On June 9, Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) announced it will officially launch private cabins on Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains starting in October. The fare for a one-way trip between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka (Osaka) in this cabin class is 42,100 yen, equivalent to about $260.
This marks the first time JR Central has offered private cabin service on the high-speed railway artery linking the capital Tokyo with Osaka. The private cabins are designed to meet the needs of passengers seeking a quieter, more private space compared to regular cars, especially as business and travel demand rebounds strongly after the pandemic.
The price of 42,100 yen is significantly higher than a Green Car ticket (around 14,000 yen) or an Ordinary Car ticket (around 13,000 yen) for the same route. However, JR Central expects the new service to attract customers willing to pay a premium for maximum comfort and privacy.
Additionally, the company plans to expand similar services to other high-speed rail lines in the future, based on market feedback. Details on booking procedures and cabin amenities will be released in the coming months.
