With the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964, travel time between Tokyo and Osaka was shortened from 6 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (initially 4 hours).
Established: April 1, 1987
In 1992, with the introduction of the 'Nozomi', the shortest travel time on the same route was reduced to 2 hours 30 minutes.
In October 2003, after about 15 years of continuous investment in rolling stock and ground facilities, all trains were upgraded to a maximum speed of 270 km/h, and a fundamental timetable revision was implemented to operate up to 7 'Nozomi' trains per hour.
In 2014, the 'Nozomi 10 trains timetable' was implemented.
In 2015, the maximum speed was increased to 285 km/h.
In the March 2020 timetable revision, the 'Nozomi 12 trains timetable' was realized, allowing up to 12 'Nozomi' trains per hour during peak times (an average of one train every 5 minutes).
In July 2020, the new N700S Shinkansen train, incorporating the results of technological development, began commercial operation.
East Japan Railway Company responded to each union regarding the 2026 year-end allowance. The allowance period is 3.1 months, and the payment date will be set after preparations are ready on or after December 10. The year-end allowance amount is 1,082,800 yen, the highest ever including the 35-year point.
Using a digital torque wrench, the system automatically determines bolt tightening torque and visually confirms and photographs the fastening state. Images captured with a smartphone are analyzed by a cloud-based image analysis program to assist in checking oil levels and other parameters. The image analysis program was developed by the company's employees.
A limited-time playground will be set up near the Yaesu Central Exit of Tokyo Station for passengers of the Tokaido Shinkansen. The partner company is BORNELAND Co., Ltd., and it will feature a multi-functional tunnel, an imagination playground, and a mag formers. Use is free, and access is granted by answering a survey with a 2D barcode. The event will run from December 17 to 23, 2026, in the time slots 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00.
On November 11, 2026, around 17:07, it was discovered that a downbound local train on the Kansai Main Line at Yokkaichi Station departed approximately 80 seconds earlier than scheduled. The incident was reported to be due to the driver’s insufficient time‑check, and there were no service suspensions or delays; only one passenger was affected.
JR Central, in collaboration with Chuo Culinary School Shizuoka Campus, will host a gourmet train tour where students serve dishes they have created and cooked on a special train. The tour will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, with a price of 19,800 yen for a two-seat ticket and 39,800 yen for a semi-compartment.
A Christmas market will be held on December 12 and 13, 2026, at Platform 1 of Fujieda Station on the Tokaido Main Line, featuring 17 vendors. A 3-car 373 series train will be specially opened for the event, with its interior used as a food and beverage space. In cooperation with the Fujieda City Tourism Association, sweets will be distributed to eligible participants. A free-ride pass for elementary school students in Shizuoka Prefecture is also available.
Tokai Railway will release the "All-Day Unlimited Ride Ticket" from December 12 to 20, 2026, in conjunction with the Shizuoka Prefecture Elementary School Bus Free Day. The ticket allows elementary school students in Shizuoka Prefecture to freely board and disembark on the Tokaido Main Line, Gotemba Line, and Minobu Line ordinary trains for one day. The condition for use is that the free bus pass for the Elementary School Bus Free Day can be presented. The price is 100 yen per child, and the usable area is within the free zone.
On December 19th, a tour will be held where you can photograph the new 385 series express train production prototype up close. Starting from Nagoya Station, a special train of the 383 series will head to the Kinyō car section, where you can participate in a photo session with the 383 and 385 series side by side. Each group will consist of about 60 people, featuring shooting effects such as pendulum control and headlight switching, and exclusive commemorative items for participants will also be provided.
JR Central will launch "EX Recommendation Chance" for EX service members starting November 11, 2026. Members who have ridden the Tokaido Shinkansen without a ticket can participate in an online lottery from the EX app to win exclusive content, based on their riding record. In addition to free lottery prizes tailored to the travel segment, a paid lottery will also be available for those who wish to participate.
Unauthorized access to the YmirLink email distribution service resulted in the leakage of email addresses, member IDs, katakana names, and membership types for 172,735 users of "Express Reservation" and "Smart EX." Identification of affected individuals has been completed. No leaks occurred from the systems of either service, and no personal data such as birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, or credit card information were compromised.