Type N700 bullet train: Japan's fastest bullet train ever

The Type N700, a new bullet train jointly developed by Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) and West Japan Railway Co., made its debut Sunday on the Tokaido Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.

JR officials are touting the Type N700 as the fastest bullet train ever - reaching speeds of up to 186mph. It will travel between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations in two hours and 25 minutes — five minutes less than before. It will barrel between Tokyo and Hakata in four hours and 50 minutes, saving about 10 minutes.

JR Tokai President Masayuki Matsumoto said at the launch ceremony, "These train cars are no doubt top-end cars, designed with our cutting-edge technologies."

It is the first bullet train revamp in eight years, since the original Type 700 was introduced in 1999.

Effective on Sunday, JR West and JR Tokai are offering eight train services a day using the Type N700 and plan to increase the number to more than 30 by the end of March.

Link: The Japan Times
Image: Engadget
Tags: N700 | Bullet Train