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Japan’s famous bullet trains are getting a luxury upgrade.
Later this year, passengers will be able to book private suites complete with lockable doors, reclining seats and dedicated Wi-Fi as rail operators roll out a new ‘Supreme Class’ service.
On 1 October, the already famously comfortable Shinkansen will add on the private compartments, which will also boast air conditioning and adjustable lighting.
It’s planned that the suites, similar to those found in first class on aeroplanes, will be available on around 12 trains per day from their launch, rising to 30 by the end of the year.
Central Japan Railway (JR Central) and West Japan Railway (JR West) also announced that the Supreme Class compartments should be available on approximately 30% of all Tokaido Shinkansen trains by the end of 2028.
What will the new cabins look like?
The new Supreme Class spaces are set to be offered in two distinct configurations.
One will provide a sofa, additional space and accommodation for up to two passengers, while the other will be smaller and is designed for solo travellers.
The more compact option will take passengers on the Nozomi Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya, and tickets will cost ¥32,440 (€176) one way.
On the same route, the larger compartment will cost ¥47,060 (€255), and the second traveller will also need to buy a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket.
Speaking at a press conference, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa said the new launch will “provide better services to customers who want high-quality offerings”.
The company also announced that, from next April, bullet trains will offer semi-private suites onboard with lockable sliding doors. However, they won’t be a fully enclosed space, but rather feature high walls and more space.
The seat’s design will mean that, when a passenger reclines, its outer shell means that it won’t affect the passenger behind them.