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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider Japan's bullet trains introduce a new Supreme Class category

Japan's bullet trains introduce a new Supreme Class category

What to expect from the top-tier private train rooms

Published Jul 11, 2026 11:57 am
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
Japan has long been known for its S-tier trains. Now, it's upping the game once more with its new Supreme Class.
Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Central) and West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) recently announced they will be adding new private rooms to the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines soon. These new rooms fall under the Supreme Class category. These are considered a higher tier than the current first-class Green Car carriages. It is expected to be available to the public starting Oct. 1, 2026. 
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
Supreme Class features a big reclining seat with a table, a lockable door, luggage space, and other services. A double room variant also offers a sofa-style secondary seat. A Supreme Class Seat is also expected to be introduced sometime next year. Its features are similar to the Supreme Class offerings, differing only in not having fully enclosed rooms and having seats that can be rotated. 
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
LUXURY ON THE RAILS Japan's bullet trains have introduced the new Supreme Class category, considered a tier above its Green Card carriages. (Photos: JR Central, JR West)
Services included in the Supreme Class category include a dedicated Wi-Fi network, seat speakers that can be connected to your own devices, and a specialized tablet that can control the lighting, air conditioning, and volume of train announcements. Passengers will also be served food and drinks, including coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and sweets.
Supreme Class prices cost considerably more than the already pricey Green Car seats. A single room will cost passengers around ₱15,965 (¥42,000), whereas the double room is set at approximately ₱23,187 (¥61,000). Tickets can be purchased via the Smart EX app. 
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