After the 700 Series of the 1990s came the N700 Series of the mid-2000s and the N700A (for Advanced) in the early 2010s, and to all but the most observant of train fans they look very similar apart from the word “Supreme” on the outside of the train and a slight additional aerodynamic chine on the duckbill nose.
Interestingly, the N700S are not scheduled solely on the fastest and most expensive service pattern, timetabled as “Nozomi” trains. Indeed, Runway Girl Network caught the N700S on a “Hikari” service, with its extra stopping points — and the ability to use the Japan Rail Pass, which cannot be used without an extra supplement on the faster Nozomi.
Inside, there are more visible changes, and pleasing ones, especially in the Green Car (roughly equivalent to business class). The first difference is the overhead lighting, which illuminates upwards on a sweeping gullwing-shaped ceiling, with the lights brightening in a pleasingly gradual way when approaching a station.
The second difference is the seats, which are more curvy and also more of a burgundy brown than the grey brown of the previous N700A generation of seats, and even more comfortable. The large extending table remains, and every seat has a power socket — even in standard class, which was not previously the case.
The comfortable Green Car seating is in a warmer brown than previously. Image: John Walton
Speaking of cases, there’s now extra overhead luggage storage for large luggage — indeed, full-sized suitcases, storage for which on previous generations on this route has been in short supply.
Even large suitcases fit easily on the overhead racks. Image: John Walton
The other benefit of the Green Car, apart from space and comfort (including the new active suspension system), is the opportunity to use the at-seat online ordering service.
At-seat trolley service for food and beverages on the Tokaido Shinkansen ended in late 2023, and this new online ordering system replaces it, but only for passengers in the Green Car and only on the faster Nozomi and Hikari services.
The web based ordering system was functional and ultimately successful. Image: John Walton
Since every Japanese Shinkansen station on the line is replete with shops and vending machines, this is not a substantial hardship in standard class, but mobile ordering works well via QR code, with payment on delivery by cash or IC card.
A mobile ordering service is available in the Green Car, and worked well. Image: John Walton
As more N700S sets arrive, they will replace the older members of the N700 series, meaning that this will likely be the standard Shinkansen passenger experience for ten to twenty years. Around 50 sets are already in service, out of roughly 131 sets at the peak of the earlier N700/N700A fleet on these routes, with about 25 of those already retired.
Indeed, they have already replaced the iconic and much loved diagnostic Shinkansen (nicknamed Doctor Yellow thanks to its bright canary colour), owing to the track diagnostic equipment contained within each set.
The N700S is also in service on the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki, and will compete with the maglev Linear Chuo Shinkansen — the 505km/h (314 mph) initially due to open in 2027 but now pushed back to 2034. The impact of the new maglev line, which will cut travel times from an hour and forty minutes to just forty minutes between Nagoya and Tokyo, will be interesting to observe.
Will the N700S retain their existing density and layout when this route becomes the “slow line” (or the line connecting intermediate stations)? To what extent will it need to compete on passenger experience grounds with the maglev, especially given that fares are fixed on distance rather than being dynamic?
S is, indeed, for Supreme. Image: John Walton
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Featured image credited to John Walton
