Japan's fastest bullet train connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hakata in breathtaking speed and comfort along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
The Nozomi (のぞみ — "hope") is the express category of Japan's Shinkansen high-speed rail network, operated by JR Central along the Tokaido Shinkansen and JR West along the Sanyo Shinkansen. It has been Japan's fastest and most frequent bullet train service since its first run on 14 March 1992, running 16-car formations and carrying tens of millions of passengers each year.
As of 2025, services are operated primarily by the N700S series — introduced in July 2020 — with some N700A sets also in use. The N700S reaches 285 km/h between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and 300 km/h between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, covering the 515 km Tokyo–Osaka journey in as little as 2 hours 21 minutes.
The N700S brings active suspension in Green Cars, power outlets at every seat in all carriages, and battery self-propulsion for emergency evacuation — a step change over all previous Shinkansen fleets.
The Tokaido Shinkansen averages just 12 seconds of delay per train — a global benchmark for rail punctuality that has been maintained for over six decades without a single passenger fatality.
At peak times, up to 12 Nozomi trains depart Tokyo per hour — making it one of the highest-frequency high-speed rail services in the world.
"The Nozomi is in a class of its own. Tokyo to Kyoto in under two hours, perfectly on time, and comfortable enough to work the whole way — it changed my entire idea of what business travel can feel like."
The Nozomi stops only at major cities — making it the fastest option on every route below.
Two seat classes and a dedicated business carriage — all on the world's most punctual high-speed rail corridor.
Ordinary class
Comfortable standard seating in a 2+3 configuration. Every seat on N700S trains has its own power outlet — a significant upgrade over older fleets. Available in reserved and limited non-reserved options.
Green Car
The Nozomi's premium cabin — wider 2+2 seats in warm burgundy moquette, with active suspension on N700S for an exceptionally smooth ride. Mobile meal ordering via QR code is exclusive to Green Car passengers on Nozomi services.
S Work Car
Car 7 on every N700S Nozomi is built exclusively for business travellers. Unlike the rest of the train — where quiet is the norm — phone calls, video conferences and laptop use are actively welcomed here.
The N700S is the most fully-equipped Shinkansen ever built — here's what to expect.
Complimentary WiFi throughout N700S trains. The S Work Car offers priority-bandwidth S Wi-Fi for Biz, optimised for video calls. Signal may drop in tunnels and mountain sections.
At-seat trolley service was discontinued in October 2023. Green Car passengers on Nozomi services can now order meals and drinks via QR code, with payment by cash or IC card on delivery.
Every seat on N700S trains has a dedicated power outlet. On older N700A trains, outlets are at window seats and at the front and rear of each ordinary car.
Large overhead racks accommodate carry-on bags. N700S trains have designated oversized luggage spaces (max 160 cm total dimensions) behind certain rear seats — these must be reserved at the time of booking.
All ordinary cars maintain a library-like atmosphere — phones on silent, calls discouraged. The S Work Car (Car 7) is the sole exception, where calls and conferencing are actively welcomed.
All classes feature fold-down tray tables. Green Car seats include extendable legroom supports. S Work Car seats recline slightly less by design to maximise usable tray space for laptop work.
Folded bicycles in a rinko bag (250 cm total or less) are carried free. The oversized luggage spaces on N700S trains can also hold fully packed cycle bags when reserved in advance.
Book online and board using a QR code or IC card — no paper ticket needed. Seat selection, changes and refunds are all handled digitally, without visiting a ticket office.
The Nozomi (のぞみ — "hope") is Japan's fastest Shinkansen, operated by JR Central on the Tokaido Shinkansen and JR West on the Sanyo Shinkansen. It has run since 14 March 1992 and links Tokyo with Hakata (Fukuoka) — 1,069 km — stopping only at Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. You can book Nozomi tickets at highspeedtrains.com.
The Nozomi reaches up to 285 km/h on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and up to 300 km/h on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. The fastest Tokyo–Osaka journey takes 2 hours 21 minutes; Tokyo to Hakata takes 4 hours 45 minutes.
The Nozomi offers two seat classes: Ordinary Class (2+3 seating, power outlet at every seat on N700S) and Green Car (first class, 2+2 seating with extra legroom, active suspension, and mobile meal ordering). Car 7 on all N700S Nozomi trains is the S Work Car — a business productivity carriage where calls and video conferencing are permitted at the standard Ordinary Class fare.
Free WiFi is available on N700S series Nozomi trains. The S Work Car offers priority-bandwidth S Wi-Fi for Biz. Signal may drop in tunnels and mountain sections. Older N700A trains have more limited connectivity.
Reservations are strongly recommended. As of March 2025, the Nozomi carries only two non-reserved ordinary cars (cars 1–2) outside peak seasons. During Golden Week (29 April–5 May), Obon (mid–late August) and New Year/Christmas (late December–early January), all seats are reserved-only with no non-reserved option. Green Car always requires a reservation. We recommend booking in advance at highspeedtrains.com.
Children aged 6–11 pay approximately half the adult fare. Children under 6 travel free when not occupying their own reserved seat. Multi-purpose rooms are available on each trainset and can accommodate pushchairs. Family-friendly seating can be selected when you book at highspeedtrains.com.
Folded bicycles in a rinko bag (total dimensions 250 cm or less) are carried free of charge. N700S trains also have designated oversized luggage spaces behind certain rear seats, which must be reserved at the time of ticket purchase. Add a luggage space reservation when you book your Nozomi tickets at highspeedtrains.com.
Reserved seats generally go on sale one month before departure. Selected discounted fares on the Smart EX online reservation system are available up to one year in advance on some services. Booking early is especially important around Golden Week, Obon and New Year when trains sell out quickly. Book now at highspeedtrains.com to secure your seats.
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