N700

N700 is a family of high-speed Shinkansen trainsets used in Japan, primarily on the Tokaido Shinkansen line with some units operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen. The series was introduced to replace earlier 700-series trains and to provide higher-speed, higher-capacity service. The original N700 sets entered passenger service in 2009, featuring improvements in aerodynamics, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.

The trains are typically operated in long formations, commonly 16-car sets, with seating arrangements that include ordinary and green cars and a total capacity around 1,300 passengers. The N700 family includes several variants, notably the N700, N700A (Advanced), and N700S (Supreme). These sets are used on high-speed services such as Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen, with some units also deployed on the Sanyo Shinkansen under JR West.

In performance terms, N700 series trains are designed for speeds up to 300 km/h in commercial operation, with typical speeds in the high-speed range on straight sections. They employ advanced traction, braking, and suspension systems to provide rapid acceleration and smooth deceleration, along with improvements in reliability and energy efficiency over the original design.

The N700A variant introduced enhancements in reliability, traction control, and overall efficiency, along with exterior and interior refinements. The N700S, introduced in 2020, adds a redesigned front end, upgraded safety systems, improved onboard electronics, and enhanced performance and reliability across the fleet, reflecting ongoing evolution of the series to meet operational demands.

Manufactured for JR Central and JR West by multiple partners, the N700 family remains a central component of Japan’s high-speed rail network. See also Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen.