No, the Shinkansen Supreme is not some new street-style collaboration. It's a new, sleeker, lighter, more eco-friendly Japanese high-speed train that will start running test routes between Tokyo and Osaka later this month. The train—which will run on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, the most popular bullet train line in Japan—will officially be in use just in time for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
Let's address the elephant in the room: This train has a huge nose—it brings to mind a warped, vintage hot rod. But, as is true of so much in Japanese design, every curve serves a purpose. In this case, it doesn't make it faster, as the Supreme train goes the same speed as the other bullet trains on the line today, about 186 miles per hour. But the curves do make the ride quieter for passengers, CNN reports. The new design cuts down on air resistance, facilitating a smoother ride and reduced noise when the train enters tunnels.
Inside the train, passengers in all seats will have access to outlets to charge their devices on the two-and-a-half-hour train ride (compared to a six-hour drive). Lights have also been added to luggage racks, and will illuminate when the train stops to remind passengers of their bags left above. And travelers will have the option to sit in Japan Rail's first class, the Green Cars, which offer 15 percent more leg room.
It's important to note that the Nozomi, Japan's fastest train between Tokyo and Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line is not included in the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. No news yet on whether or not the new Supreme trains will be included in the pass, which costs about $275 for a seven-day pass and is well worth it if you're making one or more round-trip bullet train trips. Just remember to purchase it before you leave, as you'll need to get it shipped to your home address.
