AI summary
Summary of article:
Japan’s Shinkansen has added a new Supreme Class Private Box on the Tokaido/Sanyo Line, which offers private seats for 2 people, customized amenities and catering services. Ticket prices are high and online booking is required.
Japan JR Tokai and JR West launched “Supreme Class” private rooms on the Tokaido/Sanyo Line on October 1, which feature up to two people, customizable lighting, air conditioning and sound, seats that can recline up to 130 degrees, and free drinks, snacks and mobile ordering. Fares for the shortest section, from Tokyo to Nagoya, start at 32,660 yen (about 206 yuan).
According to Travel + Leisure, taking the Shinkansen is one of the highlights of a trip to Japan because there are no lengthy security checks, no baggage fees, and no need to arrive at the station hours in advance. As long as you sit in a comfortable seat with plenty of legroom, you can easily travel across the country at speeds up to 200 mph. Now, this already enjoyable experience has been upgraded.
Starting October 1, JR Central and JR West will launch new trains on the most popular Tokaido/Sanyo Line, which connects Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka. Advanced trains have private boxes for up to two people. Lighting, air conditioning and sound can be completely customized. The seats with leg rests can be reclined up to 130 degrees and are wider than existing first class seats. Taking a nap while traveling is very relaxing.
This supreme class box ensures complete privacy and brings back the dining experience of yesteryear. The ticket comes with a free welcome drink and refreshments. Currently, it is Matcha Baumkuchen from Tsujiri, a tea shop in Kyoto. Later, you can also use your mobile phone to order high-quality food on the menu, including limited meals on the bus. Pay attention to passenger instructions for “maximum two people”. The second seat is a small sofa-style seat, and the second passenger must purchase a separate ticket, but the ticket is free for children under 6, so it is especially suitable for parents with active young children.
Currently, there are about 6 round-trip trains daily with Supreme Class cabins, and each train has only 2 rooms. If you want to try it, it’s best to plan in advance. However, the industry said that more such boxes will be launched in the future, and another Supreme Class box will be launched, which may be cheaper and uses curtains instead of lockable doors.
Fares for the shortest section from Tokyo to Nagoya start at 32,660 yen (about 206 yuan), the standard seat is 11,300 yen (about 71 yuan), and the more spacious green car is 14,960 yen (about 94 yuan). Currently, passengers can book tickets only through the SmartEX online portal. Tickets will be linked to Japanese IC cards, or given a set of QR codes to pass through gates and compartment doors.
Summary FAQ
-
JR Tokai and JR West have launched Supreme Class private boxes on the Tokaido/Sanyo Line, focusing on high privacy and customized experience, allowing passengers to enjoy a ride close to first class on the Shinkansen.
-
The private room can be used by a maximum of 2 people. Lighting, air conditioning and sound can be adjusted. The seats can be reclined up to 130 degrees. It comes with free drinks and snacks. Later, you can order high-end meals and limited-edition items using your mobile phone.
-
The fare for the shortest section from Tokyo to Nagoya is 32,660 yen, which is much higher than standard reserved seats and green cars. Currently, it can only be booked online through SmartEx and pass with IC card or QR code.
