Shinkansen to launch ‘Supreme Class’ luxury cabins

A new luxury rail service, ‘Supreme Class’, is set to launch on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines starting October 1, 2026. The service offers high-end private cabins designed to provide a superior experience compared to standard Green Cars.

The service includes two types of private cabins: a two-person cabin in Car 7 and a single-person cabin in Car 10. These cabins feature electronic locks, dedicated Wi-Fi, personalized lighting, climate control, and seat-integrated speakers using NTT Group’s directional sound technology. Windows are equipped with world-first transparent glass antennas developed by AGC to support 5G connectivity.

Pricing for the single-person cabin on the Tokyo-Okayama route is approximately 51,490 to 51,840 yen via Express Reservation or Smart EX. Notably, the Car 10 cabins are fixed in a rear-facing orientation for trains traveling away from Tokyo, meaning passengers will travel backward during outbound trips. A semi-private cabin option with reversible seats is expected to be introduced in fiscal year 2027.