‘Long Nose’ Shinkansen Bullet Train Expected to Discontinue in 2027; Japan’s First Train Hits 300km/h Top Speed

The 500-series Shinkansen train, Japan’s first to reach a top speed of 300 km/h, is likely to be taken out of service in 2027, West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) said on Wednesday.

The popular bullet train with a futuristic appearance, which was nicknamed “Long nose” because of its striking snout, debuted in 1997. The series will be discontinued mainly due to obsolescence.

The 500 Series is also the only Shinkansen train developed solely by JR West.

Nine trains of the series, each with 16 cars, entered service and ran as Nozomi trains between Tokyo and Hakata stations on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines until 2010.

Currently, six 500 series trains, each with eight cars, operate as Kodama trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line.