <\/strong>produced in the late \u201990s, 700 series trains were jointly designed by JR Central and JR-West.<\/p>\n<p>They were <strong>originally used on the Hakata Minami Line<\/strong>, the Sanyo Shinkansen, and the Tokaido Shinkansen. However, they have since been withdrawn from service on the latter line.<\/p>\n<p>These trains are <strong>distinctive for their flat &#8216;duck-bill&#8217; front nose<\/strong>. This design reduces the piston effect when entering tunnels.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>300km\/h (186mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction: <\/strong>1999<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"N700_N700A_series\">N700 \/ N700A series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15020\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15020\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15020\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen n700 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15020\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen N700 series &#8211; Photo by Mitsuki-2368 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>N700<\/strong> was an upgrade of the 700 series with<strong> tilting capability<\/strong>, allowing the train to maintain high speeds even in tight curves. It was introduced in 2007 on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen and in 2011 on the Kyushu Shinkansen lines.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>N700A<\/strong> was an evolution of the first design of the N700 introduced in 2013, which allowed an <strong>increase in the maximum speed<\/strong> of operation in curves. All the N700 have now been improved with the technology of the N700A, and are called <strong>N700a<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed<\/strong>: 300 km\/h (186 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2007<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"N700S_series\">N700S series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15025\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15025\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15025\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700s-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen n700s series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700s-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700s-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-n700s-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15025\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen n700s series &#8211; Photo by KYODO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On July 1st 2020, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinkasen-n700s\">N700S Shinkansen<\/a> was launched on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.\u00a0The suffix of the N700S stands for \u2018supreme\u2019 to signify the progression in design, technology, and comfort. It is the <strong>6th-generation model of the N700 series<\/strong> and intended to be the best.<\/p>\n<p>This new evolution incorporates a <strong>lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system,<\/strong>\u00a0extremely useful during power outages or <strong>earthquakes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed<\/strong>: 332 km\/h (206 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2020<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"800_series\">800 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15015\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15015\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15015\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-800-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen 800 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-800-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-800-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-800-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15015\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 800 series &#8211; Photo by JKT-c under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 800 series of Shinkansen abandoned the \u2018duck-bill\u2019 nose of the 700 series for a more conical shape. It <strong>received a Laurel Prize in 2005 for its design<\/strong> as a result.<\/p>\n<p>This train <strong>operates on the Kyushu Shinkansen<\/strong> line run by the Kyushu Railway Company. They were introduced on Tsubame services in 2004.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>260 km\/h (160 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2004<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E5_series\">E5 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15045\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15045\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15045\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e5-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen e5 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e5-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e5-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e5-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15045\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E5 series &#8211; Photo by Nanashinodensyaku under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The E5 series of Shinkansen has operated on<strong> T\u014dhoku Shinkansen services<\/strong> since 2011. They have also run on Hokkaido Shinkansen services since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>The trains<strong> incorporate technology derived from the experimental Fastech 360S train<\/strong> tested by JR East. They also feature an electric active suspension.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:\u00a0<\/strong>320 km\/h (200 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction: <\/strong>2011<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\">Hokkaido Sahinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E6_series\">E6 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15050\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15050\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e6-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen E6 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e6-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e6-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e6-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15050\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E6 series &#8211; Photo by Rsa under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>These Shinkansen <strong>run as a Komachi \u201cmini-shinkansen\u201d service<\/strong> on the T\u014dhoku Shinkansen. They also run on the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita.<\/p>\n<p>They are operated by JR East. In 2014, E6 series trains <strong>replaced all the E3 models previously used on Komachi services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>320 km\/h (200 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2013<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Akita Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E7_W7_series\">E7 \/ W7 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15055\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15055\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15055\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e7-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen e7 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e7-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e7-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e7-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15055\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E7series &#8211; Photo by Tokyo Sakura under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <strong>E7 series<\/strong> of trains are based on the design of the earlier E2 series. They were <strong>jointly developed alongside the W7 series<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The cars are notable for the \u2018Japanese\u2019 theme employed both externally and internally. This <strong>combines both traditional and futuristic design elements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Test runs for W7 series trains first began in 2014. These 12-car sets have <strong>continuously run on the Hokuriku Shinkansen since 2015<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>That same year, the W7 trains were awarded the annual Blue Ribbon Award presented by the Japan Railfan Club, alongside the E7 series.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>275 km\/h (170 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2013<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Joetsu Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E8_series\">E8 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19296\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19296\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-19296 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-series-train-japan-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"E8 Shinkansen on Yamagata Shinkansen Line, Japan.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-series-train-japan-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-series-train-japan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-series-train-japan-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-series-train-japan.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19296\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E8 series &#8211; Photo by Jumpei Hosoi under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Intended to gradually replace the E3 series, E8 trains were <strong>implemented on Tsubasa services<\/strong> on the Yamagata Shinkansen Line in March 2024. They raise the top speed of the service from 275 to 300 km\/h.<\/p>\n<p>Like the E3s, E8 Shinkansen are <strong>7-car trains consisting of 5 powered and 2 non-powered cars<\/strong>, and are fully equipped with active suspension.<\/p>\n<p>The colorful exterior, which mixes white, purple, red, and yellow, is <strong>designed to evoke the rich landscape of the Yamagata region<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed<\/strong>: 300 km\/h (186 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction<\/strong>: 2024<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Yamagata Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"H5_series\">H5 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15060\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15060\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15060\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-h5-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen H5 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-h5-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-h5-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-h5-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15060\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen H5 series &#8211; Photo by Toshinori baba under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>H5 Shinkansen work in a pool alongside E5 trains series on Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen services. However, it <strong>features a number of upgrades from the previous model<\/strong>, including an improved snowplow and stainless-steel underframe to protect the electronics in cold weather conditions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>320 km\/h (200 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction: <\/strong>2016<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\">Hokkaido Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Old_Shinkansen_train_types\">Old Shinkansen train types<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although <strong>these models are no longer in use on Shinkansen services<\/strong>, it is worth learning about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinkansen-bullet-train-history\">history of Japanese bullet trains<\/a> to appreciate the vast improvements in the newer models.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"0_series\">0 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14985\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14985\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-0-series-1.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen 0 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-0-series-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-0-series-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-0-series-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14985\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 0 series &#8211; Photo by by Takeshi Kuboki under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The first generation of Shinkansen trains to be built, the 0 series<strong> started operating on <\/strong><strong>the T\u014dkaid\u014d high-speed line when it opened in 1964<\/strong>. Production of these trains continued until 1986, and they were eventually pulled from operation in 2008.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>220 km\/h (137 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation:<\/strong> 1964-2008<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"200_series\">200 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14990\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14990\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14990\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-200-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen 200 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-200-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-200-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-200-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14990\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 200 series &#8211; Photo by Sui-setz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Production on these JR East trains commenced in 1980, curiously predating the 100 series of Shinkansen. While they share many of the same features of 0 series trains, they were <strong>designed to be lighter and more powerful <\/strong>to successfully navigate the mountain routes they ran on. They were also equipped with small snowplows fitted to the front.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>240 km\/h (149 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation: <\/strong>1982-2013<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Joetsu Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"100_series\">100 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14995\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14995\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14995\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-100-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen 100 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-100-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-100-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-100-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14995\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 100 series &#8211; Photo by Mitsuki-2368 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although introduced after the 200 series, these trains were designated 100 series. This is because at the time, Shinkansen that ran east of Tokyo were given even numbers, while those running west were given odd numbers. The 100 series were <strong>designed with a more pointed nose than the 0 series<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>220 km\/h (137 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation: <\/strong>1985-2012<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"300_series\">300 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15000\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15000\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-300-series.jpg\" alt=\"shinkansen 300 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-300-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-300-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-300-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15000\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 300 series &#8211; Photo by Mitsuki-2368 under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>300 series trains were<strong> the first to feature a \u2018curved wedge\u2019 front-end instead of a cone.<\/strong> They were used on the fastest <em>Nozomi<\/em> services when first introduced, and were awarded the Laurel Prize for outstanding functional and design features in 1993.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>270 km\/h (170 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation<\/strong>: 1992- 2012<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"E1_series\">E1 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15065\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15065\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15065\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e1-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen E1 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e1-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e1-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-e1-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15065\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen E1 series &#8211; Photo by Sui-setz under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Alongside the E4 series, these were<strong> the <\/strong><strong>first double-deck Shinkansen trains built in Japan.<\/strong> The exterior design of the original trains was notable for their &#8220;sky grey&#8221;, &#8220;silver grey&#8221;, and &#8220;peacock green&#8221; color schemes.\u00a0 This was replaced with a blue, white, and pink-striped design after refurbishment in 2003.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:\u00a0<\/strong>240 km\/h (149 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation<\/strong>: 1994-2012<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Joetsu Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"400_series\">400 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15070\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15070\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15070\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-400-series.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen 400 series\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-400-series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-400-series-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shinkansen-400-series-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15070\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shinkansen 400 series &#8211; Photo by Sui-setz under CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Originally designed as 6-car sets, <strong>400 series trains received an extra 7th car in 1995<\/strong> due to the popularity of the <em>Tsubasa<\/em> services on which they ran. The original design featured a silver-grey color scheme.<\/p>\n<p>This was updated to<strong> a silver, dark-blue, and green pattern<\/strong> during refurbishments between 1999 and 2001. The trains were eventually retired in 2010.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:<\/strong> 240 km\/h (149 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Years of operation<\/strong>: 1992-2010<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Yamagata Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Future_Shinkansen_train_types\">Future Shinkansen train types<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Japan Rail continues to develop <strong>new and improved models of Shinkansen<\/strong> to boost passenger comfort and safety and reach record-breaking speeds, most of which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/future-of-japanese-trains\">will be introduced in the near future<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"E956_8211_Alfa-X\">E956 &#8211; Alfa-X<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-8171 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/alfa-x-shinkansen-rolling-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Alfa X Shinkansen unveiled\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/alfa-x-shinkansen-rolling.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/alfa-x-shinkansen-rolling-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/alfa-x-shinkansen-rolling-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A 10-car experimental train that began testing in 2019, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/alfa-x-shinkansen-bullet-train\">Alfa X <\/a><strong>uses new technology to allow the craft to travel at some of the fastest speeds<\/strong> yet achieved on a Shinkansen line in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Painted in a metallic sheen to reflect the surrounding countryside, the trains are currently undergoing test runs <strong>on sections of the Tohoku Shinkansen line<\/strong>. It is also being tested on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line.<\/p>\n<p>Alfa X trains have been <strong>designed to improve energy efficiency and passenger comfort,<\/strong> as well as to be more environmentally friendly. New safety features such as stability dampers will also help to further protect passengers in the event of an earthquake.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed:\u00a0<\/strong>400 km\/h (250 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Year of introduction:<\/strong> 2019 (experimental phase)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\">Hokkaido Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"L0_series_8211_Maglev\">L0 series &#8211; Maglev<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1048 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/maglev-train-test-track-e1487940220972-800x511.jpg\" alt=\"SC Maglev\" width=\"800\" height=\"511\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Japan\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/maglev-bullet-train\">Maglev<\/a> program <strong>aims to push the boundaries of the maximum speed possible<\/strong> on Shinkansen lines and eventually allow passengers to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in under an hour. The entire cost of construction is estimated to be around 55 billion US dollars.<\/p>\n<p>The first stage in this project, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/chuo-shinkansen-maglev\"><strong>Chuo Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a> line, is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be inaugurated by 2027. Once operational, it <strong>will link Tokyo to Nagoya in roughly 40 minutes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>500 km\/h (310 mph).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expected year of introduction:<\/strong> 2027<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/chuo-shinkansen-maglev\">Chuo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"E10_series\">E10 series<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21003\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21003\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-21003 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/e10-shinkansen.png\" alt=\"e10 shinkansen\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/e10-shinkansen.png 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/e10-shinkansen-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/e10-shinkansen-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21003\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">E10 Shinkansen &#8211; Credits: East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Tangerine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Operator JR East unveiled its <strong>new E10-series <\/strong>Shinkansen in March 2025, which is slated to replace the E2 and E5 bullet trains currently in service until 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Enhanced E10 safety features include L-shaped vehicle guides to <strong>prevent derailing during earthquakes<\/strong>, together with lateral dampers which will also reduce shaking. An improved braking system will also <strong>shorten stopping distances<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>JR East collaborated with a UK design studio who drew inspiration for the E10\u2019s aesthetic from cherry blossom petals and the mountains of the Tohoku region. This new Shinkansen bullet train is scheduled to <strong>begin test runs in 2027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Max speed: <\/strong>320 km\/h (200 mph).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expected year of introduction:<\/strong> Spring 2030<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lines: <\/strong>Tohoku Shinkansen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Train_services_by_shinkansen_line\">Train services by shinkansen line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Below you can find a complete list of the<strong> types of services avaialble on each Shinkansen line:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Tokaido<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Sanyo<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Kyushu Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi<\/a> (fast, Tokaido and Sanyo)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikari-shinkansen\">Hikari<\/a> (semi-fast, Tokaido and Sanyo)<\/li>\n<li>Hikari Rail Star (semi fast, Sanyo)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kodama-shinkansen\">Kodama<\/a> (local, Tokaido and Sanyo)<\/li>\n<li>Sakura (semi-fast, Sanyo and Kyushu)<\/li>\n<li>Mizuho (fast, Sanyo and Kyushu)<\/li>\n<li>Tsubame (local, Kyushu)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>T\u014dhoku<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\"><strong>Hokkaido<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Yamagata<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Akita Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hayabusa (fast, Tohoku &amp; Hokkaido, using E5 series\/H5 series trains)<\/li>\n<li>Hayate (local, Tohoku &amp; Hokkaido. The fast service was discontinued in 2019)<\/li>\n<li>Yamabiko (semi-fast, Tohoku)<\/li>\n<li>Nasuno (local, Tohoku)<\/li>\n<li>Aoba (discontinued)<\/li>\n<li>Komachi (Akita)<\/li>\n<li>Tsubasa (Yamagata)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/joetsu-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>J\u014detsu Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a> :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Toki \/ Max Toki (semi-fast, J\u014detsu)<\/li>\n<li>Tanigawa \/ Max Tanigawa (local, J\u014detsu)<\/li>\n<li>Asahi \/ Max Asahi (discontinued)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Kagayaki (fast, Hokuriku)<\/li>\n<li>Hakutaka (semi-fast, Hokuriku)<\/li>\n<li>Tsurugi (local, Hokuriku)<\/li>\n<li>Asama (local, Hokuriku)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan\u2019s high-speed Shinkansen services are the fastest and most convenient way to get around the country. There have been a variety of types of bullet train series used on the lines since the first was inaugurated in 1964. While some of the many types of bullet trains have been retired from use or upgraded to newer models as updated technology was developed, there are still many different trains in operation on each Shinkansen line.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15075,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"Discover a complete guide to the different types of Shinkansen series of bullet trains currently in operation in Japan, as well as old and future models. 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