Japan has become one of the world’s hottest travel destinations, and the numbers prove it. After setting a record for international visitors in 2024, Japan broke that record again in 2025, welcoming an astonishing 42.68 million foreign visitors — a 15.8% increase over the previous year.
And if you’ve been dreaming of visiting Japan, 2026 brings another reason to make the trip: beginning October 1, travelers will be able to experience Supreme Class, a brand-new premium cabin on Japan’s legendary Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen.
Japan Can’t Stop Breaking Tourism Records
Japan welcomed 36.87 million international visitors in 2024, itself a record at the time. Then came 2025, when the country crossed the 40-million mark for the first time.
The appeal is easy to understand. Japan offers an almost irresistible combination of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, extraordinary food, spectacular scenery and famously efficient transportation.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remain major draws, but travelers are increasingly venturing beyond the biggest cities to explore Japan’s mountains, beaches, hot springs, historic towns and regional food cultures.
Now, even getting from one destination to another is about to become more luxurious.
Meet Supreme Class
Starting October 1, 2026, JR Central and JR West will introduce Supreme Class on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. It will sit above the existing Green Car and offer something travelers rarely associate with high-speed trains: a private space.
There will be two types of Supreme Class cabins.
One cabin in Car No. 10 is designed for a single passenger, while a larger cabin in Car No. 7 can accommodate up to two people. The cabins are designed to provide a more private, personalized travel experience, with adjustable lighting, climate control, seating and sound.
Passengers will also receive a welcome service featuring a beverage and confection, along with access to exclusive onboard products through the train’s mobile-order service.
What Will It Cost?
Supreme Class isn’t inexpensive — but for a special trip, it could be a memorable splurge.
For example, the published regular-season one-way fare from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka is ¥42,390 for the single-person Supreme Class cabin and ¥60,790 for the two-person cabin when booked through SmartEX. The prices include the basic fare and limited-express ticket.
Reservations for Supreme Class are scheduled to open September 15, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Japan time, with service beginning October 1.
The Luxury Is in the Journey
Japan has long understood that transportation can be part of the travel experience rather than simply a way to get from Point A to Point B.
The Shinkansen is already famous for its speed, punctuality and exceptionally smooth ride. Supreme Class takes that philosophy a step further by turning the journey into a private retreat.
Imagine spending the morning exploring Tokyo, settling into your own cabin and watching the Japanese countryside glide past the window as you head toward Kyoto or Osaka — without the hassle of flying.
For travelers who have already fallen in love with Japan, Supreme Class offers another reason to return. And for first-time visitors, it could be the perfect way to begin a trip in a country that shows little sign of losing its place on the world’s must-visit list.