Japan to build "Maglev Central Shinkansen" – Tokyo to Nagoya in just 40 minutes

▲ Japan’s newly developed Maglev Central Shinkansen can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h and is expected to begin operations in 2027. (Photo / Screenshot from Youtube)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Maglev Central Shinkansen, expected to open in 2027 by Japan's JR Central Railway Company, was specially opened for test rides by Japanese media on the experimental track in Yamanashi Prefecture on the 22nd. According to Japanese media reports, this maglev train will be capable of reaching a top speed of 500 km/h, and once officially operational, it will connect Tokyo and Nagoya.

The experimental section opened for test rides by JR Central Railway on the 22nd stretches from Uenohara City in Yamanashi to Fuefuki City, spanning approximately 42.8 meters. The railway has set up temporary ticket machines and ticket gates on-site, mirroring the operational model after full launch. Participating media had to first go through luggage checks, walk through a metal detector gate, place their tickets on the scanner to read the QR code, and only then could they proceed — a whole process resembling airport check-in procedures.

▲ Screens inside the train display the current speed to passengers. (Photo / Screenshot from Youtube)

According to images of the experimental Maglev Central Shinkansen train “LO” revealed by Japanese media, the train consists of seven carriages, all predominantly white, but the aisle between rows of seats is somewhat narrow. After the train begins moving, it starts accelerating from wheel-running mode, then lifts off the tracks at 160 km/h before gradually accelerating to 500 km/h — all in about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. When returning to wheel-running mode, there is slight vibration due to the lowering of the wheels.

JR Central Railway stated that the ultra-high speed of the Maglev Central Shinkansen will significantly reduce travel time — for example, the trip from Tokyo to Nagoya will take just 40 minutes once it opens. However, seeing the maglev train speed past will not be easy for most, as JR Central says over 80% of the route will be through tunnels.

JR Central Railway will offer paid test rides for the general public to experience speeds of 500 km/h in November and December. Applications and reservations can be made on the railway company’s official website before the end of September.

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